I’ve followed the Cello Academy from the beginning and feel very inspired by Ragnhild’s humble and patient approach in the course. The combination of both body and soul is what makes this online course stand out, and the lack of hierarchy makes me feel we’re all a team. Ragnhild is more than a teacher, she’s like a long lost online cello sister! The Cello Academy is the perfect blend of technical skills, personal experiences and Timani knowledge. I highly recommend it to both beginners and more trained amateur cellists.

Gunnhild Wiggen, Norway

I was struggling to motivate myself to practice cello and didn't always know what to do when I did practice anyway. Having the sessions to go through and work through helped me focus on different techniques or things I would usually not work on. It also helped me aim higher than usual, but helpful that there are some different level/beginner/advanced parts so I don't feel pressure to be able to do everything perfectly straight away! It gives me more excitement/joy to practice rather than it being a chore.

Cat Davis, United Kingdom

Ragnhild makes it a point to relate to you, not just as another cellist, but as a person with emotions. While her extensive curriculum is impressive and covers so many bases of actual technique, I was especially impressed by the time she takes with addressing mental and emotional subjects involved with practicing and performing. You can tell that it is important to her that you yourself get through to your core to unleash your full potential. Ragnhild is certainly interested and invested in making you the best cellist, yes..but also the best person you can be. This commitment made me feel welcome and valued, which is certainly a plus!

SJ McDonald, The United States

Playing the cello has been my lifelong dream. When I finally got the opportunity to get started, I was still a little unsure of myself, could I really do it?Finding the Online Cello Academy is one of the best things that has ever happened to me! This course is not just about technical skills, but also mental and physical well-being, and it makes it different from anything else. Ragnhild is an excellent teacher with a big heart and a strong confidence that anyone can achieve their dreams. She really believes in me, and this support has been a huge help to me in building self-confidence to follow my dreams. 

Ilona Junttila, Finland

The Online Cello Academy is a fantastic help in my daily practice routine, with everything from warm-up exercises via how to play different music styles to increasing my understanding on how I use my body to create better sound. The site is easy to navigate and the instructional videos and demos are comprehensible and motivating. The academy has something for everyone, regardless of level! I enjoy Ragnhild’s pep talks and her view on rehearsing; rehearse better, not more, and do what you think is fun!

Marie Østensen, Norway

"I have been a member of Ragnhild's Online Academy for a year now and it has made such a difference! The videos, challenges and lives are a lot of fun but the best part has been the community of other cello players - it feels like a family. I was very anxious when I played in front of others but the weekly practice sessions and regular online recitals have really helped me to be come more confident!"

Aisling McCarthy, New Zealand

"The academy has been wonderful for me. I get support from a great group of cello geeks like myself. It has been wonderful to meet the others in the academy over Zoom. I feel like part of a warm community. I am also slowly letting go of performance anxiety as there are so many opportunities to play for a live audience. It’s helping my confidence. Ragnhild is a talented teacher and gives so much time and cares that we are reaching our goals. The academy has been a wonderful addition to private lessons."

Christine Haaponen Prevost, Finland

"I have been lucky enough to have found the Online Cello Academy and have been an active member inside the Academy for just over a year now. I have learnt so much from the course material which is available to you 24/7, plus new content is added every month. There are also weekly live Zoom classes, Masterclasses and monthly Recitals plus bonus Workshops. Before I joined the Academy I was so nervous at the thought of playing Solo
to an audience I would get terrible anxiety, but since I started participating in the live classes my confidence has improved so much that I am able to perform more relaxed. Ragnhild is an excellent teacher, very patient, encouraging and understands the difficulties of learning to play the Cello at any age. She is a trained in Timani, so we have the benefit of being taught how to sit with the Cello, how the body works, how best to avoid injury plus hand exercises to enhance your Cello playing. I would highly recommend the Academy to Cellists wishing to improve their playing within a very friendly environment."

Jan Bailey, United Kingdom

"My experience thus far with the Online Cello Academy is nothing short of amazing! I am an adult beginner, having decided to learn cello in my retirement. I am so blessed to have found the Academy! In the beginning, I was so nervous to play for others. My heart would pound out of my chest and I wondered if it would ever improve. The good news is, it does get better! However, I know that the Academy, under Ragnhild’s amazing leadership, is responsible for my progress in this area. I have found a worldwide community of friends who practice with me via zoom. I have benefitted from Master Classes with Ragnhild (the most recent one this morning!). The Master Class is a lesson with others watching. They give encouraging feedback, and Ragnhild finds any troublesome spots in the chosen piece and suggests ways to fix them. I have learned so much also from Ragnhild’s extensive library of videos. It is constantly being expanded with new content. There are also Facebook Live workshops on a variety of topics. Ragnhild is always open to requests for ‘challenges’. I have participated in a Suzuki challenge, a Bloch Prayer challenge, a challenge on Elegy, by Faure and a thumb position challenge. In these, Ragnhild teaches a concept or a section of a piece and gives us some homework to practice. At the end of the challenge, we can demonstrate our progress. Finally, we have regular recitals, in which we play for each other and Ragnhild on Zoom. We can choose to participate as a player, or as an audience member. There is never pressure, only encouragement. If you have been wondering whether the premium membership is ‘worth it’, take the plunge! You won’t regret it!"

Tracey Schaufele, Canada