Kirill Timofeev
About
I am a cellist, composer, and member of the world-renowned Rastrelli Cello Quartett. For over 25 years, I have performed on prestigious international stages including the Berliner Philharmonie, the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, and the Suntory Hall Tokyo. Beyond my concert career, I am the Artistic Director of the Klangsinn Festival in Bavaria, Germany, which explores the musical connections between German and Russian cultural heritage. My solo album "Capricci & Bagatelles" will be released on the renowned German label Genuin Classics, featuring a dialogue between Baroque capricci by Dall'Abaco and my own compositions. I am passionate about sharing my stage experience and musical knowledge with students worldwide – bringing practical, real-world insights into every lesson.
Teaching Style
My teaching combines over 25 years of international stage experience with a personalized, student-centered approach. I focus on sound culture, bow technique, intonation, interpretation, and musical expression – elements that are often neglected in purely theoretical teaching.*
A typical lesson begins with focused technical exercises (scales, etudes, bowing patterns), followed by in-depth work on a piece chosen by the student. I adapt to each student's individual goals – whether you are a beginner discovering the cello, a returning player after a long break, or an advanced student preparing for an orchestral audition or conservatory entrance exam.
As an active orchestral musician, I know the demands and procedures of auditions firsthand and can offer you invaluable practical insights. I also help students overcome stage fright through breath control, mental practice, and visualization strategies – skills I rely on daily as a performer.
*I offer a free 30-minute trial lesson via video – a chance to get to know each other, discuss your goals, and experience my teaching style firsthand.*
Curriculum
My method is built on a practical, real-world approach tailored to each student's level and musical interests. I place special emphasis on:
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Sound Culture & Tone Production – developing a beautiful, resonant cello sound
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Bow Technique & Articulation – building control and expressive possibilities
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Intonation & Finger Technique – precision and reliability in all positions
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Musical Interpretation & Expression – bringing scores to life with meaning and emotion
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Audition & Performance Preparation – practical strategies for success on stage
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Overcoming Stage Fright & Performance Anxiety – I help students build confidence through breath control exercises, positive self-talk, mental practice, and visualization. As an active performer, I know the pressure of the stage firsthand – and I can show you how to channel that energy into a compelling performance.
Recommended etudes and method books (selected individually based on level):
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Beginner to Intermediate: Suzuki Cello School, Dotzauer 113 Etudes, Schroeder Foundation Studies
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Intermediate to Advanced: Popper High School of Cello Playing, Piatti Caprices, Duport Etudes
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Advanced / Conservatory: Grützmacher Etudes, Bach Suites (complete), major concertos (Haydn, Dvořák, Schumann, Elgar, Shostakovich)
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Orchestral Audition Preparation: Excerpts from the standard orchestral repertoire (Beethoven, Brahms, Strauss, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, etc.)
I encourage students to bring their own repertoire or ask for recommendations based on their interests and goals. All materials are selected individually to match each student's unique path.
Credentials & Affiliations
• Member of the Rastrelli Cello Quartett (since 2002)
• Artistic Director, Klangsinn Festival (Bavaria, Germany)
• Solo album "Capricci & Bagatelles" – Genuin Classics (upcoming)
• Performances: Berliner Philharmonie, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Suntory Hall Tokyo
• Studies: St. Petersburg Conservatory (Anatoly Nikitin), Stuttgart (Peter Buck)
• Mentors: Natalia Gutman, David Geringas, Margaret Faultless, Jaap ter Linden
• Collaborations: Gilles Apap, Giora Feidman, The King's Singers, Daniel Schnyder