Inspired by insightful studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with the remarkable Margaret Rowell, Joanne’s goal has been developing and nurturing the natural fluidity and balance required to play the cello.
With a sense of fun, lightness, and creativity, nothing gives Joanne greater satisfaction than helping each student realize their potential and discover their own musical voice. A highly experienced teacher, Joanne has taught for the Lethbridge Symphony String Instrument Program, the University of Lethbridge Conservatory, the Cedar Park String Program, the Music Education Department at the McGill University Faculty of Music, and as both small ensemble and section coach for the West Island Youth Symphony Orchestra.
An accredited Suzuki cello instructor, Joanne teaches in her private studio in Pointe-Claire using her extensive experience in both the Suzuki and traditional approaches to the cello.
Joanne is experienced at preparing students for exams, festivals and auditions.
A lifelong learner herself, Joanne's recent studies include Baroque cello and its historic repetoire.
I learned to play the cello at 11 years old for about 4 years, then life got in the way and I didn’t play again for 25+ years. I recently started taking lessons again with Joanne and have learned more from her in just a few months than I had ever learned before. It is because of her contagious enthusiasm and love for the cello, her technical and lyrical comprehension, that I am rediscovering my own love for the cello and experiencing this new learning journey with her with an entirely new awareness and enjoyment. She has helped me understand both left arm and right arm challenges and possibilities by breaking them down with a hands-on visual approach, and continues to give me countless first-time aha-moments, tips and tricks and advice on how to tackle bad habits bit by bit, to improve technique and to achieve a beautiful sound. At the same time she encourages to develop the freedom and confidence for a personal interpretation of the many beautiful pieces she’s introduced me to. Her reassurance, positive energy and thankfully never ending patience have made all the difference for me, especially during frustrating times. Not only is she the most valuable teacher I’ve had, but a lovely human being and mentor who will go out of her way to continuously support aside from lessons, including answering any and many in between practice questions, as well as helping me on my quest to finding the right instrument. I am deeply grateful and extremely happy to have found her. — Sina Kotzian —
