I have been teaching private lessons for the past twenty years, to students ranging from small children beginning the cello for the first time, adults finally pursuing a lifelong dream, people returning to the cello after a long or short hiatus, and advanced Conservatory level players. I have coached chamber music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Chamber Musicians of Northern California, Victoria Summer String Academy, and served as an adjudicator for the Yehudi Menuhin String Competition.

I believe strongly in the power of music to bring joy, healing, growth, and play into one's life. As a performer and as a teacher I strive to find the uniqueness in each piece and each person, and consider it my job to help that blossom. I follow a different approach with each student I teach, based on what his/her goals and desires are with the instrument, strengths and weaknesses, and learning style. Across the board I believe that making music should be a joyful experience, so I aim to nurture that joy and love for cello playing with each student in every lesson. I am comfortable teaching standard and contemporary repertoire, music theory and ear training, improvisation, as well as the foundations of cello playing.

I offer a regular studio class for my adult cello students, as a safe and supportive opportunity to explore technical, physical, and psychological issues that often arise in performance, as well as annual recitals for all my students.

I am currently offering lessons via Zoom, and in-person lessons on an occasional basis.

​

Teaching Reviews

"Hannah is the nurturing, clear, supportive, challenging, caring teacher every cellist is looking for, whether they know it or not. Making music is the process of sharing our hopes and dreams in sound. Hannah has the experience and commitment to helping manifest these hopes and dreams with her students. She is as good as it gets."

"As a teacher, Hannah is a life-saver to many, I'm sure. I'm entering my 4th year of studies with her, and I look forward to every lesson as a child does to Santa Claus. Silly? Give it a try, and you'll see why. She is remarkably patient, and she teaches as well as she plays. For anyone who has missed that experience, get yourself to a solo cello performance concert by Hannah, and prepare to be spellbound. She is one of the brightest of shining stars in music today, and I feel so lucky."

"Hannah Addario-Berry is the kind of teacher who listens, encourages, and gives concrete suggestions that make a difference (not only fingerings and bowings, but also basic practices that improve the sound). She has a vast knowledge of cello repertoire. I have enjoyed playing the cello (which I have played for many decades) so much more since I began studying with her over two years ago. I have also enjoyed her adult group classes and finding a wider community of cellists."

"I felt I had started cello decades too late and was trying to "master" it. Hannah's kind and wise teaching and encouragement are helping me to be optimistic and to develop a better, more affectionate relationship with my cello."

"I can't say enough about what a wonderful teacher Hannah is. She is always kind and encouraging. Her comments are also constructive. I leave a lesson with a clear plan in my head and on paper for what I need to practice. Hannah has introduced me to new ways to approach playing that has made me more confident. I have definitely developed more accuracy and fluency in my playing."