Ilona

5 (20 reviews)

Price $106
Answer 3h
Students
Number of students Ilona has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
50+
Number of students Ilona has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

5 (20 reviews)

$106/h

Cello

20 years teaching: posture correction, deep & advanced technique, AMEB & ABRSM exams prep, adults, children & students with special needs.

Cello

Lesson location

- online

Ambassador

One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. Ilona will be happy to arrange your first Cello lesson.

About Ilona

Hi, I’m Ilona. I’m a result-oriented cello teacher with a strong focus on technique. I use different teaching approaches, including Suzuki, Feuillard, and others, switching between them depending on each student’s individual needs.

With adult students, I pay particular attention to posture correction, releasing unnecessary tension, and addressing playing-related discomfort. Proper posture and technique give you the physical freedom you need to play the cello comfortably and expressively.

I work deeply with technique from the very beginning. Whether you are an adult picking up the cello for the first time or a young child just starting out, I prefer to build correct, healthy technique immediately rather than simply giving you lots of songs to play for fun. Developing good habits early can save you years of inefficient practice and help prevent tension and pain later on.

In my lessons, you will think, focus, and develop a strong awareness of your body. This makes the lessons particularly engaging for busy adults: for the duration of the lesson, your attention has to shift completely away from work and everyday concerns and onto the instrument. This focused and active approach can also work very well for children and students with ADHD.

And yes, we have fun. We play music you enjoy, including pieces you choose yourself. But even when we are playing your favorite song, we are still working on technique, posture, sound, and freedom of movement.

This is at the heart of my teaching philosophy: without a strong technical foundation and healthy posture, it is very difficult to have the freedom to truly express yourself on this extraordinarily beautiful, but also extremely demanding instrument.

If this approach fits you and the way you want to learn, I’m looking forward to meeting you in class and welcoming you as one of my students.

About the lesson

My sessions are built around teaching my students how the cello functions, how to practice effectively, and how to develop skillful habits. I educate my students on how to think while playing the cello. I prepare students for AMEB exams, scholarships, orchestral auditions, auditions for music camps, and competitions. I write arrangements and exercises if needed, and the student always has homework.

Review

All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience had by the students of Ilona.

5 (20 reviews)

C

Charlotte
- 5
Perfect! Being a mature adult student with a bundle of nerves, Ilona was so good at calming me down with such an assuring and warm demeanour. I reckon I have found a perfect teacher for a long-lasting journey with the cello.
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Charlotte

Perfect! Being a mature adult student with a bundle of nerves, Ilona was so good at calming me down with such an assuring and warm demeanour. I reckon I have found a perfect teacher for a long-lasting journey with the cello.
C

Chantelle
- 5
Perfect! Ilona engaged my daughter in her lesson and was able to help her with her positioning and some basic cello to practice in a very short time.
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Chantelle

Perfect! Ilona engaged my daughter in her lesson and was able to help her with her positioning and some basic cello to practice in a very short time.
Tanin
- 5
Perfect! She is so patient and explains very clearly!
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Tanin

Perfect! She is so patient and explains very clearly!
Q

Qinying
- 5
Perfect! Knowledgeable, experienced and patient tutor!
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Qinying

Perfect! Knowledgeable, experienced and patient tutor!
E

Erika
- 5
Perfect! FOr my preliminary class she was very encouraging, insightful and a good listener
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Erika

Perfect! FOr my preliminary class she was very encouraging, insightful and a good listener
C

Corey
- 5
Perfect! Ilona was very friendly and welcoming in our first lesson. She quickly put me at ease and I am very much looking forward to continuing lessons with her.
Thank you :)
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Corey

Perfect! Ilona was very friendly and welcoming in our first lesson. She quickly put me at ease and I am very much looking forward to continuing lessons with her.
Thank you :)

Ilona's response
Thank you, Julie, for your kind words. It is a pleasure to work with you! ️
- Ilona's response :
  Thank you, Julie, for your kind words. It is a pleasure to work with you! ️
Jochebed
- 5
Perfect! I initially was hesitant to get an online teacher instead of an in-person one but Ilona’s experience and background seemed impressive. The trial class confirmed all of this and I now have regular classes with her. She’s supportive, positive and work well with an adult learner. I learn a lot during our sessions and her approach to incremental learning helps me to not feel overwhelmed with the skills required to play the cello.
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Jochebed

Perfect! I initially was hesitant to get an online teacher instead of an in-person one but Ilona’s experience and background seemed impressive. The trial class confirmed all of this and I now have regular classes with her. She’s supportive, positive and work well with an adult learner. I learn a lot during our sessions and her approach to incremental learning helps me to not feel overwhelmed with the skills required to play the cello.

