Parramatta Cello School | Higher education

Parramatta Cello School

Phone: +61 405 100 639

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25.01.2022 Happy to report that online cello lessons have been a wonderful success! Grateful that technology provides us with such a viable option amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

25.01.2022 MOTIVATIONAL MONDAYS

25.01.2022 Hello everyone! Im wanting to do a video (for my teaching page) where I answer a bunch of questions about the cello, as an educational piece. Happy to talk about it in terms of performance, running a very busy cello studio, the instrument itself - whatever springs to mind. Im keen to hear from musicians, non-musicians, students, parents of students.. anyone! ... So without further ado, what are your questions about the cello?!

24.01.2022 Cello student Taj Anderson decided to make the most of today’s beautiful weather!

24.01.2022 So much fun recording Vivaldis Four Seasons with The Greater Symphony Orchestra. It has been a tiring day for sure, but we are looking forward to hearing the results!

23.01.2022 PIRASTRO SALE! Now's a great time to buy with 30% off the RRP on all Pirastro products, including strings, rosin and shoulder rests. Shop in-store and online. D...iscount automatically applied online. For items in and out of stock. Out of stock items will take 4-6 weeks to arrive, and are to be paid in full at time of ordering. Offer ends 4:00pm AEST Monday 31st August 2020 Shop now: https://www.violins.com.au/collections/pirastro

23.01.2022 Cathryn looking like a movie star with her recently acquired new cello!

23.01.2022 Answering your questions on all things cello!

22.01.2022 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Meet Aiden. At 12 years of age, he has been learning the cello and music theory at Parramatta Cello School for the past 18 months. Read on to learn more about this lovely young cellist! 1. What made you decide to learn the cello? ... Well when I was little, I went to the Opera House to see an orchestra play. I really enjoyed it, and told myself I didnt want to learn the squeaky one, I wanted to learn the big one that sits on the floor. 2. What are you currently working on? Currently Im working towards my AMEB Grade 3 cello exam, as well as the first cello part for an upcoming recording project for Parramatta Cello School. 3. Do you have a favourite artist? Not really. I enjoy listening to everything from classical music, to the Beatles, and even Rammstein. So I have pretty diverse interests. 4. Do you have other hobbies? I play soccer, and enjoy running in cross country. 5. What do you want to be when you grow up? I think music will always be a part of my life no matter what, but Im still deciding on a career path. Thank you Aiden! Hope everyone has a productive Monday!

22.01.2022 Congratulations to Lauren Green for attaining a Distinction in her Con Brio cello exam! Con Brio has been a brilliant exam system during the COVID period, with lots of flexibility in submission times, and musical programs which align with the AMEB syllabus!

21.01.2022 CELLO COMPOSITION COMPETITION! Hey creatives - this is your chance to shine! Parramatta Cello School is offering YOU the opportunity to have YOUR original composition for solo cello performed and video recorded by a real working cellist! ... You will also win a novelty trophy, and one free 45 min cello lesson with Marleen Broekmans! Entries close October 31st at midnight, and its free to participate. So get composing! Conditions of entry: 1. Limited to one composition entry per student. 2. The competition is open to students from within Parramatta Cello School, and outside the school. 3. Compositions must be at least 24 bars in length, and you may compose in any style you wish. 4. All compositions must be original and the students own work. 5. You may use Sibelius, Finale, Musescore etc. to notate your composition. Hand written scores are permitted, but remember - if its difficult to read, it might not come across as well! 6. Entries are to be submitted as a PDF via the Parramatta Cello School Facebook page (Parramatta Cello School - Marleen Broekmans) through the messenger application. 7. First prize consists of a novelty trophy, a video recording of your composition, and a 45 min cello lesson. Existing students of Parramatta Cello School can redeem this as an additional lesson to their monthly workload. 8. Entries will be adjudicated by Marleen Broekmans in the first week of November. Best of luck!

