Debra Aponte

I have been playing the cello for over 25 years. I am willing to teach beginning students of any age that have the will and motivation to study and perform on the cello.

That being said, out of concern for the well-being of my prospective beginning cello students, please adhere to these guidelines:

1. Students who are at least 5' 2" tall and have average or larger hands will usually feel comfortable using a full-size or 4/4 cello; some will be more comfortable with a 7/8 size cello.

2. Students who are shorter than five feet tall are advised to begin on a 3/4 size cello.

It is important for the student to practice and perform on an instrument that allows them to progress at an optimal level, and this also prevents injury to the hands, particularly the left hand.

It may be necessary to purchase a Samson Go Mic for your lessons (about $40) if the computer being used to take lessons doesn't have a sufficient sound input. This varies, depending on your computer.

In my teaching, I will focus on the students technical and musical needs. I am open to any questions the student might have. I am here to help the student achieve his/her goal.

I have had 25 years of ensemble and orchestral experience. I have performed most of the standard orchestral repertoire, and much of the cello solo repertoire.

I am a 1975 graduate of the Fiorello La Guardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in New York City. I have studied Cello Performance and Music Theory at the New England Conservatory in Boston. I have studied with many acclaimed teachers, such as the the late Robert Ripley, former cellist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Katina Kleijn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

I have been the assistant cello section leader of the New York Session Symphony orchestra, member from 2015-2020. I am currently an assistant Principal Cellist with the ACMA Orchestra in New York City, NY.

My current studies are with Mari Coetzee, Juilliard School graduate. 

 I recently performed the Hindemith Solo Cello Sonata Op. 25, No. 3 at  Lessonface's Open Mic platform  on April 25, 2022.

I performed works by Bach at Opera America's Recital Hall in June 2025 

I will be performing with the ACMA Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in November 2025.