Try the first lesson from Cello in 30 Days™
Below is the first full lesson from Cello in 30 Days™.
You’ll see exactly how I guide you step by step — what we focus on, how concepts are introduced, and how the course is structured for adult learners.
What if you had a
beginner blueprint
(tailor made for you, the adult learner)
that enabled you to properly learn technique and fundamentals the right way…
in just 30 MINUTES a day?
(so that you can skip the guesswork, information overload, and having to undo bad habits later)
INTRODUCING
Cello in 30 Days™
A strategically designed 30-lesson self-paced course where I teach you how to practice effectively and build in technique the right way so that you get off to your best start possible.
WHAT IF AN online program COULD actually WORK better FOR YOU?
BECAUSE YOU:
Don’t have time to schedule regular private lessons
Need flexibility that fits real life
Want instruction you can actually trust
That’s exactly where Cello in 30 Days™ comes in…
HERE’S THE TRUTH…
In most online music courses, technique is taught as isolated concepts and exercises, with the expectation that students will figure out how to connect and apply everything on their own.
The result is often confusion, or spending time practicing things the wrong way.
Cello in 30 Days™ was designed to solve this
Concepts and exercises are introduced gradually, lesson to lesson, so you’re guided every time you practice.
Each of the 30 lessons builds directly on the last, giving you a clear, step-by-step path toward a solid foundation — without wondering what to work on next.
While online learning can’t perfectly replicate one-on-one teaching, this organic structure acts like having me beside you…
Helping you focus on what matters, avoid common pitfalls, and keeping your practice on track.
The result?
You practice effectively from day one, building technique the right way at your own pace.
Built specifically for adult learners who are…
✔ Just starting out and want to build technique the right way from the beginning
✔ Largely self-taught and wanting clearer structure and direction
✔ Unsure what to prioritize
✔ Taking lessons but feeling stuck or discouraged
✔ Concerned that progress feels slower than it should
✔ Returning to the cello after a long break, or wanting to revisit fundamentals
A complete learning system for adult learners designed to help you
→ Pull beautiful sounds from your cello
→ Learn and implement an effective practice method
→ Speed up the learning process by breaking down fundamentals into easily digestible steps
→ Feel the excitement of hearing yourself improving day by day
Get access to 30 SEQUENCED LESSONS, 20+ HOURS OF VIDEO, a suite of BONUS CONTENT, and LIVE MONTHLY GUIDANCE
Here’s everything inside Cello in 30 Days™
↓
BEGINNER BONUS MODULE:
Module 0: Basics
Prepare Your Area!
Packing and Unpacking Your Equipment
How to Hold the Cello
How to Hold the Bow
Cello Anatomy
How to Tune Your Cello
How to Tape Your Cello
+ 30 core lessons:
MODULE 1:
Intro to left & right hand techniques
(7 videos, ~30 minutes each)
We’re laying the foundation of your cello journey by learning how to pull a beautiful ribbon of sound with the bow, how to play notes with the left hand, and by Day 7, how to put it all together and play a one-octave D Major scale.
IN THIS MODULE YOU’LL LEARN:
The technique of pulling a "straight" bow
How to create a comfortable left hand shape and sink finger weight into the string effectively
How to put the hands together while retaining a great sound
MODULE 2:
Ode to Joy
(7 videos, ~30 minutes each)
We start harnessing the incredible sonic range of the cello by learning a 2-octave C Major scale. We also learn how to slur notes with the bow and how to play Beethoven's famous Ode to Joy melody from his 9th symphony.
IN THIS MODULE YOU’LL LEARN:
Bow hold finger flexibility exercises
How to slur notes on the same bow stroke
Learn C Major scale (2 octaves)
Learn Beethoven's Ode to Joy (using my practice methodology to speed up the learning process)
Recital Video: Play Ode to Joy along with my accompaniment
MODULE 3:
Extensions and an étude by Kummer
(7 videos, ~30 minutes each)
We expand our left hand capability by learning how to comfortably and safely play left hand extensions. With this added range of notes now within reach, we learn a one octave B flat major scale (which uses 2 extensions). We also learn a hauntingly beautiful étude by Kummer.