20.01.2022 Cello just suddenly became way cooler!

20.01.2022 Trialling a W E Hill & Sons

19.01.2022 Rolling greenery always makes me think of Elgar!

19.01.2022 Rehearsing Vivaldi with GSO!

17.01.2022 Mother and daughter playing together.. so sweet!

16.01.2022 Robert never ceases to amaze me. I saw this double bass for sale on Facebook marketplace and half-jokingly sent him the link. He forwarded it to a friend, who then bought it for himself. Fortunately for this friend, Robert is a talented guitar maker, and will be restoring this old German 5/8 double bass so we can finally hear its voice again!

15.01.2022 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Meet Oliveah. She is currently in Year 7, and has been learning cello for 18 months. Oliveah has received Honours in Grade 1 Theory of Music, and is currently working towards her Preliminary practical exam. 1. Why did you decide to learn the cello?... I was inspired by Tina Guo and loved the fact that she played the electric cello as well as acoustic. I also really enjoyed her performances of the Marvel soundtrack, Star Wars, and the Legend of Zelda. 2. What other hobbies do you have? Drawing, taekwondo, coding, learning languages, and babysitting my younger sister. 3. Do you have a favourite piece of music? Forbidden City by Tina Guo. 4. What do you want to be when you grow up? I’m not sure. Maybe a cellist or a secret spy. 5. Why did the chicken cross the road? To run away from KFC! Thanks Oliveah! Happy practicing everyone!

13.01.2022 Fun evening with the electric cello and #vixenstrings!

12.01.2022 Hello everyone, In keeping with social distancing, I will be offering students the opportunity to transition to online cello lessons. I have been piloting online lessons with some students over the past week, and it has proved to be wonderfully successful, even exceeding my expectations. This innovation could become a game changer, even when this pandemic has resolved. For instance, it now means I could teach remotely, even when I am on tour. I am happy to use a variety of p...latforms, although I have noticed FaceTime and Whatsapp have much better audio than Skype. If the situation should arise that your cello goes terribly out of tune, I will still be available to tune your instrument by appointment. Otherwise ClearTune is a great app for keeping your cello in tune with the fine tuners. If you prefer to continue face-to-face lessons, please help me keep Parramatta Cello School safe by treating every sore throat, every fever, every cold/flu symptom as seriously as possible. We can always switch to online lessons temporarily, or can make up lessons at a later date. You will not be changed for lessons missed as a result of being unwell - this has always been the studio policy in any case. As long as the states schools remain open, I feel that face-to-face lessons remain a viable option for students who are not yet comfortable transitioning to online lessons. It is unclear what will happen with AMEB examinations in June; whether we will be permitted to hold them in house at Parramatta Cello School, or whether there will be an online substitute. Many of you also have HSC music assessments which you are preparing for. As your cello teacher I will continue to support you in your musical endeavours, in maintaining some semblance of normality amongst the chaos. Keep calm, and practice! Marleen

11.01.2022 AMEB have cancelled First Metro and will refund all candidates. An online option with Con Brio exams is available however!

11.01.2022 Looks like the cello school has become a makeshift recording studio! Stay tuned for an amazing project involving the many faces of our lovely students!

10.01.2022 Congratulations to Jin Tang Cai (Jonathan) for earning a position at the prestigious Sydney Grammar School. The adjudicators were very impressed by his musical maturity and musicianship!

09.01.2022 Free theory courses!

09.01.2022 How many of you feel this way? My cello is my voice. It's my world. My whole life Emily Albright, Perfect Harmony #celloquote #cello #cellist #violoncello #cellobook #PerfectHarmony #EmilyHarmony #YA #cellomuseum

09.01.2022 Please join us at our inaugural open rehearsal!

09.01.2022 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Meet Ben. He has been learning cello at Parramatta Cello School for 5 months. Heres a short interview about his cello journey so far! 1. What made you decide to learn the cello?... Like most people, I love the sound of the cello. I love melancholic music and think the cello is great for that. Im also turning 40 soon, so maybe its a mid-life crisis thing! 2. What do you hope to gain from this experience? Ultimately, to be able to play for pleasure, for myself and others. In the meantime, testing myself to learn something new, and getting back into music after a 20 year break from playing an instrument. 3. Do you have any favourite artists? Not so much cellists, but I have been enjoying Sheku Kanneh-Masons album with the Elgar concerto. Some of my favourite artists across musical genres are Nils Frahm, Fink, Cinematic Orchestra, and Burial. 4. What do you do for work? Im a clinical psychologist. I work in private practice and also in a public hospital where I work with people with problems with addictions and mental illness. 5. Do you have any other interests outside of work and cello? Outside of work, my hours and hours of cello practice, and having 3 young children, I dont have a lot of time left over! I still buy vinyl records and play music for my kids to dance to. I also (tragically) support Arsenal Football Club. Thanks Ben! Happy practicing everyone!

