A conservatory-inspired learning environment for adult cello students, combining structured study, ongoing mentorship, and a supportive musical community.
A conservatory-inspired learning environment for adult cello students, combining structured study, ongoing mentorship, and a supportive musical community.
ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The home of your cello education
The Academy is the core educational program within the Cello Realm. It offers a structured learning environment for adult cello students who wish to study with continuity, guidance, and intention.
Rooted in conservatory traditions yet designed for adult learners, the Academy combines collaborative learning, personalized mentorship, and a thriving community of fellow students. An evolving curriculum of cello, musicianship, and enrichment studies supports musical growth in a welcoming environment that encourages lifelong learning without competitive pressure. The Academy began with a simple idea: to create the kind of rich, connected learning environment traditionally reserved for college music majors, and to open it to adults building a musical education alongside the rest of their lives.
HOW IT WORKS
Program Overview
01
Format
The Academy follows an academic-year structure that supports sustained musical growth through continuity, mentorship, and guided study. Learning takes place online through a combination of live classes and workshops, guest faculty events, student-led sessions, and self-paced resources.
Group classes allow students to learn foundational concepts together, while mentorship sessions create space for individualized support, helping each student apply those ideas to their own playing, repertoire, and musical goals.
02
Pacing & Participation
Students join the Academy at designated points during the academic year and engage with the program according to their interests, goals, and availability. While participation in live sessions is encouraged, there is no expectation that every student attend every class or event.
Mentorship sessions form the heart of the Academy experience, while recorded replays and course materials allow students to continue learning at their own pace and revisit concepts as needed.
03
Areas of Focus
The Academy is built around four interconnected pillars: Technique, Musicianship, Wellness, and Community.
Through classes, mentorship, and independent study, students develop technical skills, deepen their understanding of music, cultivate sustainable approaches to practice and well-being, and participate in a vibrant community of adult learners.
Recurring topics include cello technique, aural skills, musicology, repertoire, ensemble skills, and broader aspects of musical learning.
04
Learning Environment
The Academy operates within a supportive, non-competitive learning environment. Students engage alongside fellow adult learners in a shared space that values curiosity, consistency, and thoughtful exploration over speed or comparison.
Questions are welcomed, diverse perspectives are valued, and students are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning. The goal is not only musical progress, but also the development of confidence, independence, and a lifelong relationship with music.
WHAT YOU’LL STUDY
Curriculum & Learning Structure
Learn it. Try it. Get feedback. Keep exploring.
Each week we explore focused technical and musical topics through live classes, drills, workshops, and repertoire study. Then we meet in mentorship sessions connected directly to what we have been studying.
Rather than racing from one new topic to the next, we cycle through the important areas of cello playing across the year. We learn them, put them into practice, get feedback, and return to them with greater understanding.
The goal is not to finish a subject and leave it behind. Cello playing does not work that way.
Core Technique Classes
Weekly live classes covering scales, etudes, technical foundations, and specialized topics. Sessions are designed to build skills progressively over time, with recordings available for continued study and review.
Mentorship & Masterclasses
Open repertoire masterclasses and technique-oriented mentorship sessions that provide individualized feedback and opportunities to explore and apply concepts directly to each student’s own playing.
Musicianship Studies
Classes exploring aural skills, musicology, and broader aspects of musical understanding. Led by Academy faculty and invited specialists, these offerings deepen listening skills, musical awareness, and overall musicianship.
Repertoire & More
Self-Paced Library
A growing library of recorded courses, tutorials, practice resources, and class replays organized by topic for independent study and review.
Collaborative Projects
Group projects that bring Academy members together around a shared piece, culminating in a virtual performance, multitrack video compilation, or other collective creation.
The Student Lounge
A space where students organize their own gatherings, find practice buddies, or spend time with people who understand why one measure of Bach can occupy you for three days.
What we’re studying in 2026-27
Our studies this year cycle through several core areas, returning to each one with more experience and context as the year goes on.
Etudes. We open the year with Popper Op. 76a, Nos. 10–15, followed by studies drawn from other collections as the year unfolds.
CelloMind. Working through the intonation section of the book.
Position & shifting work. From neck positions through the upper positions and thumb position, using the Mooney books alongside exercises and studies by Ševčík, Feuillard, and Piatti.
