Danijela Kos

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Cello
Lesson Fees
$40.00 / 30 Minutes
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About

I am a professional cellist and educator with an international performance and academic background. I hold a Master’s degree from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and, since 2024, I have been pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at McGill University.

My performance career includes orchestral, chamber, and solo work across Europe and North America. I previously served as Assistant Principal Cellist of the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra and have collaborated with ensembles such as the Prague Philharmonia and the National Theatre Orchestra in Prague.

I have performed at international festivals, including Aurora Festival in Stockholm, Verão Clássico in Lisbon, Orford Musique in Canada, and the summer festival and masterclasses at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. 

Alongside my performing career, I am passionate about teaching and am currently building a dedicated studio of motivated students. My students regularly perform, participate in competitions, and successfully audition for youth orchestras and advanced programs, including All-State ensembles. I aim to help each student develop strong technical foundations, musical independence, and the confidence to perform at their highest level.

Teaching Style

My teaching style combines a strong technical foundation with an individualized approach to musical development. I work with students of all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced musicians, and tailor each lesson to the student’s goals, experience, and learning style. While I welcome students at any stage, I particularly enjoy working with dedicated students who have clear goals and are motivated to develop their skills at a high level.

A central element of my teaching is adapting my approach to each student’s current technical level, musical development, and personality. I believe that effective teaching requires understanding how each student learns best, and I adjust my methods accordingly to support steady and meaningful progress.

Lessons focus on building efficient practice habits and a strong technical foundation, including tone production, bow control, left-hand technique, and musical phrasing. I also guide students toward developing musical independence, thoughtful interpretation, and confidence in performance.

I work with students preparing for auditions, competitions, youth orchestras, and advanced programs, while also supporting those who wish to deepen their enjoyment of music. My goal is to create a supportive and focused environment where students can grow both technically and artistically.

Curriculum

Teaching Method & Recommended Student Texts

My teaching method combines structured foundational methods with traditional technical training. I select materials carefully based on each student’s level, goals, and repertoire.

Beginners

  • Suzuki Cello School

  • ABRSM graded repertoire and technical requirements

  • Focus on posture, tone production, reading skills, and basic musicality

Developing and Intermediate Students

  • Technical studies from methods such as ŠevčíkFeuillard, and Cossmann

  • Etudes to strengthen bow control, shifting, intonation, and articulation

  • Gradual expansion of repertoire and musical interpretation

Advanced Students

  • Popper Etudes and Piatti Caprices

  • Advanced technical repertoire including Paganini Caprices

  • Preparation for auditions, competitions, and advanced performance opportunities

Technical Approach

  • Technical routines are always tailored to the individual student

  • Exercises are adjusted to the student’s technical level, goals, and available practice time

  • Technical work is closely connected to the repertoire being studied to ensure efficient and meaningful progress.

Credentials & Affiliations

Education:

  • Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) Candidate – McGill University, Montréal (since 2024)

  • Master of Music – Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (2021)

Areas of Instruction:

  • Cello performance and technique

  • Audition preparation (youth orchestras, All-State, conservatory auditions)

  • Competition preparation

  • Technical development and etude study

  • Repertoire coaching and musical interpretation

Festivals & Masterclasses

  • Aurora Festival – Stockholm

  • Verão Clássico Festival – Lisbon

  • Orford Musique – Canada (scholarship recipient)

  • Summer Festival & Masterclasses – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW)

Orchestral Experience

  • Assistant Principal Cellist – Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra (2022–2024)

  • Prague Chamber Philharmonic (PKF – Prague Philharmonia)

  • Hradec Králové Philharmonic

  • National Theatre Orchestra Prague

Awards & Scholarships:

  • Full Doctoral Scholarship – McGill University

  • Graduate Excellence Scholarship (2024–2025, 2025–2026)

  • Second Prize – International String Competition Gianluca Campochiaro, Italy (2020)

  • Third Prize – International Competition, Portugal (2022)

  • Multiple First Prizes – HDGPP Chamber Music Competitions, Croatia