09.01.2022 Some wisdom from my favourite Thai place

08.01.2022 A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT Con Brio Examinations would like to announce that Con Brio Examinations candidates could be considered for the Elite Athletes and Performers... Scheme as offered by the University of Sydney. The Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme assesses the evidence provided by the student that they are an elite performer and that the time away from studies devoted to competition or performances during the HSC (or equivalent) significantly and adversely impacted their HSC (or equivalent) preparation. Eligible Students would be considered for ATAR adjustment factors of up to five points, as determined by the University. Con Brio Exams features: You can use your current pieces to enrol for CBE Exams, whether you are preparing for AMEB, Trinity or ABRSM exam. Internationally recognised quality music assessment system. Easy exam submission process. Competitive exam fees and marked by professional examiners in the enrolled instruments. Successful pathway to studying in top conservatories and universities around the world. Enrol now at www.conbrioexams.com

08.01.2022 It has been a busy few days with the Greater Sydney Orchestra. Very grateful to my students for their flexibility over this crazy weekend!

07.01.2022 AUTUMN CELLO ENSEMBLE Many of you have been asking, will it still be going ahead? The short answer is yes - for now - but Parramatta Cello School will be carefully monitoring the situation over the coming weeks. ... As a mature ensemble (i.e. predominantly adult learners, quite a few of which have medical backgrounds!) I have no doubt that the students of the ensemble will be taking COVID-19 very seriously. However, some ground rules will need to be established to ensure a safe experience for everyone: If you are unwell, you MUST stay home so you dont risk spreading infection to other people. Everyone will be required to wash their hands in the bathroom of the Winston Hills Community Centre prior to entering the hall. It is also advisable to clean the strings and fingerboard of your cello with rubbing alcohol (but do not get this on the varnish!) Only participants will be allowed at the ensemble for this session. This is to ensure that there is enough space for the ensemble to spread out (in keeping with social distancing). The current rule states 25 people per 100sqm, which is the size of Winston Hills Community Centre. We will be taking lots of videos and photos which you can share with friends and family on social media. Catering is well informed about COVID-19 and have assured me they will be taking appropriate measures to ensure the highest standards of hygiene. You are also welcome to BYO lunch. Please note that we are in a constant state of fluidity, and further changes may occur. We may even need to reschedule the ensemble to a later date if it is deemed in the best interests of students. Marleen will keep you informed as there are further updates. Keep calm, and practice!

07.01.2022 Here are some of our many wonderful students who have committed to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a huge task launching 40 contact hours of teaching into the cyber world, but will ensure the continuity of lessons and music education amidst a global pandemic. #innovation #progressive #covid19 #cello #online

07.01.2022 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Meet Mahdi. He has been taking cello lessons at Parramatta Cello School for the past four months. Mahdi came to us as an already accomplished pianist, and is adding another string to his bow! 1. What are you studying at university? ... A Bachelor of Construction Management and Property (Honours) at UNSW. 2. What made you decide to learn the cello? Ive always loved the tone of the cello and classical pieces which have beautiful melodies played by the cellists. 3. Do you play any other instruments? I play the piano and a few traditional instruments to my culture including the harmonium and tabla. 4. What has been your favourite part of learning the cello so far? Scales and arpeggios! 5. Do you have any other hobbies or interests? Music and sport are my hobbies that I participate in every day. Thank Mahdi. Have a musical Monday everyone!

