Cello & music lessons for all ages and levels with a professional cellist with 8 years of teaching experience (in person and online)

Learn more about Miriam

• 1) Vertel ons wanneer jouw passie voor muziek is begonnen en meer bepaald wanneer de voorliefde voor jouw instrument is begonnen.

  I started playing the cello when I was 7 years old. At first, I wanted to learn the harp, but in my hometown conservatory there was no harp teacher. I also thought about playing the saxophone because of Lisa Simpson, but that class was already full. So, I went to try a cello lesson. I had never seen or heard the instrument before, and I remember that first encounter as something truly special and fun, especially thanks to my first teacher, José Ramón. I lay down on the floor, excited, to help him open the cello case and then see for the very first time the instrument that would stay with me for so many years. I played some notes pizzicato and also with the bow, and I thought the sound was just beautiful. Then my teacher played songs in different styles for me, and at that moment I completely fell in love with the cello and its sound <3

• 2) Naar welke muziek kan je eindeloos naar luisteren zonder er gek van te worden?

  I love listening to classical music, especially cello pieces, but I also listen a lot to orchestral music. Tchaikovsky’s symphonies are probably the ones I have listened to the most, and they never stop moving me. Outside of classical music, I really enjoy soul and jazz. Singers like Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald are among my absolute favorites, their voices are so full of emotion that I could listen to them endlessly.

• 3) Vertel ons over de moeilijkste of bijzonderste les die je ooit hebt gegeven.

  The most challenging lesson I ever gave was my very first cello class speaking in Dutch. I had only been studying the language for seven months at that point, and I was very nervous because I was going to teach two young children and with kids, it’s even more important to make the lesson dynamic and clear so that communication flows smoothly. Fortunately, the lesson went really well! The children were so helpful and kept smiling at me, which eased my nerves. When I didn’t know the right words, I used gestures, facial expressions or funny sounds to make myself understood. The children found it very funny and that eased my nerves. In the end, it became a very enjoyable class for both me and the kids 😊
  The most special lesson, however, was with my very first cello student after a five-year gap. She started taking lessons with me in the academy when she was 8, but at 11 she moved to the conservatory. After five years without seeing each other, she came back for private lessons with me to complement her conservatory classes. I remember that first lesson after such a long time as something very special: her enthusiasm for the cello was just as strong as during her very first lesson at 8, seeing how much she had grown and matured over the years, and being able to witness all the progress and improvements she had made on the cello. The fact that she continues to trust me as her teacher makes me feel incredibly proud and fulfilled!

• 4) Wat is volgens jou het moeilijkste instrument om te beheersen en waarom?

  Reaching a professional level is difficult with any instrument, and each one has its own challenges. I think that it also depends a lot on a musician’s skills, sensitivity and personal interests. I also recognize that, for a beginner, starting to play the cello or any string instrument can be somewhat frustrating at first, especially because of the difficulty in tuning properly or controlling the bow. However, with practice, patience and enthusiasm, those early challenges can be overcome, and you begin to truly enjoy the sound and the music you can create with our instrument!

• 5) Wat zijn, volgens jou, de sleutels tot succes?

  I believe the keys to success are passion, patience and consistency. Passion keeps us motivated, patience allows us to enjoy the learning process without rushing and consistency helps us grow step by step. I thik it’s also important not to give up if something doesn’t work right away. A musician’s journey is gradual, and mistakes are some of the best teachers, as long as we don’t let them discourage us. Also curiosity, openness to new things and the willingness to learn from every experience are essential to keep progressing and enjoying music to the fullest.

• 6) Noem een of meerdere muzikanten met wie je om 2 uur 's nachts in een bar graag zou willen improviseren en vertel ons waarom.

  If I could choose cellists to play with, I would love to share that moment with Sol Gabetta and Anastasia Kobekina. They are both cellists I admire deeply, not only for their technical mastery but also for the way they bring so much personality and energy into their playing.

• 7) Kan je ons een leuke anekdote vertellen die met jouw beroep of schooltijd te maken heeft?

  One funny memory from my teaching experience is the day a student came to class carrying their cello case… but without the cello inside! Luckily, another student who was at the academy at that moment, attending a theory class, was able to lend her cello so the lesson could go on. We all laughed a lot, and it turned into a really fun and memorable moment.

• 8) Wat maakt jou een geliefde Superprof bij al jouw leerlingen?

  My students truly appreciate my passion, enthusiasm and dedication when teaching the cello, as well as the personal and attentive approach I bring to every lesson. I adapt each session to the student’s level, pace, interests and needs, making sure that learning is both understandable and enjoyable for everyone. Many students mention that my patience and care help them feel confident and motivated, giving them the courage to try new things and improve step by step.
  They also value the professionalism, clarity and structure of my lessons. I try to make complex musical concepts accessible, providing clear explanations and exercises that students can continue practicing at home. This approach helps make learning effective, fun and rewarding.
  Beyond technique and theory, my students highlight my energy and positive attitude, which makes lessons not only educational but also inspiring and enjoyable. I aim to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable, supported and encouraged.