I’m Olga Redkina, a cellist, teacher, soloist, and artist. I’m located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but I teach students around the world through Skype. My students are of all ages and learning levels. Cello is my passion. I enjoy sharing this passion through performance and teaching cello online. The online format gives students worldwide an opportunity to achieve their dream of playing the cello.
Growing up in Russia, I always loved music. At the age of nine, I auditioned for music school having never played an instrument before. When I went into the audition I intended on auditioning for piano, but the teacher noticed my ear for music and convinced me to audition for cello. The moment I heard the cello during my audition I fell in love with it. I loved the way it felt when I held it. I loved the way it sounded. I couldn’t get enough. I was accepted into the music school and began my cello career.
At 13, I auditioned for the Concentrated Music Study Kazan Special Music School. This was a special boarding school for children gifted in music, comparable to America’s Juilliard. I was one of the few students accepted into the school. My dream was to become a performance artist. This school allowed me to advance my cello technique and learn music theory and history. During this time I was playing with the Kazan Philharmonic Orchestra in Russia. I can remember practicing 8-12 hours a day to catch up with the other students in my classes. This is where I began chipping away at my dream of becoming a soloist.
In 1999, I received an offer to continue my education in the United States. I jumped at this opportunity to further my career. I continued my education at Duquesne University where I earned my Masters in Music and Cello Performance. I also began giving lessons through the school.
Upon arriving in America, I gave private lessons out of my studio and played in several different ensembles including, Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Altoona Symphony Orchestra, and Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra.
Today, I am living my own American dream by sharing my passion through online cello lessons and solo performances.