Ilona's response
Lessons with Jochy are very inspiring for me as a teacher. She is curious about how the cello works, asks interesting questions, and is a very nice person to talk to.
- Ilona's response :
  Lessons with Jochy are very inspiring for me as a teacher. She is curious about how the cello works, asks interesting questions, and is a very nice person to talk to.
T

Tara
- 5
Perfect! Ilona is patient and very attentive to detail . She makes each lesson productive and fun at the same time.
My daughter looks forward to each class .
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T

Tara

Perfect! Ilona is patient and very attentive to detail . She makes each lesson productive and fun at the same time.
My daughter looks forward to each class .

Ilona's response
Everything is great. It's a pleasure to work with Tara's daughter.
- Ilona's response :
  Everything is great. It's a pleasure to work with Tara's daughter.
Mica
- 5
Perfect! Ilona has been a great teacher. She is tailoring the experience to me and my own goals, and works with any limitations I currently have and provides alternative to help me as I build up my skills and muscles.
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Mica

Perfect! Ilona has been a great teacher. She is tailoring the experience to me and my own goals, and works with any limitations I currently have and provides alternative to help me as I build up my skills and muscles.

Ilona's response
Mica is a friendly person. She has a goal, and we are working toward it. I'm really enjoying our classes!
- Ilona's response :
  Mica is a friendly person. She has a goal, and we are working toward it. I'm really enjoying our classes!
Liza
- 5
Perfect! We were blessed to find Ilona as a cello teacher for our daughter. From the first lesson I knew that Ilona is enthusiastic and passionate about cello and knows how to teach a student online. I had doubts that it's possible. My daughter been taking lessons for over a year now and she learnt so much with Ilona, she even got into Gifted and Talented program for children all thanks to Ilona and her lessons. Would recommend to anyone who would like to learn cello with one of the best teacher in the universe! Thank you Ilona!!!
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Liza

Perfect! We were blessed to find Ilona as a cello teacher for our daughter. From the first lesson I knew that Ilona is enthusiastic and passionate about cello and knows how to teach a student online. I had doubts that it's possible. My daughter been taking lessons for over a year now and she learnt so much with Ilona, she even got into Gifted and Talented program for children all thanks to Ilona and her lessons. Would recommend to anyone who would like to learn cello with one of the best teacher in the universe! Thank you Ilona!!!

Ilona's response
Liza's daughter is a talented young cellist. It's a pleasure to work with her.
- Ilona's response :
  Liza's daughter is a talented young cellist. It's a pleasure to work with her.
X

Xiaojie
- 5
Perfect! Ilona is a very professional and patient teacher. My daughter is already learning with her more than 6 month. We keep twice lessons every week. It’s very helpful for a young cello player.
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X

Xiaojie

Perfect! Ilona is a very professional and patient teacher. My daughter is already learning with her more than 6 month. We keep twice lessons every week. It’s very helpful for a young cello player.

Ilona's response
Amy is a very talented young cellist and I am happy to work with her!
- Ilona's response :
  Amy is a very talented young cellist and I am happy to work with her!
C

Chelle
- 5
Perfect! My first lesson with Ilona was wonderful. Learning the cello is going to be challenging but Ilona was able to pick up on my posture and small sounds over the internet in order to assure I had the correct position for fingers, shoulders, and elbows. Really enjoyed her expertise. I will be booking more lessons.
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C

Chelle

Perfect! My first lesson with Ilona was wonderful. Learning the cello is going to be challenging but Ilona was able to pick up on my posture and small sounds over the internet in order to assure I had the correct position for fingers, shoulders, and elbows. Really enjoyed her expertise. I will be booking more lessons.

