Private Strings Lessons in Cincinnati — Violin, Viola, Cello & Bass
Cincinnati Music Academy offers private lessons for violin, viola, cello, and upright bass. Students of all ages and experience levels receive one-on-one instruction focused on technique, tone, and musical expression. With flexible scheduling and no long-term commitments, CMA helps every string player grow with confidence.
What Are Private Strings Lessons?
Private strings lessons at Cincinnati Music Academy are personalized for each student’s instrument and experience level. Lessons cover violin, viola, cello, and upright bass, focusing on posture, bowing, tone, and intonation while exploring classical, orchestral, and contemporary repertoire. CMA’s professional instructors help students build skill and confidence through patient, structured guidance that fits any pace or goal.
- Weekly 30-, 45-, or 60-minute private lessons
- Violin, viola, cello, and upright bass instruction
- Classical, orchestral, and modern styles available
- Emphasis on technique, tone, and musicianship
- Optional recitals and performance opportunities
- Flexible scheduling — no long-term commitments
What to Expect in Strings Lessons
Each lesson is customized to the student’s goals. Beginners learn strong foundations in bow control, note reading, and rhythm, while intermediate and advanced players refine tone and performance technique. CMA teachers support students preparing for school orchestra auditions, youth symphonies, or simply learning for personal enjoyment.
Who Are Strings Lessons Perfect For?
Kids & Teens
Young players gain confidence and discipline while learning to perform in school or community ensembles. Lessons encourage musical growth through structured yet supportive instruction.
Adults
Adults can begin from scratch or return to their instrument after years away. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals — whether exploring solo repertoire, joining local groups, or simply playing for enjoyment.
How Private Strings Lessons Work
Placement
A short conversation ensures you’re matched with an instructor who fits your instrument, schedule, and musical goals.
Lessons
Weekly sessions blend technique, sight-reading, rhythm, and repertoire—customized for your pace and preferences.
Progress
Students receive regular feedback and can prepare for optional recitals, orchestra auditions, or studio showcases.
Flexibility
CMA’s independent instructors offer year-round lessons with adaptable scheduling and no long-term commitments.
Meet Your Strings Teachers
Professional performers and educators guiding students of all ages toward confidence and mastery on their instruments.
Being a Suzuki parent, Gustavo Carpinteyro-Lara knows that patience, love and dedication to his own son, are the best way to nurture him. As a teacher, he believes that any student has a high level of learning potential; however it is the responsibility of a teacher to guide and help every student to pursue and achieve his/her goals no matter how small or big they are. His teaching focus on making student the best cellist can be, and guide the student to the most comfortable, intelligent and balanced way to master skills. Teacher and student should work together and the teacher will help the student understand how cello playing works through a combination of cello technique, the student’s physical abilities, the laws of physics and gravity; and music itself.
Hannah MacNeal is a multi-instrumentalist who has been professionally teaching violin and viola since 2016. In the past, she has worked worked with MYCincinnati and Cincinnati Strings, leading group classes and teaching violin, viola, guitar, and piano. She has experience teaching students from the age of three to retired folks, and she works under the belief that music is truly meant for everyone. Hannah has a bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).
Ally Oakes has been teaching violin and viola professionally since 2018. Ally has also worked with the New Horizons Orchestra since 2020 and has experience teaching general music and orchestra as a public school teacher. Ally teaches beginning to advanced level students and has experience teaching from age 5 all the way through students in their 90s. She has a bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).
Jennifer approaches every student as an individual, and finds enjoyment in learning more every day how to make music accessible and fun for each student. Teaching both violin and viola in both Suzuki and traditional teaching styles, Jennifer has 14 years of teaching experience. The feeling of having an instrument placed on your shoulder for the first time is something Jennifer hopes every child has the chance to experience. Jennifer nurtures the idea that music should always be fun, and loves to teach her students songs they want to play from movies or songs they know.
Dan Qiao has enjoyed a vibrant career as a concert violinist and chamber musician performing in concerts around the world, including in China, Germany, France, Poland, Netherland and the USA. Ms. Qiao has performed as a solo and chamber musician at such prestigious festivals as the Beijing Modern Music Festival( Beijing, China), Baroque Summer Festival (Cincinnati, OH), Mostly Modern music festival (Saratoga Springs, NY), Euro Music Festival (Halle, Germany), Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves (Bordeaux, France), and the Jubilee International Music Course (Opole, Poland), Lunigiana International Music Festival (Italy), Brevard Music Festival (NC, USA) and Splendor Summer Academy(Amsterdam, Netherland). She played chamber music recital with legendary violinist Maxim Vengerov at Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves in 2019. She also played in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center (NYC).
Matt has been teaching professionally since 2008. Specializing in bass guitar, upright bass, and music theory, Matt teaches students of all levels from beginner to professional. Matt’s curriculum emphasizes the development of a diverse knowledge of musical styles (jazz, rock, pop, and beyond) and concepts (music reading, theory, improvisation, etc.) while tailoring to the individual goals of any student. At the CMA, Matt’s students will also have the opportunity to perform recitals in a live band setting with both their peers and professional players.
What our Students & Families Say
Caroline
Violin
Theresa
Parent - Violin Student
Strings Lesson Questions
Students of all ages and levels are welcome — from young beginners to adults refining advanced techniques.
Violin, viola, cello, and upright bass.
Yes. Students must have their own instrument for home practice. CMA teachers can recommend rental or purchase options.
No. Recitals and showcases are optional and low-pressure.
Yes. Private piano lessons run year-round, and new students can begin anytime based on teacher availability.
Yes. Having a piano or full-size digital keyboard at home helps you make steady progress between lessons. If you’re just getting started, your teacher can recommend affordable, beginner-friendly digital pianos or keyboards that fit your space and budget.
Yes. Having a piano or full-size digital keyboard at home helps you make steady progress between lessons. If you’re just getting started, your teacher can recommend affordable, beginner-friendly digital pianos or keyboards that fit your space and budget.
Filling out one of the below forms is not a commitment to start paying for lessons; it simply lets us know you are ready to get started.
Filling out one of the below forms is not a commitment to start paying for lessons; it simply lets us know you are ready to get started.