Mauricio Lopez-Chollett is an experienced cellist and educator whose career spans orchestral performance, chamber music, and teaching in both Latin America and the United States. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with academic honors from the Cleveland Institute of Music (1997) and a Master’s Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Michigan (1999). Early in his career he attended the Aspen Music Festival and School and performed with the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado. He also attended the Festival Internacional de Santander in Spain and a chamber music festival in Angoulême, France. From 1999 to 2023 he served as Cello Professor and conductor of the Mozart and Bach orchestras at the Emil Friedman School in Caracas, Venezuela. During this period he was also principal cellist of Virtuosi de Caracas and a member of the Humboldt String Quartet. He was also the cellist of the Academic Piano Trio “Emil Friedman,” performing extensively in chamber music recitals throughout Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and England. Chamber music collaborations with renowned artists include Errolyn Wallen, Alexandre Tharaud, Quatuor Stanislas, and Ensamble Gurrufío, among others. Since relocating to Los Angeles, Lopez has continued an active career as both performer and teacher, working with several music programs while maintaining a private studio. His students have won concerto competitions with regional orchestras and prizes in solo string competitions. He remains active in chamber music while continuing to perform in orchestral and recording projects, including participation in the soundtrack for the documentary A Life in Portraits, about artist Don Bachardy, and a performance of Puccini’s Turandot at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

"Thank you for your teaching, collaboration, and dedication. It has been an incredible journey working together, and I truly value everything I have accomplished

I am a professional cellist and educator who has taught private cello lessons for ten years. I love teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Whether your goals are to play just for fun or to go pro, I will work with you to find an approach that suits your needs!

James has experience teaching all ages in the past (7-85) and works with a system of positive reinforcement and customized goals for each student. He has an Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Cello Performance, and has taught in multiple non profits designed to help the most vulnerable populations in Kansas City. His goal is to help students reach their full potential and discover the beauty of the instrument!

I have been teaching cello since I was first asked in high school (2016) by my director to help out those who needed more attention to keep up with the orchestra. Since then I have amassed immense experience with the instrument for solo works, chamber works, and orchestral works through the University of Houston and freelance work throughout Texas, Louisiana, and California. Music has been at the forefront of my life since I was a teenager and I hope to be able to spread the gift that is music.

Pin-Hsuan (Penny) Chen holds a DMA from Boston University and an MM from the Mannes School of Music. She has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician and toured with the Asian Youth Orchestra. Penny currently teaches at Boston Music Project and Attacca School of Music, specializing in competition preparation, auditions, youth orchestra placements, conservatory admissions, and cello performance for students of all ages and levels.