Ilona's response
Thank you so much for your feedback, Michelle. I enjoyed working with you, as I mentioned in the message. You are fast and focused, which is ideal for learning to play the cello.
I'm looking forward to our next lesson!
- Ilona's response :
  Thank you so much for your feedback, Michelle. I enjoyed working with you, as I mentioned in the message. You are fast and focused, which is ideal for learning to play the cello.
  I'm looking forward to our next lesson!
Brett
- 5
Perfect! I have been thoroughly impressed and delighted by how effective it has been for Ilona to guide me remotely through my first steps as an adult learner. Her knowledge and skill on the Cello is evident, but what I didn't expect was her enthusiasm and talent for finding out my unique learning style and catering the lessons to maximum effectiveness for me. In a number of weeks I've been amazed at how she has been able to progress me from not knowing how to hold the instrument to playing with multiple positions and techniques already.

I also really appreciate that she listens to my feedback every week and asks questions, in her calm and professional manner, so I feel like any difficulties are addressed really quickly and I'm being set up for great habits right from the start.

Couldn't be happier to recommend her teaching to anyone - and I hope to continue on the journey together for the months to come!
See the response from Ilona Read more Read more

Brett

Perfect! I have been thoroughly impressed and delighted by how effective it has been for Ilona to guide me remotely through my first steps as an adult learner. Her knowledge and skill on the Cello is evident, but what I didn't expect was her enthusiasm and talent for finding out my unique learning style and catering the lessons to maximum effectiveness for me. In a number of weeks I've been amazed at how she has been able to progress me from not knowing how to hold the instrument to playing with multiple positions and techniques already.

I also really appreciate that she listens to my feedback every week and asks questions, in her calm and professional manner, so I feel like any difficulties are addressed really quickly and I'm being set up for great habits right from the start.

Couldn't be happier to recommend her teaching to anyone - and I hope to continue on the journey together for the months to come!

Ilona's response
Dear Brett: I sincerely appreciate your kind comments. I really value your viewpoint!
I enjoy practising with you as well and am looking forward to future accomplishments together.
- Ilona's response :
  Dear Brett: I sincerely appreciate your kind comments. I really value your viewpoint!
  I enjoy practising with you as well and am looking forward to future accomplishments together.
Avril
- 5
Perfect! Pinpointed the details or technics I need to focus on from a student’s point of view, very understanding and friendly. Couldn’t expect more. :)
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Avril

Perfect! Pinpointed the details or technics I need to focus on from a student’s point of view, very understanding and friendly. Couldn’t expect more. :)

Ilona's response
A truly amazing and friendly person! Extremely motivated about learning and comprehending how the cello works in practice.
- Ilona's response :
  A truly amazing and friendly person! Extremely motivated about learning and comprehending how the cello works in practice.
Dana
- 5
Perfect! Friendly, encouraging and professional
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Dana

Perfect! Friendly, encouraging and professional

Ilona's response
Dana is an amazing person and a gifted cello student!
- Ilona's response :
  Dana is an amazing person and a gifted cello student!
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Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

D

Dlw

Illona has been a wonderful help to me in my cello playing for a year now. I'm an adult student who has played for several years, and Ilona has been a great help in advancing my skills, whether bowing, shifting, vibrato, musicianship... whether solo or orchestral pieces, she has had the eye and ear to take my skills to the next level, with motivation and inspiration.
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Dlw
Illona has been a wonderful help to me in my cello playing for a year now. I'm an adult student who has played for several years, and Ilona has been a great help in advancing my skills, whether bowing, shifting, vibrato, musicianship... whether solo or orchestral pieces, she has had the eye and ear to take my skills to the next level, with motivation and inspiration.
R

Rex

I am writing this review to express my heartfelt appreciation for Ilona and her exemplary teaching. The professionalism, dedication, and the genuine care she has shown towards my son's cello learning journey are evident in every lesson she conducts.

