Business Details
Expert Cello Lessons for All Ages in Buffalo, NY
At Buffalo Cello School, we cultivate a community of learners who embrace beauty, creativity, and disciplined growth through cello education. Our programs emphasize the Suzuki Method, fostering parent-teacher partnerships to nurture joyful, confident students. We serve children as young as three, school orchestra participants, advanced audition candidates, and adults, tailoring instruction to individual needs. With a focus on technical mastery, musical expression, and character development, our structured curriculum integrates daily practice into family life. Our instructor, Bethany Erhardt, combines decades of professional performance experience with pedagogical expertise, having studied at the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. We prioritize personalized learning, using games and interactive activities to engage young students while maintaining rigorous standards for advanced learners. Our graduates consistently demonstrate exceptional musical growth and lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Services
Suzuki Method Instruction
Basics Program
Advanced Training
Adult Lessons
Children's Cello Hour
Highlights and features
- Our instructor holds advanced degrees in cello performance from top-tier institutions
- We combine Suzuki Method with customized pedagogy for individual learning styles
- Parent-teacher partnership model ensures consistent student progress and engagement
- Proven success preparing students for high school and college-level auditions
- Creative teaching approach integrates games and movement for young learners
Associations and certifications
- Suzuki Association of the Americas
What people say
Tremendous growth
Gentle and empathetic style
Nurtures lifelong love of music
Exceptional pedagogue
Creative musical games
Services
Suzuki Method Instruction
Structured cello training based on Dr. Shinichi Suzuki's philosophy. Emphasizes ear training, parental involvement, and technical development through progressive repertoire. Ideal for children aged 3-8, fostering musicality and discipline through daily practice and performance opportunities.
Basics Program
Entry-level instruction focusing on fundamental technique, music reading, and performance skills. Combines classical training with popular music elements to engage school-age students. Requires regular practice and parental support for optimal progress and musical development.
Advanced Training
Specialized coaching for students preparing for high school or college-level auditions. Focuses on advanced repertoire, audition strategies, and performance psychology. Tailored to individual goals while maintaining technical excellence and artistic interpretation standards.
Adult Lessons
Group and private instruction for adult learners of all experience levels. Combines technical training with repertoire selection suited to individual interests. Emphasizes achievable goals, enjoyable practice routines, and ensemble playing opportunities for mature students.
Children's Cello Hour
Interactive music and movement class for ages 2-7 featuring diverse musical styles. Introduces basic musical concepts through singing, rhythm activities, and instrument exploration. No prior experience required, fostering early appreciation for music in a playful, social environment.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We teach children as young as 3 years old through adults of all ages, with specialized programs for different developmental stages.
Do you offer group lessons?
Yes, we provide group lessons for adult students and our Children's Cello Hour program for ages 2-7 with sibling participation encouraged.
Is prior musical experience required?
No prior experience needed for any program. Our curriculum accommodates complete beginners through advanced musicians seeking specialized training.
How are parents involved?
Parents attend lessons for young students, participate in practice sessions, and receive guidance to support musical development at home through our Suzuki Method approach.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in recitals, community performances at local parks and retirement homes, and have opportunities for solo and ensemble presentations throughout the year.
Reviews (11)
Christine Battaglia
May 06, 2021
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Bethany is as talented an instructor as she is a cellist. She brings knowledge, skill-set, and enthusiasm to my daughter's lessons that reflect her years of training. She is able to seamlessly scaffold complex music theory and technique in a way that creates a fun and enriching learning environment. She manages to challenge students, while still remaining upbeat and encouraging; making sure to point out the positive aspects of even the most onerous practices. My daughter adores her and looks forward to lessons!
Michelle Wood
Feb 09, 2021
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I took cello lessons as a kid but it has been many years since I have played. I wasn't really sure what was out there for adult cello students. I am so glad that I found Bethany and the Buffalo Cello School! Bethany is an excellent teacher - tuned into an individual's strengths and interests, and patient and encouraging as you work on new skills and goals. She is a talented cellist herself. Most importantly, she is genuinely excited to see you improve your cello playing. I am enjoying my second time around with the cello, thanks to Bethany's instruction. Shelley W., Adult student
Shelley Wood
Nov 15, 2020
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I took cello lessons as a kid but it has been many years since I have played. I wasnt really sure what was out there for adult cello students. I am so glad that I found Bethany and the Buffalo Cello School! Bethany is an excellent teacher tuned into an individuals strengths and interests, and patient and encouraging as you work on new skills and goals. She is a talented cellist herself. Most importantly, she is genuinely excited to see you succeed and improve your cello playing. I am enjoying my second time around with the cello, thanks to Bethanys instruction.