IN THIS MODULE YOU’LL LEARN:
How to comfortably open up the left hand to play left hand extensions
How to play a B flat major scale with beautiful sound
Kummer étude: Learning to play with a beautiful tone in a concise, step-by-step manner
Recital Video: Play Kummer along with my accompaniment
MODULE 4:
The Last Rose of Summer
(9 videos, ~30 minutes each)
In this very exciting final ‘week’ of 9 days, we learn 4th position & how to shift with the left hand between positions. This expanded access to notes of the fingerboard allows us to learn a 2 octave F major scale, and we put shifting, slurs, and our sound production tools to use as we learn the Irish folk melody, The Last Rose of Summer.
IN THIS MODULE YOU’LL LEARN
How to find and play notes in 4th position, the left thumb's role, the left hand spacing.
How to shift between 1st and 4th position, left arm principles and what to do with the bow
How to play a 2 octave F Major Scale
Last Rose of Summer, which calls upon putting together all the techniques we learned
Recital Video: Play Last Rose of Summer along with my accompaniment
+ BONUSES
#1. Live monthly masterclasses
VALUE: $1200+
Every month, you’ll be invited to attend a live, hour-long Zoom masterclass hosted by myself and attended by your fellow students. These sessions are completely optional, so you can drop in whenever it’s helpful and skip them when life gets busy.
Inside these sessions, you can:
👉 Ask questions
👉 Get direct feedback on your playing
👉 Check your progress and course-correct early
👉 Learn from the questions and experiences of other adult learners
Can’t attend live?
You can pre-submit questions ahead of time and watch the full replay later.
As you continue your cello journey, these masterclasses provide ongoing guidance, accountability, and personalized support.
This is included as part of the Cello in 30 Days™ community, at no additional cost.
#2: Mastering Smooth Bow Changes (mini-course)
VALUE: $350
4 in-depth videos focused entirely on one of the most frustrating (and transformational) aspects of bow technique.
Inside this mini-course, you’ll learn:
• The one guiding principle that demystifies smooth bow changes
• How to use collé to build the finger flexibility required for seamless direction changes
• A clear, step-by-step breakdown of the “paintbrush” technique
This bonus is designed to complement Cello in 30 Days™ by deepening your bow control and sound quality as your technique develops.
#3: Music theory primer
VALUE: $250
A clear, no-overwhelm foundation for understanding what you’re playing. .
Inside this concise, practical primer, you’ll learn the essentials that make everything else click:
• Music Theory Quick Start - A big-picture overview of how music works, including key signatures, time signatures, scales, and note values — explained in a way that actually makes sense.
• How to Read Music: Note Identification - Strengthen your fluency reading music.
• Interval Theory & Training - Understand how notes relate to one another, helping with intonation and pattern recog
#4: (More) Lower neck positions
VALUE: $250
A focused mini-series designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in 2nd, 3rd and half positions.
Complete with a printable handout with clear anchors for finding positions.
What if life gets in the way and I can’t keep up?
You’ll receive lifetime access to the course + all future updates at no extra cost.
You can move through the course at your own pace — slow down when you need to, revisit lessons anytime, or take breaks without falling behind.
There’s no pressure to ‘finish’ the course by a certain time.
With the full lesson progression, ongoing support, and included bonuses, everything you need is in one place — clearly laid out, approachable, and designed specifically for adult learners.
WHAT PAST STUDENTS ARE SAYING
ELODIE PINEL | ★★★★★
“I would have probably abandoned, if not for this class.”
SEAN OWENS | ★★★★★
“I just completed day 4 and found myself mesmerized by the sounds I was making…”
Want to see exactly what the course looks like inside?
Here’s a quick walkthrough of the lessons and course platform:
Let’s recap -
HERE’S EVERYTHING THAT AWAITS YOU WHEN YOU ENROLL TODAY:
20+ HOURS OF ON-DEMAND VIDEO CONTENT
30 Sequential Lessons
+ WEEK 0 Beginner Bonus Module
+ Recital Videos
$4500 VALUE
ONGOING SUPPORT
Live Monthly Masterclasses
Plus all replays from previous masterclasses
$1200+ VALUE
DOWNLOADABLE MUSIC + MATERIALS
6 Study Guides
Printable packets containing sheet music, definitions and exercises explained for further study off the cello.
$80 VALUE
BONUS BUNDLE
Smooth Bow Changes
Music Theory Primer
(More) Lower Neck Positions
$1200 VALUE
Lifetime access plus all future updates
INVALUABLE!
