Testimonials
One and a Half Years of Growth: A Young Cellist’s Musical Journey
Video by Danshan, Studio Parent
I love collaborating with Mary’s students in their studio recitals, performance classes, and recordings for auditions, cello exams, and more. As the studio pianist for over a decade it has been a pleasure to witness the students’ growth and development, as they show such care and dedication to mastering the cello.
Keiko Asakawa-Golden, Studio Pianist
I enjoyed being a teaching assistant for the Junior Cello Choir and I am very grateful for Mary’s dedication and positivity as a teacher. A memorable achievement was preparing for and performing a concerto movement with the Brooklyn Youth Music Project symphony orchestra.
Alva, cello student for 5 years
I studied with Mary for one year, directly following a two year-long break from the instrument. Though I thought I would never play again, I rediscovered my love for cello through her lessons with Mary and improved far more than I imagined I’d be capable of. Mary motivated me to continue playing throughout NYU and beyond. A high point was performing a movement of the Schumann Cello Concerto in A minor Op. 129.
Hana, cello student for one year
During the two years that I studied with Mary, I thoroughly enjoyed my role as her teaching assistant for the Juniors. I successfully auditioned for ISO at Third Street Symphony Orchestra and even had my first paid cello gigs alongside college students at the Brooklyn College Musical Theatre Collective. Through Mary's lessons, I have discovered my love for playing cello, and will attend Bard College as a Music Major
Nico, cello student for 2 years
Mary is a fine cellist and a dedicated teacher. Her cello students attain a high level of performance and she consistently fosters a love for music and the cello. She is a gifted teacher and her students clearly love to play and are motivated to work.
Kelly Howard,
Violinist, Suzuki teacher, and Artistic Director of Brooklyn Youth Music Project
When we first moved to Brooklyn, my daughter was 13 and we were nervous about finding the right cello teacher. We were so lucky to find Mary. She is such a gifted teacher and musician, it was always a pleasure to attend my daughter’s weekly cello lessons. My daughter has made lifelong friendships and connections through her musical community throughout her middle school and high school years, and beyond. I am deeply grateful to Mary for providing such a strong and meaningful guidance in both her musical career and her life.
Jon, studio parent for 5 years
I cherished my time learning the beauty of musicianship, the power of dedication, and the value of community through participating not only in lessons but also Cello Choirs, seminars with guest cellists, and all Studio events. Mary’s brilliant teaching and her studio’s welcoming atmosphere inspired me to come back and volunteer at Studio recitals to support the next generation of cellists, hoping to give back to Mary and the community that brought me so much joy and contributed so much to my growth.
Rachel, cello student for 6 years
I studied cello with Mary for 11 years, starting lessons at age 6 years old on a 1/8 size cello. I have enjoyed playing in the chamber music ensembles, cello choir, soirées and all Studio events. Alongside cello I am passionate about playing electric guitar in a band and attribute my love for guitar to Mary's music teaching, which has taught me to love music.
Kayo, cello student for 11 years
Mary is an exceptionally dedicated teacher and talented musician. I am consistently impressed with her teaching skills. While possessing a very in-depth understanding of cello playing, Mary has a natural ability to clearly communicate concepts and skills with sensitivity, perception and compassion.
Helene Bergman,
Violinist, Suzuki teacher, and regular studio collaborator
In the six years that I've been part of Mary's studio, she has supported me through every step of my cello journey, from my first notes to my first concerto. As I was nearing the end of high school, she helped me prepare a video recording of my recital piece to submit as a supplement for my college applications. Even though I wasn't planning on majoring in music, this allowed me to demonstrate my musical accomplishments and set my application apart.
Ondine, cello student for 6 years
“I loved participating in the many performing opportunities that Mary offered: studio solo recitals, seminars with guest cellists, Soireés, collaborative chamber workshops such as the Holiday Chamber Music Party and Celtic Chamber Music Class.”
Joe, cello student for 7 years
Dr. Robb’s thoughtful, child-centered, patient, and disciplined approach has been a true gift. My son loved his cello lessons with Dr. Robb and progressed beautifully under her mentorship. Her love of teaching shined through every lesson; her students benefit from both her passion and her very clear, detailed instruction.
Rachel, studio parent for 9 years
“I was accepted to Boston Conservatory at Berklee with a full scholarship to study cello (Presidential Scholarship). I am thankful for the comprehensive musical foundation I received from my cello studies with Mary.”
Frederic, Studio Alumn
“A high point of my cello studies with Mary was curating my own solo recital. I loved performing these pieces from the standard concert repertoire in their entirety: Mendelssohn’s Sonata No 1, Cello Suite No. 3 by J. S. Bach and Saint-Saëns Allegro Appassionato.”