Lyn Moon
Jun 16, 2020
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I was a little concerned whether cello would be appropriate for my 7-year-old daughter (just turned 7 at the time) who had no music experience at all. However, meeting Miss Bethany made it all possible!
Bethany is very professional, but doesn't put too much pressure on children. She is very talented (listening to her playing cello during lessons is an additional benefit from having her as a cello teacher) and a great teacher.
She knows exactly what children need, she helps them understand music in general, and makes learning cello fun for them. My husband and I are still talking about how fortunate we are to have her for our daughters first music teacher. We call her lesson time Miss Bethany magic.
Weve had Bethany for two years, and my daughter is still having so much fun; she is eager to learn and expects lessons with Miss Bethany every week. If I knew that there was a cello teacher like Bethany, I would have begun cello lessons for my daughter much earlier!
Bethany is very professional, but doesn't put too much pressure on children. She is very talented (listening to her playing cello during lessons is an additional benefit from having her as a cello teacher) and a great teacher.
She knows exactly what children need, she helps them understand music in general, and makes learning cello fun for them. My husband and I are still talking about how fortunate we are to have her for our daughters first music teacher. We call her lesson time Miss Bethany magic.
Weve had Bethany for two years, and my daughter is still having so much fun; she is eager to learn and expects lessons with Miss Bethany every week. If I knew that there was a cello teacher like Bethany, I would have begun cello lessons for my daughter much earlier!
Ann Beckley-Forest
Apr 30, 2020
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My daughter has taken lessons for a number of years and we have found the teacher to be such a thoughtful and caring person who not only teaches technique but helps to nurture a lifelong love of music. My daughter adores the cello and takes a lot of pride in the her lessons. Ann Beckley-Forest
Michael Was
Apr 17, 2020
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I decided to try my hand at cello after playing drums and flatpick guitar for many years. I found Bethany online through theThumbtack app. Really glad I chose her as a teacher. She has great patience for beginner players and brought me along very slowly and always has great tips and technique ideas to improve my playing. I would highly recommend her to anyone who has an interest in learning how to play this beautiful but challenging musical instrument.
Anya Bernstein
Jun 26, 2018
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Bethany has been a great, and inspiring, teaching to my eight-year-old, who's been taking cello with her since he was five. She's taught him the music and the technique, of course. But many benefits have been more subtle. She's taught him that it's up to him to know a beautiful sound when he makes it. And she's helped him stick with it through those inevitable rough spots where he didn't feel he was making progress or didn't see the point. Bethany has a gentle and empathetic style that draws my kid in and keeps him excited about playing.
Inga Yanoski
Jan 25, 2018
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Bethany is a professional, organized and dedicated teacher. I am always impressed by her ability to reign in and captivate, my fidgety little boy. She is full of creative musical games that make the process enjoyable for the student. I appreciate that Bethany works with what works best for your family, and her expectations are within reach.
Sandra Byrd
Dec 15, 2017
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Bethany Erhardt puts her heart and soul into teaching students. She quickly identifies the strengths and weaknesses with cellists, and designs lessons focusing on growth and development. Our son Jonah took a year off from cello, and then decided he wanted to play again. She got him on track in short order, and brought him back to grade level. He loves working with her. It's obvious that most of her students feel the same.
Jim B.
As a senior citizen who recently decided to take cello lessons, I must confess there was certain amount of trepidation involved because of my age. Bethany has been a wonderful instructor, supportive, allaying my fears and having me enjoy the journey of learning the cello.
Larry L.
Bethany offered a wonderful first grade start to our daughter's cello experience which continues today into Middle School. In addition to exceptional Suzuki-based instruction, Bethany effectively engages young children in a personal and empathetic manner using games and hands-on activities to stimulate learning.