Over the years, my son has had the privilege to learn from many cello instructors. However, we must acknowledge, and this includes the sentiments expressed by my son, that Ilona stands out as one of the most diligent, responsible, and professional cello teachers we have ever encountered.

The curriculum Ilona designed for my son meticulously addressed his technical shortcomings. With her continuous feedback and reinforcement, there has been a significant improvement in my son's cello performance.

If you are in search of a cello teacher who will surpass your expectations, exhibit unwavering dedication, and possess a profound love for her craft, then look no further than Ilona. She will undoubtedly bring immeasurable transformation to your musical journey.
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R
Rex
I am writing this review to express my heartfelt appreciation for Ilona and her exemplary teaching. The professionalism, dedication, and the genuine care she has shown towards my son's cello learning journey are evident in every lesson she conducts.

Over the years, my son has had the privilege to learn from many cello instructors. However, we must acknowledge, and this includes the sentiments expressed by my son, that Ilona stands out as one of the most diligent, responsible, and professional cello teachers we have ever encountered.

The curriculum Ilona designed for my son meticulously addressed his technical shortcomings. With her continuous feedback and reinforcement, there has been a significant improvement in my son's cello performance.

If you are in search of a cello teacher who will surpass your expectations, exhibit unwavering dedication, and possess a profound love for her craft, then look no further than Ilona. She will undoubtedly bring immeasurable transformation to your musical journey.
B

Batool

I have been taking cello lessons from Ilona for the past three years, and I have seen tremendous improvement in my playing.
When I started cello lessons, with Ilona, I was an adult beginner with no prior experience playing the cello.
Ilona has patience and understanding, and she takes the time to teach me the basics of cello playing until I reached the advance level.
She also helps me to develop a good practice routine, and she’s always available to answer my questions.
Over the past three years, I have made significant progress in my cello playing. I am now able to play a variety of pieces, and I have even performed at friends and family gatherings.
I am confident this progress wouldn’t have been possible without Ilona's unique instructions.
In addition to her teaching skills, Ilona is also a great musician.
She is passionate about music, and she loves to share her knowledge and experience with her students. She is also a very supportive and encouraging teacher, always making me feel like I can achieve my goals.
I highly recommend Ilona for cello teaching.
She is a talented musician and a gifted teacher,
I am forever grateful and thankful that my cello teacher is Ilona.
Sincerely,
Toola
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B
Batool
I have been taking cello lessons from Ilona for the past three years, and I have seen tremendous improvement in my playing.
When I started cello lessons, with Ilona, I was an adult beginner with no prior experience playing the cello.
Ilona has patience and understanding, and she takes the time to teach me the basics of cello playing until I reached the advance level.
She also helps me to develop a good practice routine, and she’s always available to answer my questions.
Over the past three years, I have made significant progress in my cello playing. I am now able to play a variety of pieces, and I have even performed at friends and family gatherings.
I am confident this progress wouldn’t have been possible without Ilona's unique instructions.
In addition to her teaching skills, Ilona is also a great musician.
She is passionate about music, and she loves to share her knowledge and experience with her students. She is also a very supportive and encouraging teacher, always making me feel like I can achieve my goals.
I highly recommend Ilona for cello teaching.
She is a talented musician and a gifted teacher,
I am forever grateful and thankful that my cello teacher is Ilona.
Sincerely,
Toola
A

Andrii

Ilona is an excellent teacher with individual approach to any subject depending on your specific aims. Each class with her brings new skills and ideas. Besides the teaching process Ilona has been doing lot of mentoring, motivating and guiding carefully through the difficulties which might appear on a musical path. If there’s a question Ilona has an answer and that’s awesome.
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A
Andrii
Ilona is an excellent teacher with individual approach to any subject depending on your specific aims. Each class with her brings new skills and ideas. Besides the teaching process Ilona has been doing lot of mentoring, motivating and guiding carefully through the difficulties which might appear on a musical path. If there’s a question Ilona has an answer and that’s awesome.
Christine