07.01.2022 Don’t forget to get your entries in this month!

05.01.2022 Day 2 of recording students!

05.01.2022 I always travel with my friends!

04.01.2022 And now for the silly photo! #CrazyCellists #BowsInTheAir #Expelliarmous

03.01.2022 CELLO SCORES FOR SALE (pick up from Winston Hills) In excellent condition: Cello Time Joggers by K&D Blackwell Piano Accompaniment Book $15... Cello Time Runners by K&D Blackwell Piano Accompaniment Book $15 Tarantella Op. 23 by W.H. Squire (cello and piano parts) International Music Company) $15 Elgar Cello Concerto in E minor Op. 85 (cello and piano parts) $20 Suzuki Cello School Volume 1 (cello part) $5 AMEB Technical Workbook Series 2 $30 AMEB Preliminary Series 1 (cello and piano parts) $15 AMEB Grade 1 Series 1 (cello and piano parts) $15 AMEB Grade 2 Series 1 (cello and piano parts) $15 [two sets available] AMEB Grade 4 Series 1 (cello and piano parts) $15 AMEB Grade 2 Series 2 (piano part only) $10 AMEB Grade 4 Series 2 (piano part only) $10 In good condition: Waggon Wheels for Cello and Piano by K&H Colledge (both cello and piano parts) $10 Feuillard Daily Exercises $10 Abracadabra Cello by Maja Passchier $5 AMEB Technical Workbook Series 2 $15 AMEB Technical Workbook Series 2 $20 AMEB Grade 3 Series 1 (cello and piano parts) $10 AMEB Grade 3 Series 2 (cello part only) $10 Needs some love but still useable (FREE to good home!) Method for Cello Book 1 by A.C. Piatti Method for Cello Book 3 by A.C. Piatti AMEB Preliminary Cello Series 2 (piano part only) [two available] AMEB Grade 1 Cello Series 2 (piano part only)

03.01.2022 A MESSAGE FROM PARRAMATTA CELLO SCHOOL REGARDING COVID-19 Dear students, We wish to write to you with regards to the current COVID-19 pandemic. ... As most of you are aware, it is business as usual for Parramatta Cello School, with a few adjustments for the safety and well-being of all students. If you are feeling unwell, please contact Marleen ASAP to reschedule your lesson. The studio policy dictates that you will NOT be charged for lessons that are rescheduled due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. This is incredibly important at this time, as there are members of our community who are already compromised in their health, and rely upon others to prevent the spread of the virus. We can reschedule the lesson to a time when you are feeling better, to optimise your learning potential! A Sani-Station (sanitiser station) is now made available to all clients and visitors at Parramatta Cello School. Please use this on your way in. Its pink and smells like yummy grapefruit! Skype/Video call lessons are always an option if you are showing symptoms but well enough to have lessons, or are in self-isolation. This week three students at Parramatta Cello School will be trialling their lessons online! We will be practicing the art of social distancing, with student and teacher spaced at least 1.5m apart. Parramatta Cello School is currently liaising with AMEB NSW in an effort to hold first metropolitan exams in-house. This hopefully means we wont be needing to travel into the city for exams. An update regarding the Autumn Cello Ensemble will be released shortly! Hope you all stay safe, sane, and sanitised!

03.01.2022 Silent Night (Traditional) arr. Marleen Broekmans

03.01.2022 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Meet Cathryn. She has been taking lessons at Parramatta Cello School for four months now. Read this mini interview to learn more about her, and life as an adult beginner cellist! 1. What made you decide to learn cello?... I always loved the sound of the cello and always wanted to learn it, but it wasn't until I started working full-time that I could finally pursue it. 2. Why are you currently working on? I am currently working on mastering the basics, and the cello IV part in Marleen's arrangement of "I am Australian" for an upcoming studio recording project. 3. What are you currently listening to? Okay so... I really like Kpop, so lately I'm listening to a lot of Blackpink! 4. Do you have any other hobbies? Outside of cello I also do a lot of painting, mosaics, costuming, and gaming. Thanks Cathryn! Happy practicing everyone!

01.01.2022 Flashback to when we took out 1st Place and won the blue ribbon at the Penrith City Eisteddfod!