I offer cello lessons from my home teaching studio in East Saanich. Please find more information below and get in touch if you have any questions.

There are many reasons why folks seek out cello lessons. Some have always loved the timbre or soulfulness of the cello and want to fill their homes and communities with the earthy sounds of this instrument. Some are looking for an instrumental music practice to help them with listening, focus, coordination, motor skills, and memory. Some play in ensembles, orchestras, or groups and are seeking a teacher to help with aspects of their playing. 

All ages are welcome! My lessons are designed to help students cultivate enthusiasm for learning, listening skills, physical and mental awareness, creative problem-solving, and versatility. I encourage students to identify and pursue goals such as performing, memorizing, recording, collaborating, or anything they find meaning in, and I support them in the process of preparing for events and gaining confidence in their musicality. Whether you’re new to the cello or continuing on your journey with the instrument and picking up where you left off, I would be happy to work with you and share ideas, sounds and experiences. 

I have been teaching in various settings for about 10 years. In this time I have tended to work with older kids and adults, and am eager to gain more experience in tailoring lessons for younger children.

If you are interested in taking lessons, please contact me via email and I can provide more information and will help you with the next steps and scheduling.

Sliding scale rates are available. If fees are prohibitive due to financial stresses, please contact me and I will be happy to try and find a solution or exchange.

Although my preferred lesson scenario is in-person, I am able to provide online private lessons at this time. The lesson fees are the same for online and in-person lessons. If you are interested in taking online lessons but unsure about audiovisual tools, I would be happy to assist.

Email: janeochan<at>gmail<dot>com

Teaching bio:

I hold a Masters degree in music performance from McGill University where I studied with Yegor Dyachkov. Prior to that, I received my Bachelors degree studying with Matt Haimovitz. I am recipient of several scholarships and grants including from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec, and the Williamson Foundation. I have previously taught private cello lessons and classroom courses at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and Colorado College, where I played with the Veronika String Quartet, the quartet in residence. I have attended programs including Domaine Forget, Orford, and the Montreal Contemporary Music Lab. I enjoy ensemble playing, working with living composers, interdisciplinary collaboration, free improvisation, as well as writing and recording pieces of music for myself. I am one half of the synth chamber pop duo Parler bien. In the past I have also been active in arts organizing as one of the founders of the non-profit Les Sympathiques out of Cafe Resonance in Montréal.