I’m Arlette Cárdenes

Cellist, Teacher and Conductor

Helping You Learn Cello and Music Instruments!

I am a professional cellist, teacher and Music Director.
I have been teaching cello for more than 30 years and I love it!!

CELLO IS THE BEST!!!

So check out my credentials and I hope to meet you soon.

Biography

Check out my biography which will give you an idea of my past and present professional life.

Videos

I have been teaching cello for more than 30 years and I love it!! View my students recitals.

Helping You Learn Cello

Unlock Your Music Potential. Say Hello to YOUR INNER MUSICIAN

I have been teaching cello for 30+ years.
I am the Music Director and the Founder of Culver City Chamber Orchestra.
I am a member of many Teaching Associations.
I am affiliated with Musika Inc, Takelessons, Thumbtack, Official Lessons and Music Teachers Network.

Testimonial

Learn what my students say about their learning experiences.

Biography

Read how I become so passionate about teaching music.

Teaching

Learn how I teach my students master cello.

Perforances

View my gallery and videos of music performances.

My Teaching Credentials

What Are My Experiences?

I had judged several competitions in the last 5 years and has coached string quartets, trios and chamber ensembles.

I am a member of the American String Teachers Association, Music Teachers Association of California (West Los Angeles), Music Teachers National Association,
American Orchestra League and The Conductors Guild.

How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching cello for over 30 years and 8 years of beginning violin.

What's your teaching experiences?

I started teaching in Culver City and have opened a second studio in Reseda, CA in 2012. In addition to my private studio, I also taught at Bloom School of Music in 2012-2013 and San Marino Music School from 2014-2015. I am affiliated with Musika Inc, Takelessons, Thumbtack, Official Lessons and Music Teachers Network.

Who do you teach?

My studio comprises of students ages 6-65. The majority of my students are from the public school system and by word of mouth.

What's your teaching expectations?

My expectation of students is to participate in 2 recitals per year. These recitals are very important as they give confidence and discipline to each student during the preparation stage for a recital.

Testimonials

“Best teacher I have ever had, she is very patient and takes her time explaining her lesson. She is funny and nice and I really enjoy her lessons. “

– Linda M.

“Arlette has been the perfect teacher for our six year old. She is patient, attentive and always encouraging. We couldn’t be happier. “

– John B.

“My daughter recently started violin lessons with Ms. Cardenes. So far, she has been extremely friendly, patient, and encouraging. My daughter is a bit shy, and she has made her feel very comfortable and excited about learning. “

– Brenda Y.

“Arlette is a phenomenal teacher. I have been taking music lessons since I was six-years-old, and Arlette is the best music teacher I have ever had. Her eye for technique is impeccable, and her love for the music is infectious and makes me want to practice. I can’t recommend her highly enough. “

– Lily B.

“My 11 yr old daughter started beginning cello with Arlette about 9 mos ago. Arlette is a fabulous musician and educator! Her lessons are clear and concise and best of all, lots of fun! My daughter just had her 2nd recital and we could see her progress. “

– Lynn.

“Our son has been taking Cello lessons from Arlette for 1 1/2 years now and has improved tremendously. He is 14 years old and still looks forward to going to lessons every week. Arlette is really good at finding a student’s strengths/likes to keep their interest, as well as finding the areas they need to work on. Highly recommended. “

– John C.

“Her knowledge of music is incredible and I have never left a lesson without learning something new. Her positive reinforcements encourage me to practice more and her relatability makes lessons come and go without frustration and gives me a sense of “everything is going to be okay”.  After my lesson I am always looking forward to my next lesson and I know that now that I’m working with Arlette I am moving in the right direction.”

– Shae.

“As an adult, I need learning to be a dialogue and I need it to be fun. Lessons with Arlette are both. Not to mention, I’ve already learned more in two months than I did in seven with my last instructor. She obviously very much enjoys what she does and is pleased to be able to share her knowledge. She’s inspiring!”

– Angele C.

 “I have been so thankful and pleased to take cello lessons from Arlette these past three years. Her experienced instruction has helped me improve bowing and fingering techniques, and her great coaching has enabled me to better voice my cello to a richer, stronger sound. Arlette’’s advice on best posture and handling of my cello has made me feel more comfortable and confident with my instrument.”

– Amanda G.

“I am a now heading off to be a freshman in college after studying with Arlette for over ten years. I began as a shy six year old and can say I am so glad my mother encouraged me to study cello with Arlette. Arlette is both patient and stern in her teaching style. Every criticism was constructive and every praise warm and earnest. She helped me not only in my studies as a solo cellist, but as an orchestral cellist as well. I am so grateful and happy I to have studied with Arlette and encourage all those young (or older) cellists, whether they are beginning or more advanced, to study with Arlette.”

– Antonia.

 “The first year I started taking cello lessons from Ms. Arlette, I won a $300 scholarship from Los Angeles City Elementary Schools Music Association. Ms. Arlette has helped me learn more advanced music, and her way of teaching is very clear and easy to understand. She emphasizes on technique, sight-reading, and musicality, all of which, through her guidance, I have greatly improved on. She is a very kind and patient teacher who takes time to explain concepts thoroughly. She is also a fun teacher. I have been taking lessons from Ms. Arlette for the past four years. I enjoy my lessons and recitals.”

– Noelle C.

“I started playing cello at 26 years old with absolutely zero musical experience of any kind. After 6 months of attempting to teach myself the cello, I decided I needed help and begun my journey to find myself a cello instructor. I was so fortunate to find Arlette! Arlette was abundantly patient with me, from my habit of asking too many questions to my very unpredictable availability. Before Arlette started teaching me music theory and how to play the cello, I never appreciated the value of having an instructor. After having taken lessons from her for nearly a year, I would simply say having a fine instructor like Arlette is a necessity. The first time I played a duet was with Arlette, and it was a moment in my life I am so thankful for and I will never forget! She is kind and consistent, very professional but also very personable which is a very hard thing to balance. She pushed me to excel without making me feel overwhelmed. I could go on forever about how great a cello instructor Arlette is so I will finish with this… If you are looking for a cello teacher look no further.”

– Joshua.