Contact Wilhelmina Smith for Lessons

Wilhelmina Smith Cello Studio

For inquiries, email

Teaching Philosophy

I aim to expand and enrich a student’s understanding of music; to develop their tools for independent thought and self-coaching, and to teach skills that further their technical mastery.

Lessons with me typically include:
+Discussing and understanding the structure and content of music
+Developing interpretive skills
+Mastering technical aspects of cello playing
+Problem solving
+Confidence building

My Cellistic Lineage

David Soyer, cellist of the Guarneri String Quartet, student of Diran Alexanian, Emanuel Feuermann, Pablo Casals
Peter Wiley, cellist of Beaux Arts Trio, and Guarneri Quartet, student of David Soyer
Leopold Teraspulsky, former Principal Cellist of Pittsbugh Symphony, student of Diran Alexanian and Pablo Casals
Gary Hoffman, International soloist, winner of Rostropovich Grand Prix

I received my BM degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, where I studied cello with David Soyer and Peter Wiley, and chamber music with the late Felix Galimir, and have spent multiple summers at the Marlboro Music Festival, collaborating with some of the great artists of our time. In addition to David Soyer and Peter Wiley, I have performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Mistislav Rostropovich, David FInckel, Sigfried Palm, and Paul Tortelier. The knowledge I have gained from working with these towering musical figures has transformed my professional life, deepening my perspective on what it means to be a cellist, musician and human. I hope to repay this debt of gratitude by handing down their traditions to future generations of students. READ FULL BIO

Current teaching associations
Curtis Alumni Mentorship Program
Curtis Young Artist Summer Program

Past teaching associations
Mannes College of Music (Artist in Residence with the Mannes Trio)
Vassar College (guest lecturer)
International Cello Institute

Fees

1 hour lesson $100 (45 min lesson $75)
I am able to offer a sliding scale upon (need-based) request

For inquiries, email