Total value of Cello in 30 Days™: $6980
BUT RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN ENROLL FOR A JUST FRACTION OF THAT…
What I want more than anything is to help adult learners like YOU become confident cellists with all the exercises, tools and support I wish I’d had when I started out.
No more winging it or feeling uncertain about whether you’re on the right track.
Cello in 30 Days™: Choose your enrollment option
Pay in Full
Cello in 30 Days™
$797
Best value
- Instant lifetime access
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
Payment Plan
Cello in 30 Days™
4 × $225 USD
Most flexible plan
- Instant lifetime access
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
* Or save up to $400 with the 2-course Bundle
The BUNDLE is the ultimate 60-lesson sequence to get your best start on cello AND further develop bow arm technique
Pay in Full
The 2-Course Bundle
Includes 2 full courses: Cello in 30 Days™ + Bow Arm Bootcamp™
$1,894 $1,490
Save $400 with pay-in-full and bundle pricing
- Instant lifetime access to both courses
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
Payment Plan
The 2-Course Bundle
Includes 2 full courses: Cello in 30 Days™ + Bow Arm Bootcamp™
7 × $240 USD
Most flexible plan
- Instant lifetime access to both courses
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
DIVE IN AND EXPERIENCE THE METHOD FOR YOURSELF
7-Day Money Back Guarantee
I want you to feel absolutely confident in your decision to join Cello in 30 Days™ (or the 2-Course Bundle). That’s why your enrollment is protected by a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Watch the lessons, follow the exercises, and experience the method for yourself.
If within 7 days you’ve given it an honest try and feel it’s not the right fit, simply reach out and fill out a short feedback questionnaire — I’ll refund your purchase in full.
Full terms are outlined in the Terms & Conditions.
CURIOUS ABOUT THE 2-COURSE BUNDLE?
This special offer combines Cello in 30 Days™ with my next level “201” program, Bow Arm Bootcamp™ — giving you both in one complete package
LOOKING AHEAD….
Ready to take your sound even further?
If you’ve ever wished you could consistently pull a richer, more beautiful tone from your cello —
but your bow arm still feels tense, uneven, or unpredictable — you’re not alone.
That’s exactly where Bow Arm Bootcamp™ comes in.
Bow Arm Bootcamp™ is designed to build on the foundation you establish in Cello in 30 Days™, guiding you step by step through the mechanics of a comfortable, reliable, tension-free bow arm.
So instead of hoping your sound shows up on a good day, you’ll understand how to create it intentionally — every time you play.
Bow Arm Bootcamp™ Core Curriculum
30 LESSONS
MODULE 1
Beautiful Sound Mechanics
7 VIDEO LESSONS, ~30 MINUTES EACH
MODULE 2
Seamless String Crossings
7 VIDEO LESSONS, ~30 MINUTES EACH
MODULE 3
Fast Playing
7 VIDEO LESSONS, ~30 MINUTES EACH
MODULE 4
Bow Distribution, Musicality, and Shifting
9 VIDEO LESSONS, ~30 MINUTES EACH
+ EXTRAS
LIVE Monthly Masterclass Participation
Note-by-Note Support:
Two optional videos where I walk you through the notes of Bach’s G Major Prelude and Mendelssohn’s On Wings of Song to support you as you work through these excerpts in the core lessons.4 Study Guides
HOW DO CELLO IN 30 DAYS™ & BOW ARM BOOTCAMP™ STACK UP?
My Bow Arm Bootcamp™ is the perfect next step in your cello journey.
And it’s a course that you can come back to again and again as you advance further along.
Bow Arm Bootcamp™ modules + bonuses —
18+ HOURS OF ON-DEMAND VIDEO CONTENT
30 sequential lessons
Organized into 4 modules: Beautiful Sound Mechanics | Seamless String Crossings | Fast Playing | Bow Distribution, Musicality, and Shifting
($4500 VALUE)
BONUS
Live Q&A Masterclasses
Every month, I will be available via Zoom to answer your questions, troubleshoot your roadblocks, and give constructive feedback on your playing.
($1200+)
4 Study Guides
($80 VALUE)
BONUS 60-minute MINI-COURSE
Smooth Bow Changes
($350 VALUE)
Access to ALL past/future masterclass video replays
($1500 VALUE)
TOTAL VALUE OF BOW ARM BOOTCAMP™ = $7030
The 2-Course Bundle gives you access to both complete courses — every lesson and every bonus from Cello in 30 Days™ and Bow Arm Bootcamp™ (plus up to $400 off).
