Play Better Cello.
Prioritize your cello playing, build your confidence and learn to play beautifully so that others will want to listen.
Do you want to touch people with your music?
Here's what I learned on the streets of New York City...
I sat on an upside down milk crate, weaving magical phrases on my cello that swirled up into the warm evening air. I had been playing solo Bach for about three hours straight, and my fingers were beginning to tire. I hoped that I would be able to pay my rent with the quarters and the dollars that I had collected.
Across the street and beneath the cherry blossoms, a man stood, captivated by the magic of the music.
I was working on a master's degree at Manhattan School of Music by day and working the streets at night to pay my rent. I dragged my cello out there to Christopher Street a lot, and though I certainly loved playing, I definitely felt a lot of shame about playing on the streets. I thought it somehow meant that I wasn't any good at what I did. I thought if I could just learn to play perfectly, then maybe I could break into the high brow performing world of classical music and get off the streets. To finally dress in black velvet and perform on well lit stages for sold out audiences. That was my dream.
After completing the Bach, I took a breath and a few swigs of coffee that was laced with blackberry brandy. And then I launched into the opening theme of the Stamitz Viola Concerto.
I played that Stamitz brilliantly, ornamenting the melody with rich chordal harmonies, and adding lightning fast scales and arpeggios to the ends of phrases that had never been there before.
I looked up mid-phrase to see that my sophisticated music loving guy was still there, smiling and swaying to the beat in the moonlight.
I realized then that I had told a fantastic story on my cello, and that my story had touched someone.
My arms were exhausted. And my brain was foggy from exertion.
But I felt really good. Satisfied. Content.
On that warm night, in the heart of the greatest city in the world, for the first time, I knew that I had done something spectacular.
And it had nothing to do with where I was playing, or for whom.
I smiled and collected my money…
I know that there are lots of you cellists out there that aren’t playing as you would like to be. Maybe you are wondering if you will ever be good enough to be recognized as a serious cellist, or if anyone will ever feel touched by your music. Maybe you just aren't playing the music that you dream of playing...
But here’s what I learned from playing on the streets of New York City: When you actually show up, play your heart out and share your music with the world, that’s the magic right there. Sharing who you are in that moment...with whoever is listening.
It doesn’t matter where you play, or who you play for.
If you just find the confidence to tell your story, as you are in that moment, the people will listen.
TCI Student Kicks ass at Jam Session: Yesss! Meet April.
April M., the Hollywood Animal Trainer Badass Cellist Checks In...
Thank you, Marcie, for sticking with me
and being the amazing instructor that you are. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
My goal when I started working with Marcie and joined the TCI program was simple: I just wanted to hang out with my friends and be able to join jam sessions at the Flight Park. When I began, I didn’t know how to read a chord chart. I didn’t even know what a chord was, or what “conversation” meant in a musical context — the list goes on. For years, I couldn’t get a teacher to work with me because I was constantly on the road with my work in the film industry. But Marcie said, “I got you,” and took me on anyway. Truthfully, I don’t think she fully realized what she was signing up for — but she stuck with me through all of it. And continues to do so.
Last night, it all came together. I felt confident. I had no trouble reading the chord chart, and no fear playing in front of people. And the best part? Someone came up to me and said: “I’ve never jammed with a cello before — and it’s amazing.”
Thank you, Marcie, for sticking with me
and being the amazing instructor that you are. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Are You...
Feeling like your phrases are not beautiful and no one wants to hear you play?
Feeling like your phrases are not beautiful and no one wants to hear you play?
Feeling like your phrases are not beautiful and no one wants to hear you play?
Once you stop obsessing about the technique and you begin to focus on phrasing and musicality your playing will start to soar and your people will start to notice...
Feeling like your hands are not coordinated and your playing is not clean?
Feeling like your phrases are not beautiful and no one wants to hear you play?
Feeling like your phrases are not beautiful and no one wants to hear you play?
When you slow down and work some basics on some easier music, your left hand will coordinate with your right and your playing will become cleaner very quickly. This will bring you some confidence so that you can then go out into the world and share your music with friends and family.
Wondering how to make cello playing fun again?
Feeling like your phrases are not beautiful and no one wants to hear you play?
Wondering how to make cello playing fun again?
When you get out of classical perfectionism and you start to play some other genres of music regularly, you will realize that you already have a musical voice and you will be intrigued with finding it.
What Did I learn from Working with the following Artists?
