20 years teaching: posture correction, deep & advanced technique, AMEB & ABRSM exams prep, adults, children & students with special needs.

Find out more about Ilona

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I was about 7 years old when my mom decided to enrol me in violin lessons. The first trial lesson was scheduled for a specific day, hour, and auditorium. When we came for the lesson, there was no violin teacher; instead, there was a cello teacher. We apologized, thinking we had misidentified the audience. The cello teacher invited us inside the classroom so she could demonstrate the instrument. I felt like the cello was too big for me. But after that, the teacher began to play. And the moment I heard this amazing instrument, I fell in love. I like to think it was destiny!

• Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  It is quite difficult to answer this question because I am a professional musician. It gets tiring to keep listening to the same genre or song since I instinctively analyze any music I hear. Beethoven and Erik Satie are two of my favourite composers, while Jacqueline du Pré is my favourite cellist. She was incredibly artistic and had a unique talent. One of the greatest pianists, in my opinion, is Marta Argerich.

• Explain to us the most difficult or 'riveting' lesson you could personally give to one of your students.

  The classes are very varied because I work with adults and children, beginners and advanced cellists. I feel happy when a student likes to practice the cello. I like to see how skills, confidence, and sound quality grow. My job is one of my favourite things to do.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Every musical instrument is challenging in its own unique way, but stringed instruments, particularly the cello, are, in my opinion, the most difficult to learn. The fingers might hurt at first, and you may not know where to put them, and the bow just complicates everything. However, the rich cello sound that arrives later is worth a try.

• What are your keys to success?

  Passion, vision, preparation, courage, perseverance, and integrity.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Martha Argerich is a living legend. Cynthia Erivo is a wonderful singer and actress, and I enjoy listening to her music. Noga Erez is a new and exciting force in popular music.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your musical journey, or your days at 'music school'.

  I'd like to share with you a story from my time at music school. The story happened after I took first place in a regional competition, and it felt awesome. Children who took part in competitions played at a concert put on by our music school. My turn had come. My name and achievements were revealed. I entered the stage with huge confidence since I'm cool, sat on a chair, and prepared. I was going to perform a piece in which the cello begins with a 7-note solo and then the piano comes in. So I get ready, play three notes, forget the fourth, and stop. I have no idea how I managed to forget the very first phrase of the piece of music that won the competition. I began again. Three notes, then stop. I'm baffled. I have to start over, and I get the same result. Then I just get up, bow, and walk off the stage. It was my shortest performance ever. 😀

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I have recently found that one of my students, who has been studying with me for three years, has high-functioning autism. For personal reasons, her mother didn't inform me about it sooner. But what's most intriguing is that I missed it. The girl and I are friends; she does not hide her gaze from me, she asks me questions, and we joke. This is only one of dozens of examples. Teaching is my passion, my favorite thing to do, and one of the best I can do. ❤️