FAQs
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Right away! You’ll have instant access to all course materials and can start the first lesson the moment you enroll.
-
You’ll have lifetime access to Cello in 30 Days™.
Once you enroll, the full course and all future updates are yours for as long as the program exists.
Think of it as a long-term investment in your progress — something you can return to again and again as your playing evolves.v
-
Cello in 30 Days™ is the ultimate beginner level course for adult learners.
It’s what I would call the “101” course for adult learners who are either in the beginning stages of their journeys or coming back to it after a break.
In Cello in 30 Days™, you will learn basic setup, cello anatomy, and how to hold your cello and bow. I’ll introduce pizzicato and bowing, slurs, left hand extensions, and shifting, as well.
In terms of the left hand, we cover all the lower neck positions up to 4th position.
Even adult learners who have taken lessons and had prior instruction have benefited from taking this course if feel they need help with the fundamentals.
What type of student is ideal for this course?
Goal-oriented students — While each lesson builds step-by-step, weekly milestones create tangible progress that will keep you motivated.
Students who are motivated but need flexibility and/or structure — Many adults find it difficult to schedule time for regular in-person lessons.
Cello in 30 Days™ provides the structure and needed flexibility to take a lesson day or night while sticking to a prescribed program.
-
Yes, if you are not currently satisfied with your progress and/or feel like you need to learn (or re-learn) the fundamentals.
-
Truthfully, this part is up to you.
You can choose to complete a lesson a day and finish in 30 days, or progress through the course at a more moderate pace by doubling or tripling up on each lesson. At that pace, I’d suggest setting aside 2-4 hours per week to follow along with the lessons and complete your own practice.
At just 30-40 minutes in length, it's easy to fit in meaningful time on the cello most days of the week. And because I have designed each lesson to build upon the last, you'll always be making progress and moving forward.
And honestly, life just gets in the way sometimes. With lifetime access, you can return and start back up right where you left off.
-
Tech-wise, you only need two things to complete the course successfully:
A solid internet connection.
A laptop, desktop computer, or iPad/tablet to stream the course content.
Other than that, just your cello and cello bow (+ rosin). Accessories like a music stand and rock stop are highly recommended.
All sheet music is provided in the course as pdf files to print or download onto your computer or tablet.
And even if you don't have your cello and cello bow yet, you can get started by viewing the week zero videos and bonus music theory video to get a head start.
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All the video content within the course is pre-recorded and on-demand for you to watch day or night. This is not a 1-on-1 private teaching program.
However, I will be available on a monthly basis to answer your questions + give constructive feedback on playing clips you submit during our live Q&A Masterclass calls.
Also, keep in mind that because my private teaching studio is full, enrolling in my course is truly the best and only way to study with me.
-
Yes, I want you to be 100% satisfied with the course.
You’ll have 7 days to explore Cello in 30 Days™ and decide if it’s right for you.
If it’s not a fit, just email me within that window to request a refund.
I’ll send a short exit questionnaire — it only takes a few minutes and helps me learn how to make the experience even better for adult learners like you.
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Not at all — you won’t miss a thing.
Your access to the course never expires, so you can begin whenever it fits your schedule.
If you join now, you’ll lock in the current promotional price and bonuses, and everything will be waiting when you’re ready to dive in.
-
Lifetime access applies to the self-paced pre-recorded course materials. Live masterclasses are offered on an ongoing basis and may evolve over time.
-
Yes, click here to enroll.
Email me at billy@adultcello.com if you are interested in a payment plan.
Cello in 30 Days™: Choose your enrollment option
Pay in Full
Cello in 30 Days™
$797
Best value
- Instant lifetime access
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
Payment Plan
Cello in 30 Days™
4 × $225 USD
Most flexible plan
- Instant lifetime access
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
* Or save up to $400 with the 2-course Bundle
The BUNDLE is the ultimate 60-lesson sequence to get your best start on cello AND further develop bow arm technique
Pay in Full
The 2-Course Bundle
Includes 2 full courses: Cello in 30 Days™ + Bow Arm Bootcamp™
$1,894 $1,490
Save $400 with pay-in-full and bundle pricing
- Instant lifetime access to both courses
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
Payment Plan
The 2-Course Bundle
Includes 2 full courses: Cello in 30 Days™ + Bow Arm Bootcamp™
7 × $240 USD
Most flexible plan
- Instant lifetime access to both courses
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Meet Billy -
Hi there!