Luciano Pavarotti, Itzak Perlman, Jaco Pastorius, Ray Charles, Andrea Bocelli, Cirque du Soleil...
I learned that in order to be a thriving musician, you need to live in breakthrough. To follow the unbeaten path. To jump on opportunities that light you up. To find the things in life that make you feel good and cherish them. To find your own unique voice, and to develop it every day. Cello Guru programs include classical music studies and also fun adventurer studies. So you will find expertise and mastery from both angles. By playing the music that you love, and searching out your own true creative and musical voice to play it. Let us help you with that! When you find your own true voice, you will become a smarter, happier musician and human. Every time.
Total Cello Immersion is my 6 Month cello Program
Aspiring Adult Cellists will find connection here.
In the Total Cello Immersion Program, you will find a supportive community of like minded peers to support you, and you will get expert cello instruction regularly. You will learn the skill of performing through weekly studio class participation. In the online video courses, you will be working through instructional videos of both classical Suzuki pieces and pop and jazz improvisation repertoire. Our psychological Cello Guru Concept videos will help you to move through constant musical growth with daily inspiration, expertise and confidence. By the end of the 6 month program, you will be a happier, healthier, more musical and more expressive cellist who understands the value of your own personal cello playing in the world and exactly what steps to take every day to stay in musical transformation.
The Technique Artist + the Cello Adventurer + the Intentional Thinker = the Cellist who uses technique, creativity and mindset to reach the highest potential.
More On Total Cello Immersion
April M. in Atlanta, Ga
"The improvement I see in myself from TCI is tremendous."
Katherine E. in Moss Beach, CA
“The Total Cello Immersion Program is fabulous.
I encourage everyone to check it out. I feel like I'm going to University Music School."
Gregory S. in Medford, OR
"I am most appreciative of this TCI Program."
Miriam M. in Boca Raton, FLA
"Well worth your time, energy and money. You will fall in love with the cello all over again..."
Patricia S. in Owosso, MI
“The experience of Total Cello Immersion has been transformational for my playing. I decided it was important to make the time, make the commitment and make the financial investment because this work means a lot to me. I took a leap of faith and invested in myself. I just want to encourage anyone whose thinking about doing TCI to make the
“The experience of Total Cello Immersion has been transformational for my playing. I decided it was important to make the time, make the commitment and make the financial investment because this work means a lot to me. I took a leap of faith and invested in myself. I just want to encourage anyone whose thinking about doing TCI to make the consultation call and join the program because it’s very, very rewarding.”
Vanessa in Queensland AU
"Thanks to the Cello Guru and TCI, I am now a cello addict! My experience with Marcie has been extraordinary and hugely rewarding."
Cello students Speak About Working With The Cello Guru
Jane G. in San Jose
Lindsay K. in Half Moon Bay
Jane G. in San Jose
"Marcie is the most brilliant teacher I have ever had. Brilliant lesson today. Absolutely brilliant! You take us right where we need to go with patience and with expertise. It's amazing to me..."
David L. in Alameda
Lindsay K. in Half Moon Bay
Jane G. in San Jose
"Marcie makes it fun by weaving in a blend of Suzuki Method (how I originally started), folk, classical and improvisation. Her lively personality and keen sense of 'what I need' has improved my playing considerably. Thanks Marcie!
Lindsay K. in Half Moon Bay
Lindsay K. in Half Moon Bay
"I am typically very nervous to share my playing out in the world, but working with Marcie has not only given me the confidence to do so...she makes playing my instrument FUN."
Eric S. in Philly
"...hands down the best cello teacher I have had the priveledge to study with..."
David M. in Maine
Peggy P. in Fort Worth
“The door to a world of cello possibilities has been opened for me…the Cello Guru is an amazing teacher…"
Peggy P. in Fort Worth
Peggy P. in Fort Worth
"Marcie really is an amazing teacher."
Adult Cello Community: Fun Times With the Cello Guru
With Pat G. in front of the famous quilt in Alameda.
With Laurie and April at the Monterey Cello Congress.
With Laurie and April at the Monterey Cello Congress.
With Laurie and April at the Monterey Cello Congress.
With Laurie and April at the Monterey Cello Congress.
With Laurie and April at the Monterey Cello Congress.
With Barbery and Judy in Monterey.
With Laurie and April at the Monterey Cello Congress.
With Barbery and Judy in Monterey.