Repertoire. We’ll spend time with Bach’s Suite No. 1, Haydn’s C Major Concerto (first movement), Saint-Saëns’ Allegro appassionato, and Brahms’ Sonata in E Minor (first movement), alongside other repertoire explored through workshops and masterclasses.
Our Weekly Rhythm
Our regular weekly schedule follows a consistent rhythm. All times are Eastern Time (ET), and replays are available if you can’t attend live.
MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS
11:00–12:00 | Warm-Ups & Drills
13:00–15:00 | Mentorship
Focused technical work followed by individualized feedback on those very concepts.
THURSDAYS
13:00–14:30 | Workshop OR 13:00–16:00 | Masterclass
Repertoire and specialized topics, masterclasses.
SUNDAYS
15:00–16:00 | Aural Skills with Laura
Weekly work devoted to listening, hearing, and musicianship.
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Enrichment + Special Events
Guest sessions, enrichment classes, collaborative projects, and other gatherings are added throughout the year at varying times.
Join what serves you. There’s no expectation that you attend everything. Come to the sessions that fit your interests and schedule, use the replays when you need them, and let your participation change as the year unfolds.
The Academy is built around a simple belief: meaningful growth happens not just through acquiring knowledge, but through the guidance and support needed to put that knowledge into practice.
YOUR JOURNEY
Student Pathways
Study within The Academy is not linear or prescriptive. Students enter with different backgrounds, experiences, and goals, and progress through their work at an individual pace.
The following pathways represent common areas of focus within The Academy. Students may move between them over time, revisiting foundational work while continuing to develop new skills and musical understanding.
01
Foundations
Students at this stage focus on establishing reliable technical habits and a clear understanding of fundamental cello skills. Work may include posture, basic bow technique, left-hand coordination, reading skills, and the development of consistent practice routines.
02
Developing Technique
This pathway emphasizes the refinement and expansion of technical skills. Students may explore shifting, vibrato, tone production, coordination, and increased technical fluency, while continuing to strengthen foundational habits.
03
Musical Expression
Study here centers on musical interpretation and expressive playing. Students explore phrasing, articulation, tone color, and stylistic considerations, applying technical skills in service of musical communication.
04
Repertoire & Applied Study
Students engage more deeply with repertoire appropriate to their level and interests. This may include focused study of pieces, etudes, and excerpts, with attention to both technical challenges and musical intent.
05
Performance & Reflection
This pathway supports students who wish to explore performance in a supportive setting. Opportunities may include studio classes, recitals, and informal sharing, alongside reflection on preparation, mindset, and the performance experience itself.
Students may engage with one or multiple pathways at any time, allowing their focus to evolve naturally as their musicianship develops.
WHO YOU’LL LEARN WITH
Faculty
Instruction within the Academy is led primarily by its founder, Sonya Matoussova, who teaches the majority of classes and mentorship sessions throughout the year. Laura Cividino leads weekly Aural Skills classes, and Keite Gularte joins regularly for themed musicology lectures and workshops, giving students the chance to explore the music they play from new historical and musical perspectives.
The Academy also welcomes occasional guest teaching artists and encourages student leadership through collaborative projects, discussion groups, and community-led initiatives.
Sonya Matoussova
Founder & Cello Mentor
Cellist Sonya Matoussova is a versatile musician based in Gatineau, QC, with a multifaceted career as a performer, teacher, and entrepreneur. She frequently appears in the cello section of the National Arts Centre Orchestra and enjoys a wide range of chamber music collaborations in Ottawa and Montreal.
As a soloist, Sonya has performed with the Mercury Chamber Orchestra, the Symphony of Southeast Texas, and others, and has won top prizes at competitions including the Schlern International Music Festival Competition (Italy) and the Canadian Music Competition.
A passionate educator, Sonya founded the Cello Realm Academy to bring conservatory-inspired learning to adult cello students. She holds degrees from the University of Montreal and the University of Houston, where she studied with Yuli Turovsky and Vagram Saradjian respectively.
