about me
My name is Mizu – I am a cellist, composer, performer, and recording artist. You may be familiar with my solo project MIZU. I create experimental electronic music through self-recorded samples of my cello and other instruments / collected sounds.
I have released several solo albums, perform actively across the world, and compose music for dance, film, and theater. My work has been featured in publications such as Pitchfork, The FADER, The New York Times, NOWNESS Asia, Bandcamp Daily, and New Sounds. My debut album, Distant Intervals, landed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Classical Crossover charts upon its release in 2023. I have performed internationally at Rewire Festival in The Netherlands and LEV Festival in Spain, and been on several headlining US and European tours.
I was trained as a classical cellist at The Juilliard School, where I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I have always been drawn to both the classical repertoire and contemporary / popular music.
my teaching
I have been teaching the cello since I was an early teenager, when my middle school orchestra teacher asked me to help guide a younger cello student. Since then, I have had a great passion for helping others unlock their potential with the instrument.
My aim is to instill and impart a deeply personal relationship to the cello that can last a lifetime - laid down by a solid technical foundation, and developed and nourished through constant musical inspiration and exploration. I do not follow a particular “method”, but rather tailor materials based on the needs and interests of each student.
A few examples:
An adult student with a passion for composition; we learn the foundations of the cello through her own music, as well as arrangements of songs that she is passionate about. We also work on music production techniques together through recordings of her own playing.
A high school student; we work on their school orchestra assignments, focusing on steadiness of rhythm. We also work on arrangements of popular songs that they are passionate about.
A fellow professional musician/recording artist who is eager to learn the instrument and incorporate it into his own performing and recording; we focus on scales/simple pieces to lay down a solid technical foundation, slowly building an expressive toolkit that he can access in his own music making.
rates / scheduling
Once I have received your preliminary information, I will contact you with a quote and schedule a call to discuss a lesson plan that works best. Together, we’ll devise a lesson plan tailored to you (or your child’s) specific learning styles and creative interests.
Consistency is an important part of the development of new skills – so it is important to have regular lessons. I often try to meet students once a week, for a minimum of one-hour. Shorter sessions are recommended for younger students only.
location
I teach mainly out of my studio in Bushwick, Brooklyn – but I am happy to arrange lessons in your home, or online. I often suggest online/in-person hybrids for those who live far away from me.I can also give lessons in your home! I will charge a small transportation fee based on travel time for a student.
faqs
How do I acquire a cello?
There are budget-friendly and convenient rental services available, which I can recommend upon request. Be sure to consider size of the instrument before acquiring! Sometimes purchasing a cello can be most financially feasible in the long-term; however, this should be a careful process. I am always happy to help you search for “your cello” - I can recommend luthiers/instrument shops in NYC, and accompany you in-person throughout the process for a small fee.
What age is appropriate for starting?
While there is no golden answer, it is important to note that private musical lessons take dedication and commitment. For children, a good age to start would be when they show excitement and interest towards music. For adults, it is never too late to start music lessons! I believe music and instrumental skills can be absorbed and enjoyed at any age.
What lesson length would be best?
The lesson length ultimately depends on your learning style - some might prefer to go more in depth and into greater detail during the course of a lesson. I usually will only travel to a student for a 45 minute lesson or longer.
contact
I look forward to meeting you and working together!