Max, cello student for 9 years
Mary Robb is truly the absolute best. Our daughter started with Mary as a complete beginner in 6th grade. Over the past four years, thanks to Mary she has blossomed into a poised and confident cellist. Mary is a gifted and dedicated teacher who brings her warmth, patience, enthusiasm, passion and joyful spirit to every lesson. At the same time, she’s a professional through and through as demonstrated by her communication, planning, and organization. Mary sets high expectations for her students while providing the support and superb instruction they need to progress. Finally, as every recital shows, Mary has the knowledge and know-how to work with students at all levels from the beginner to the very advanced. We are so grateful to Mary for sharing her gifts and spirit with our daughter and family.
Tara, studio parent for 4 years
Brooklyn Cello School students have successfully auditioned for:
Boston Conservatory at Berklee,
Presidential Scholarship
Special Music School High School
& Face The Music
New York Youth Symphony,
Orchestra & Chamber Music
InterSchool Orchestras of New York,
Symphony
The Juilliard School,
Music Advancement Program
Brooklyn Youth Music Project
Overture and Symphony Orchestras, Summer Camp
Lyra Music Festival and Workshop
Summer Sessions
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts,
Music Division
Mark Twain Intermediate School for the Gifted and Talented,
Music Division
Berkeley Youth Orchestra,
Symphony Orchestra
Edward R. Murrow High School,
Strings Program
Mannes Prep Pre-College Program
Harmony Program,
Summer Camp
Summer Arts Institute,
Instrumental Program
Bard College
Music Major
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Performance Grades
Brooklyn College Musical Theatre Collective,
Pit Orchestra
New York State School Music Association
Solo, Ensemble, and All-State
Student Spotlight
Frederic, Alumni
Frederic began studying cello with Mary in 6th grade and following his Studio graduation was awarded the Presidential Scholarship at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee for undergraduate studies in cello performance.
While studying with Mary he was a finalist in the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra concerto competition and was a member of ensembles including InterSchool Orchestras of New York symphony orchestra and Face The Music. In 12th grade he performed Haydn Concerto in C Major as the soloist with the Brooklyn Youth Music Project.
Frederic also enjoyed performing in venues such as Carnegie Hall and Symphony Space in NYC and Aberdeen Music Hall in Scotland, UK. He was a Clement Scholar at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp and also studied in programs such as The Juilliard School Music Advancement Program, Mannes Prep and attended Special Music High School. He hopes to become a professional chamber musician.
Phoebe, Alumni
Phoebe joined the Mary Robb Cello Studio in 8th grade when she moved to Brooklyn from upstate New York.
She participated in all of the studio performances and workshops including the Soirée (by invitation only), Holiday Chamber Music and Celtic Chamber Music Workshops, as well as youth ensembles including the Brooklyn Youth Music Project, where she advanced to principal cellist. Her senior year culminated with her performing Vivaldi Concerto in C major as the soloist.
A determined and diligent student, both musically and academically, Phoebe won a place at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts where she pursues her passions for literature, science, music, and is a lifelong cellist.
Joe, Alumni
Joe began taking cello lessons from Mary when he was in 5th grade. His enthusiasm for the instrument was apparent when he would rent a cello on his summer vacation so he could continue playing while he was abroad.
A talented sportsman in high school, Joe was in demand with many activities and academic commitments, but throughout his school studies he remained committed to the cello and loved playing solo Bach music.
His persistence in practicing the cello throughout these demanding high school years served him well. After graduating, he went on to study politics and international relations at the University of Kent in the UK and continues to make friends through music.
Ondine, Alumni
Ondine joined the Mary Robb Cello Studio when she was in 6th grade when she switched to cello from the violin.
Her mature approach and artistry was noticeable and she became the studio assistant for a studio Holiday Chamber Music collaborative workshop. Ondine’s studious nature and willingness to work hard meant that she was able to perform works from the standard concert repertoire within a short amount of time. She prepared diligently for recitals, studio chamber music events and her school orchestra concerts.
Ondine did not let the switch to online lessons during the 2020 global pandemic stop her progress. During her last semester of her senior year she learned the entire J. S. Bach Suite No. 1. Her dedicated and conscientious character will serve her well at Williams College, where she will continue to pursue her interest in psychology and linguistics and take cello lessons as part of her program.
Max, Alumni
Max started cello lessons when he was 5 years old and studied with Mary for 9 years.
During this time he enjoyed performing in venues such as Carnegie Hall and Symphony Space in NYC as well as Smith College, Sweeney Hall in MA. While in middle school Max curated his own solo recital performing a substantial program of works from the cello concert repertoire in their entirety: Mendelssohn’s Sonata No 1, Cello Suite No. 3 by J. S. Bach and Saint-Saëns Allegro Appassionato.
A dedicated ensemble student, Max successfully auditioned for the New York Youth Symphony orchestra and chamber music programs, InterSchool Orchestras of New York, and the Lyra Music Festival and Workshop summer sessions including Master Classes with Deborah Pae, Astrid Schween and Matthew Zalkind.
Max continues his cello studies in New York City where he is also an accomplished pianist.