Keite Gularte
Enrichment
Keite Gularte is a Brazilian musician, educator, and researcher based in Ottawa. Her work brings together performance, pedagogy, musicology, and ethnomusicology. She trained as a violinist and violist in Brazil, earned her M.Mus. at the University of Houston and her M.A. in Music and Culture at Carleton University, and worked as a principal violist in symphony orchestras before moving to Canada. Teaching since 2006, she encourages students to look beyond the notes on the page and consider the historical and cultural worlds surrounding the music they play.
Laura Cividino
Aural Skills
Laura Cividino is a violinist, violist, and pianist whose musical life spans Europe and North America. She trained in Italy and Austria before earning her Master of Music in violin from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, and holds conservatory diplomas in violin, viola, and piano. A devoted teacher as much as a performer, Laura is a specialist in the Willems pedagogy method — in 2025 she earned her Didactic Diploma, qualifying her to train new teachers of the method around the world.
IN THEIR OWN WORDs
What students say
“Sonya offers so much expert content on her network, and goes into great detail with each class. Repeating classes is always enlightening because as my level changes I get different benefits from repeated classes. Also there are so many opportunities to be observed and taught within the network, and Sonya’s attention to the physicality of cello playing is super helpful. Being a member of her network is a well rounded cello experience!”
Gerianne C.
“I am a beginner player with no musical experience. Sonya, and the group, have made me feel very welcome. Sonya is an excellent instructor and has the ability to speak to you at your level while making you feel like you actually know something. I have learned so much through [the Academy} and I can wholeheartedly recommend becoming a member. This is a wonderful space to be in.”
Holly T.
GETTING STARTED
Enrollment Information
Eligibility
The Academy is designed for adult cello students who have already begun their study of the instrument. Students should be familiar with basic notation and foundational playing concepts.
The program assumes a degree of independence and encourages students to take an active role in shaping their own learning.
The program is not intended for absolute beginners who have not yet started playing the cello.
Enrollment Periods
The Academy follows an academic-year structure, with enrollment offered at designated points throughout the year. Students join an established community of adult cello students while gaining access to the current curriculum, classes, and mentorship opportunities.
When enrollment is open, registration information will be available below. At other times, prospective students may join the waitlist to be notified of future enrollment periods.
What’s Included
Enrollment includes access to all live classes, mentorship sessions, workshops, courses, recordings, and community spaces within the Cello Realm, along with collaborative projects and performance opportunities throughout the year.
Students also have access to the Academy’s growing library of past courses and resources for as long as they are enrolled, allowing them to revisit material and explore topics beyond the current year’s curriculum.
Time Commitment
The Academy is designed to accommodate the changing rhythms of adult life. Students are encouraged to engage consistently over time, while recognizing that participation may naturally increase or decrease during different seasons of the year.
Rather than emphasizing intensity or perfect attendance, the Academy is structured to support steady, long-term growth through ongoing access to classes, mentorship, recordings, and community.
There is no need to keep up with everything. Come to what serves you, revisit what you need, and let the year move at the pace your life allows.There is no need to keep up with everything. Come to what serves you, revisit what you need, and let the year move at the pace your life allows.
TUITION information
Enroll in The Academy
One year of guidance and support — a variety of live weekly classes, one-on-one mentorship, and a circle of fellow adult learners, so you don’t have to journey alone.
ANNUAL TUITION
$970
or 12 monthly payments of $81
Not looking for live classes or mentorship?
Explore The Independent Study — a growing library of courses, lessons, and resources for independent learners.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Academy FAQs
Answers to questions about learning, mentorship, and participation within the Academy.
Learning & Mentorship
What level is The Academy designed for?
The Academy is designed for adult cello students who have already begun their study of the instrument and are familiar with basic playing and music-reading concepts. Beyond this foundational requirement, the program supports students at many different stages of development through a combination of classes, mentorship, and flexible learning pathways.
If you’re unsure whether the Academy is the right fit for your current level, please get in touch: sonya@sonyamatoussova.com.
Is The Academy suitable for absolute beginners?
The Academy is not designed for absolute beginners who have not yet started playing the cello. Students who are completely new to the instrument are encouraged to begin with private instruction or introductory study before joining the Academy.
Many students join while still relatively early in their musical journey. If you’ve been playing for several months and feel drawn to the Academy, we’d be happy to help you determine whether it’s the right fit.
Please feel free to get in touch: sonya@sonyamatoussova.com.
