Aiden Russell
Cello
Aiden Russell, a cellist originally from Ottawa, Ontario, is a former member of Symphony Nova Scotia and currently performs as a regular substitute cellist with both the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also one of the core cellists of Candlelight Concerts in Edmonton, having previously performed with the series in Halifax before moving west.
Aiden is a core member of the newly formed Marigold Ensemble, which will begin its first season of concerts this year. As a soloist and chamber musician, he has performed recitals as part of the Scotia Festival of Music Chamber Music Series and Inner Space Concerts. Each summer, Aiden returns to Halifax to teach a cello camp for adult students at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts.
Aiden has had the opportunity to learn from many of the world’s elite artists including Marin Alsop, Astrid Schween, Peter Wiley, Steven Doane, Johannes Moser, and Brannon Cho. In 2021, he was awarded 2nd prize in the National Arts Centre Bursary Competition: the Crabtree Foundation Award, which supports a candidate in pursuit of an orchestral career. Aiden is an alumnus of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Bowdoin International Music Festival, the International Cello Institute, the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra Mentorship Program.
Teaching Quote/Philosophy:
I believe young cellists build confidence and musicality by developing good habits from the very beginning.
Understanding rhythm, notes, scales, keys, and musical structure gives children the tools to understand why the music sounds the way it does, rather than simply learning which notes to play.
Lesson Description:
I welcome cellists of all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners taking their first steps on the instrument to advanced students preparing for auditions, competitions, or further musical study. Lessons are offered both from my home studio and at the Winspear Centre.
Education and Certification:
Aiden completed his Graduate Performance Diploma and Masters degree at the Peabody Conservatory of Music under the direction of Alan Stepansky. Prior to this, Aiden completed his Bachelors degree at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University under the direction of Matt Haimovitz.
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Symphony Nova Scotia
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Candlelight Concerts
Marigold Ensemble
Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts.
Student Testimonial:
“Aiden is a superb cello and piano teacher and I can't recommend him highly enough! I have taken cello lessons from him for the past 3 1/2 years. He is knowledgable and enthusiastic and , and keeps the learning environment positive and fun. He definitely has a plan for the lesson (in terms of what points he plans to work on with you) and yet is flexible to change things up if needed. Very student- focussed. He excels as a musician and this comes through in his teaching style. He takes great pride in his students' successes. I can't say enough about him- he would be very suitable for a beginner all the way up to advanced. Highly recommended. Very flexible around scheduling. Works very well with the Zoom format.” - Student