If we haven’t officially met or connected online, I’m Billy Tobenkin. I started my cello journey at age 25 and am now a professional cellist, online educator, and expert in teaching adult learners.
I am proud to say that 1000+ students have successfully started and progressed in their cello journeys with my online courses, Cello in 30 Days™ and Bow Arm Bootcamp™.
Although I’m serious about your success, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves along the way. My teaching is infused with positivity, a little bit of humor, and (so I’ve been told) REALLY helpful, fun analogies (this is where my earlier degree in Creative Writing from Cornell University comes in handy).
For adult learners, I’ve found that a good analogy can instantly unlock the kind of understanding that leads to those precious “a-ha” moments.
MY PASSION?
Helping adults realize not only that they can start cello, but that beautiful sound is within reach from DAY ONE.
Why I created Cello in 30 Days™
When it came to my cello journey, I did everything by the book:
✔ Weekly private lessons
✔ Daily practice
✔ A progression through etude books, scales, arpeggios, more and more difficult repertoire.
But nonetheless I found myself having to rebuild my technique completely after 2.5 years and literally thousands of hours of practice.
Because the start of my journey was focused on being able to play more and more pieces…NOT on building ergonomic, healthy habits regarding technique.
I could play an entire Bach suite but my bow grip felt like it was carved out of granite.
Thus started a years-long journey of rebuilding technique and unlearning bad habits. I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say it was easy…
There was a lot of trial and error, searching for the right instruction, and tailoring what I’d learned to make sense for me, the adult learner.
But that’s why I’m so passionate about handing over everything I’ve learned to others adults starting their cello journeys.
[So why go it alone?]
Ready to finally express yourself with the beautiful, rich tones of the cello?
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?
You’ve thought about learning the cello in the past but once you got down to the realities of actually finding an instrument and a teacher you felt overwhelmed and unsure.
You worry about adding in-person cello lessons to your already busy schedule that can change at the drop of a hat.
You are a little bit of a perfectionist and worry that you won’t be able to progress enough to keep up motivation since (unlike a kid) you can’t (and don’t want to) practice for hours and hours every day.
LOOKING AHEAD …
Imagine creating the very sounds that drew you to the cello in the first place.
Imagine the excitement of hearing yourself literally improving day by day.
Imagine looking back a year from now and feeling so incredibly grateful that you decided to become a cellist.
IN THE WORDS OF PAST STUDENTS
"Billy's style of teaching is very unique and specifically tailored to adult learners and our intrinsic body/mindset limitations.”
I got much more through his online teaching, than with a regular 1-on-1 teaching with a local teacher who doesn't grasp what I am facing as a 40+ beginner."
ELODIE P | ★★★★★
"I started with an in-person teacher and received no specific feedback. She played along with me and said that I sounded better. I didn't.”
“With this course, sound has greatly improved."
BETTE B | ★★★★★
"Billy has been available and responsive to questions which is important as I think he really cares that the course is working for people.”
“He is not just trying to sell it and move on, he has invested time and effort in his customers and that is quite unusual for web based training."
SARAH C | ★★★★★
"What I like best about Billy’s cello instruction is that he is especially focused on avoiding physical discomfort while learning the instrument.”
“Amazingly, with his guidance, I have had no soreness, stiffness, or discomfort of any kind while working with the cello."
CURTIS S | ★★★★★
Cello in 30 Days™: Choose your enrollment option
Pay in Full
Cello in 30 Days™
$797
Best value
- Instant lifetime access
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
Payment Plan
Cello in 30 Days™
4 × $225 USD
Most flexible plan
- Instant lifetime access
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
* Or save up to $500 with the 2-course Bundle
The BUNDLE is the ultimate 60-lesson sequence to get your best start on cello AND further develop bow arm technique
Pay in Full
The 2-Course Bundle
Includes 2 full courses: Cello in 30 Days™ + Bow Arm Bootcamp™
$1,894 $1,490
Save $400 with pay-in-full and bundle pricing
- Instant lifetime access to both courses
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses
Payment Plan
The 2-Course Bundle
Includes 2 full courses: Cello in 30 Days™ + Bow Arm Bootcamp™
7 × $240 USD
Most flexible plan
- Instant lifetime access to both courses
- All course bonuses included
- Ongoing live monthly masterclasses