Professional Cello Lessons with a Double Master’s Degree Holder in Cello Performance.
From 42 £ /h
I welcome students of all ages and levels, and I tailor each lesson to the individual needs, goals, and personality of the student. For beginners—particularly young children—I often draw on the Suzuki method, establishing a strong foundation through listening, imitation, and a natural relationship with the instrument.
As students progress, I carefully select repertoire according to the specific aspects of their playing that we wish to develop, while always taking their musical interests and personal preferences into account. My aim is to create lessons that are both technically enriching and musically inspiring, in an environment where creativity blooms.
I place particular emphasis on ear training, active listening, and developing a healthy and natural relationship with the cello. Beyond simply learning to play the instrument, I want students to develop their own musical voice, confidence, and curiosity, allowing them to enjoy the cello and express themselves freely through music.
As students progress, I carefully select repertoire according to the specific aspects of their playing that we wish to develop, while always taking their musical interests and personal preferences into account. My aim is to create lessons that are both technically enriching and musically inspiring, in an environment where creativity blooms.
I place particular emphasis on ear training, active listening, and developing a healthy and natural relationship with the cello. Beyond simply learning to play the instrument, I want students to develop their own musical voice, confidence, and curiosity, allowing them to enjoy the cello and express themselves freely through music.
Location
At student's location :
- Around Hulme, United Kingdom
At teacher's location :
- Carlton Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, UK
Online from United Kingdom
About Me
My name is Fernando Espírito Santo, and I am a professional cellist with a passion for sharing my love of music and the cello with students of all ages and levels.
I began my musical journey at the Calouste Gulbenkian Conservatory of Music in Braga at the age of six. Since then, the cello has been an essential part of my life, leading me to study and perform in several countries across Europe. I completed both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees with “Grande Distinction” at the Royal Conservatory of Mons in Belgium, studying with Prof. David Cohen. I then completed a second Master's degree at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG) with Prof. Julian Arp, and I’m now enrolled in a Postgraduate course at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, studying with Jacob Shaw.
Throughout my studies and professional career, I have developed experience in solo performance, chamber music, and orchestral playing, and have received several awards in competitions. These experiences have taught me not only the technical aspects of playing the cello, but also the importance of musicality, communication, listening, and developing one's own artistic voice.
As a teacher, I believe that every student is different. My goal is to create a positive and motivating environment where students can develop their technique and musical understanding while also building a genuine connection with the instrument. Whether you are a complete beginner, a young student, or an advanced cellist preparing for auditions, competitions, or exams, I adapt my teaching to your individual needs and goals.
Most importantly, I want my students to enjoy playing the cello. I believe that good technique should serve musical expression, and that learning an instrument should be a rewarding and inspiring experience to everyone at all levels.
I began my musical journey at the Calouste Gulbenkian Conservatory of Music in Braga at the age of six. Since then, the cello has been an essential part of my life, leading me to study and perform in several countries across Europe. I completed both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees with “Grande Distinction” at the Royal Conservatory of Mons in Belgium, studying with Prof. David Cohen. I then completed a second Master's degree at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG) with Prof. Julian Arp, and I’m now enrolled in a Postgraduate course at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, studying with Jacob Shaw.
Throughout my studies and professional career, I have developed experience in solo performance, chamber music, and orchestral playing, and have received several awards in competitions. These experiences have taught me not only the technical aspects of playing the cello, but also the importance of musicality, communication, listening, and developing one's own artistic voice.
As a teacher, I believe that every student is different. My goal is to create a positive and motivating environment where students can develop their technique and musical understanding while also building a genuine connection with the instrument. Whether you are a complete beginner, a young student, or an advanced cellist preparing for auditions, competitions, or exams, I adapt my teaching to your individual needs and goals.
Most importantly, I want my students to enjoy playing the cello. I believe that good technique should serve musical expression, and that learning an instrument should be a rewarding and inspiring experience to everyone at all levels.
Education
Fernando Espírito Santo began his musical studies at the Calouste Gulbenkian
Conservatory of Music in Braga at the age of six.
He completed his secondary school
music education in the class of Prof. Raquel Alves, graduating with the highest
possible mark in his final cello recital.
He subsequently completed both a Bachelor's
and a Master's degree with "Grande Distinction" under the guidance of David Cohen
at the Royal Conservatory of Mons, followed by another Master’s degree with Julian Arp
at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz.
He is currently pursuing a PGDip (Advanced Studies) in the Royal Northern College of Music with Jacob Shaw.
Conservatory of Music in Braga at the age of six.
He completed his secondary school
music education in the class of Prof. Raquel Alves, graduating with the highest
possible mark in his final cello recital.
He subsequently completed both a Bachelor's
and a Master's degree with "Grande Distinction" under the guidance of David Cohen
at the Royal Conservatory of Mons, followed by another Master’s degree with Julian Arp
at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz.
He is currently pursuing a PGDip (Advanced Studies) in the Royal Northern College of Music with Jacob Shaw.
Experience / Qualifications
Fernando has been invited to perform as both a soloist and chamber musician
at the Lessines Festivals in 2022 and 2024, the Stift Musical Festival in 2024 and
2025, and the Uni/son Festival in 2024. In 2025, he was awarded First Prize at the
Ursula Grill Competition and was invited by the Conservatoire du Choletais to give
chamber music masterclasses in Cholet.
Fernando has performed with several prominent youth and professional
orchestras, including OJ.COM and the Festival dos Dias da Música Orchestra as
principal cello, as well as the Young Belgian Strings, Musique Nouvelles, and the
Antwerp Symphony Orchestra as tutti cellist. He has worked with conductors such as
Wibert Aerts, Nicolas Krüger, Kevin John Edusei, and Dirk van de Moortel. He was
also selected to perform as a soloist with the CMCGB Orchestra in 2015 and 2019.
He has also performed in several
internationally renowned venues, including Arsonic, the Royal Artistic and Literary
Circle of Ghent, Casa da Música, the Saint-Louis Chapel of the Conservatoire du
Choletais, the Musikverein Graz, the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp, the Royal
Library of Belgium, Brussels Expo, Atelier Marcel Hastir, and Le Baixu, among others.
at the Lessines Festivals in 2022 and 2024, the Stift Musical Festival in 2024 and
2025, and the Uni/son Festival in 2024. In 2025, he was awarded First Prize at the
Ursula Grill Competition and was invited by the Conservatoire du Choletais to give
chamber music masterclasses in Cholet.
Fernando has performed with several prominent youth and professional
orchestras, including OJ.COM and the Festival dos Dias da Música Orchestra as
principal cello, as well as the Young Belgian Strings, Musique Nouvelles, and the
Antwerp Symphony Orchestra as tutti cellist. He has worked with conductors such as
Wibert Aerts, Nicolas Krüger, Kevin John Edusei, and Dirk van de Moortel. He was
also selected to perform as a soloist with the CMCGB Orchestra in 2015 and 2019.
He has also performed in several
internationally renowned venues, including Arsonic, the Royal Artistic and Literary
Circle of Ghent, Casa da Música, the Saint-Louis Chapel of the Conservatoire du
Choletais, the Musikverein Graz, the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp, the Royal
Library of Belgium, Brussels Expo, Atelier Marcel Hastir, and Le Baixu, among others.
Age
Preschool children (4-6 years old)
Children (7-12 years old)
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
60 minutes
The class is taught in
English
French
Portuguese
German
Skills
Reviews
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -04:00)
New York
At teacher's location and via webcam
At student's home
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
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