Irina Pelman’s Music Studio

I am a current adult student of Irina. I played cello and piano for several years and then did not play for close to 30 years. I decided to restart lessons with the goal of playing in an orchestra and chamber music. In four short years I have achieved both those goals and more then I did in the first seven that I played in my youth. I have participated in 6 recitals and I am also playing with the San Francisco Civic Symphony for 2 years now. I also play chamber music with fellow Symphony members. All this would have not been possible without Irina’s expert guidance and encouragement.
Just like others have reviewed. Irina is not an easy instructor. You should be serious about learning the instrument. Your ability is not as important as your willingness to practice and follow her instructions. She knows her instrument well and there is always a reason behind her instruction. Your abilities will progress much faster then with many teachers. I had many music teachers when I was younger and she is at the top of that list. She works very hard to help you play well and understand what she is trying to teach you. She is also very understanding and will customise to your goals. I have many weeks that work and life get in the way of my practicing but there is always forward progress with Irina.
I encourage anyone looking to learn how to play cello for the first time or adults like myself that want to restart after many years away from instrument. You will do well with her as your instructor.

Irina is a great music teacher. She takes her role in your musical career very seriously and you better take your studies with her in the same manner. She is a very nice lady but is there to grow you as a student so you must do your homework or she will call you out on it. I actually had to stop going to her because my parents had so many health issues that I could not keep up my practice and it was a waste of both her time and mine as I could not set aside enough hours to practice each week.
I highly recommend her. She is for the serious musical student only so if you are not fully committed then go try a group class at a local school because Irina will be even more committed than you probably are!

I have been going to Irina for cello lessons for over 4 years and I highly recommend her. I never learned how to play an instrument as a child, so everything was new to me and it was quite difficult. I have made so much progress since I started and have had the opportunity to play in ensembles, duets and solos in recitals. Irina has always been great and really flexible with my busy schedule. She’s a wonderful teacher, very patient and her passion for the cello is very evident.