Do I need a private teacher to participate?
No, you do not. Some Academy students study with private teachers, while others don’t.
The Academy’s combination of classes, mentorship, coursework, and community supports a variety of learning paths, allowing students to engage in the way that best fits their goals, experience, and circumstances.
I’m already taking private lessons. Why would I join the Academy?
Many students find that the Academy complements their private lessons by providing additional opportunities for mentorship, community, and structured study.
While private lessons are an excellent setting for individualized guidance, not every aspect of musical learning needs to happen one-on-one. The Academy provides a broader learning environment that may include technique classes, musicianship studies, workshops, collaborative projects, and opportunities to learn from the questions, challenges, and experiences of fellow adult learners. Together, these experiences help reinforce concepts, deepen understanding, and support continued musical growth.
What does a mentorship session look like?
Mentorship sessions combine many of the benefits of private lessons with the shared learning of a group setting. Students receive individualized feedback on their playing, technique, and musical development while fellow participants observe, learn, and contribute to the discussion.
Students may bring material from Academy classes or their own independent study, allowing mentorship sessions to support a wide range of goals and interests. For many students, these sessions serve as the bridge between learning new concepts and putting them into practice.
Can I bring my own repertoire or projects?
Yes. Mentorship sessions provide opportunities for students to receive feedback on repertoire, technical work, and musical projects that may fall outside the current curriculum.
While many classes focus on shared topics and concepts, mentorship sessions allow students to bring their own interests and goals into the learning space. Students are welcome to seek guidance on material they are studying independently, with a private teacher, or through Academy classes and coursework.
What kinds of classes are offered?
The Academy’s curriculum is organized around four interconnected pillars: Technique, Musicianship, Wellness, and Community. Throughout the year, students may participate in technique classes, musicianship studies, mentorship sessions, specialized workshops, play-along sessions, collaborative projects, and other learning opportunities designed to support long-term musical growth.
The curriculum continues to evolve as new topics, faculty, and opportunities are introduced, while maintaining a balance between shared learning and individualized guidance.
Participation & Access
How many classes are offered each week?
The Academy typically offers multiple live sessions each week, with a schedule that evolves throughout the academic year. Students can expect regular opportunities to participate, connect with faculty and fellow learners, and continue their studies through both live and recorded content.
When are classes held?
Most live sessions are scheduled during weekday mornings and afternoons in the North American Eastern Time zone (EST/EDT). Occasional weekend sessions may also be offered for special events, guest faculty, or community-led activities.
Students participate from a variety of time zones, and all live sessions are recorded, allowing students to engage asynchronously when attendance is not possible.
How much time should I expect to commit each week?
Time commitment varies from student to student. Some students participate in multiple live offerings each week, while others engage more selectively through a combination of live sessions, recordings, and independent study.
The Academy is designed to support consistent, sustainable progress over time rather than fixed weekly requirements. Students are encouraged to participate in ways that align with their goals, schedules, and season of life.
What if I miss a live class?
All live classes are recorded and made available for later viewing, typically within 24–48 hours. Students who are unable to attend live can stay engaged through recordings and continue participating in the Academy at a pace that fits their schedule.
Occasionally, a session may not be recorded due to the nature of the event, but the vast majority of Academy offerings are available for replay.
Where do students access classes and course materials?
Live classes, mentorship sessions, workshops, and other events are held online via Zoom. The Academy itself is hosted within the Cello Realm on Mighty Networks, which serves as the central hub for recordings, course materials, discussions, announcements, event details, and community interaction throughout the year.
What technology do I need?
A stable internet connection and a device capable of running Zoom are the primary requirements for participating in the Academy. Students joining from a computer are encouraged to use the Zoom desktop application for the best experience.
While not required, an external camera and microphone can improve audio and video quality during live sessions. Many students participate successfully using built-in webcams, microphones, and speakers.
What if I join and decide the Academy isn’t the right fit?
We want students to feel confident in their decision to join the Academy. If, within the first 14 days of enrollment, you determine that the program is not the right fit for your needs, you may request a full refund.
Our goal is to create a learning environment that supports long-term musical growth, and we encourage prospective students to reach out with any questions before enrolling.
Please feel free to get in touch: sonya@sonyamatoussova.com.