Christchurch
Cello Lessons | Artist development, Theory Lessons, Music And Movement For Under Fives, Online Lessons
Bio
In 2022, Portia Bell received a scholarship as the principal cellist of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Virtuosi Chamber Ensemble. Currently, she is studying cello performance at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington with Inbal Megiddo through the STAR course, whilst still studying at Burnside High School. Here, she has been the Principal Cellist of the Orchestra for several years and is a member of the Specialist Music Programme where she has led the cello section in the string ensemble collaboration with students from the University of Canterbury. Other styles including Jazz have also been a part of her musical journey as she has been the Principal Cellist and Soloist with the Christchurch Big Band and Strings Ensemble. Portia Bell has also competed in the National Chamber Music Competition where her group has successfully made it to the South Island Finals and gained a National Bronze Award.
Portia Bell has studied with cellists Edith Salzmann and Naomi Hnat, whilst further developing her skills under the tutelage of Heleen du Plessis, Inbal Megiddo and Jeremy Garside through the SMP (Specialist Music Programme).
Teaching Info
Right from the start, students should be comprehensively educated on the fundamentals of movement and coordination, resonance, tonality, intonation, phrasing, articulation, dynamics, posture, music theory, and technique whilst regularly moving through repertoire in an enjoyable way. Extended techniques including vibrato, spiccato, ricochet, and Sautillé will be taught for intermediate to advanced students.