Nisha - Teaches Cello

Nisha has over 30 years of experience playing the cello and has performed across a wide range of musical genres. She studied in Germany with cellist Katrina Sallow and later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2008. As a founding member of Kef, an East European/Balkan music and dance band, Nisha has toured the Pacific Northwest and collaborated with musicians, poets, storytellers, and dancers. Her rich musical background is grounded in classical training, but her performance experience spans diverse styles and settings.
Nisha’s teaching philosophy centers around helping students play the cello with ease, express themselves freely, and develop a lifelong love for music. She is deeply passionate about creating an environment where students not only develop strong technical skills but also feel empowered to discover their own musical voice. Each lesson is personalized to meet the individual needs of the student, whether they are learning for fun, working toward competitions, pursuing professional goals, or using music for therapeutic purposes.
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In her lessons, Nisha emphasizes a balanced approach to learning, focusing on building a solid foundation through body mechanics, technique, and tone production. She believes in fostering a sense of joy and discovery, incorporating ear training, music theory, improvisation, and music appreciation into every session. Her goal is to inspire students to develop the confidence to play music that lights them up, whether it’s a challenging piece, a favorite song, or simply an expression of creativity and emotion.
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Now based in Eugene, Nisha is excited to share her love of the cello with students of all ages and levels, helping them grow into confident musicians and lifelong music lovers.