I have been learning cello with Ilona for nearly one year. I learned cello for the pleasure at first, and then I decided to be a professional musician and go to study in a conservatory. Ilona is helping me prepare the entrance exam with her rich experience working in orchestra and music school, also with her professional understanding of music and techniques of the cello. She’s someone who influenced my life choices and opened a new door in music for me. When giving courses, she’s patient, nice and inspiring, also her advice is very detailed, professional and helpful. It’s my pleasure to recommend her to you all, you will definitely love her like I do.️
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C
Christine
I have been learning cello with Ilona for nearly one year. I learned cello for the pleasure at first, and then I decided to be a professional musician and go to study in a conservatory. Ilona is helping me prepare the entrance exam with her rich experience working in orchestra and music school, also with her professional understanding of music and techniques of the cello. She’s someone who influenced my life choices and opened a new door in music for me. When giving courses, she’s patient, nice and inspiring, also her advice is very detailed, professional and helpful. It’s my pleasure to recommend her to you all, you will definitely love her like I do.️
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$106

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5h: $530
10h: $1060

online

$106/h

Ilona's Video

Learn more about Ilona

When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?
I was about 7 years old when my mom decided to enrol me in violin lessons. The first trial lesson was scheduled for a specific day, hour, and auditorium. When we came for the lesson, there was no violin teacher; instead, there was a cello teacher. We apologized, thinking we had misidentified the audience. The cello teacher invited us inside the classroom so she could demonstrate the instrument. I felt like the cello was too big for me. But after that, the teacher began to play. And the moment I heard this amazing instrument, I fell in love. I like to think it was destiny!
Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?
It is quite difficult to answer this question because I am a professional musician. It gets tiring to keep listening to the same genre or song since I instinctively analyze any music I hear. Beethoven and Erik Satie are two of my favourite composers, while Jacqueline du Pré is my favourite cellist. She was incredibly artistic and had a unique talent. One of the greatest pianists, in my opinion, is Marta Argerich.
Explain to us the most difficult or 'riveting' lesson you could personally give to one of your students.
The classes are very varied because I work with adults and children, beginners and advanced cellists. I feel happy when a student likes to practice the cello. I like to see how skills, confidence, and sound quality grow. My job is one of my favourite things to do.
What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?
Every musical instrument is challenging in its own unique way, but stringed instruments, particularly the cello, are, in my opinion, the most difficult to learn. The fingers might hurt at first, and you may not know where to put them, and the bow just complicates everything. However, the rich cello sound that arrives later is worth a try.
What are your keys to success?
Passion, vision, preparation, courage, perseverance, and integrity.
Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.
Martha Argerich is a living legend. Cynthia Erivo is a wonderful singer and actress, and I enjoy listening to her music. Noga Erez is a new and exciting force in popular music.
Provide a valuable anecdote related to your musical journey, or your days at 'music school'.
I'd like to share with you a story from my time at music school. The story happened after I took first place in a regional competition, and it felt awesome. Children who took part in competitions played at a concert put on by our music school. My turn had come. My name and achievements were revealed. I entered the stage with huge confidence since I'm cool, sat on a chair, and prepared. I was going to perform a piece in which the cello begins with a 7-note solo and then the piano comes in. So I get ready, play three notes, forget the fourth, and stop. I have no idea how I managed to forget the very first phrase of the piece of music that won the competition. I began again. Three notes, then stop. I'm baffled. I have to start over, and I get the same result. Then I just get up, bow, and walk off the stage. It was my shortest performance ever. 😀
What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?
I have recently found that one of my students, who has been studying with me for three years, has high-functioning autism. For personal reasons, her mother didn't inform me about it sooner. But what's most intriguing is that I missed it. The girl and I are friends; she does not hide her gaze from me, she asks me questions, and we joke. This is only one of dozens of examples. Teaching is my passion, my favorite thing to do, and one of the best I can do. ❤️

20 years teaching: posture correction, deep & advanced technique, AMEB & ABRSM exams prep, adults, children & students with special needs.

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About Ilona

About the lesson

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online

Ilona's Video

Learn more about Ilona

Learn more about Ilona

When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

Explain to us the most difficult or 'riveting' lesson you could personally give to one of your students.

What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

What are your keys to success?

Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

Provide a valuable anecdote related to your musical journey, or your days at 'music school'.

What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

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