Welcoming 2026 with Gratitude, Curiosity, and Connection

As we close out another full year and begin preparing for the next, I know how heavy this season can feel. Between finishing concerts, lessons, exams, reflections, and planning ahead, the workload for teachers and musicians often peaks right when we’re most in need of rest. I see you, and I deeply respect the care and energy you continue to give your students during this demanding time.

I’m thrilled to welcome the new year with an exciting lineup of workshop invitations for the first half of 2026. It’s a season that feels especially meaningful to me—one filled with opportunities to learn, teach, travel, and reconnect with colleagues and friends across the globe. I’m deeply grateful for the trust and enthusiasm behind each of these invitations.

At heart, I remain a learner and a cello pedagogy seeker. My passion for teaching cello continually leads me to research, reflect, and refine how we support young musicians in ways that feel natural, musical, and human. Seeing my students continue to thrive and gain recognition reinforces my belief in thoughtful, curiosity-driven pedagogy and long-term development. As this new year begins, I’m excited not only to share this work in person, but also to connect more closely with this newsletter community through exclusive online workshops and conversations created especially for subscribers.

From January through July 2026, I’ll be traveling internationally and teaching online, and I truly hope our paths cross along the way. If you happen to be in any of the cities I’ll be visiting, I would love to reconnect in person.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

January

• January 17
  Beyond the Notes: Musicianship from the Very Start
  CASMEC, Sacramento, CA

• January 20–22
  Cello Pedagogy Course, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

• January 24 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (Online) More about this course, please read my blogpost: Start Smart: First Cello Lessons That Click  CEPIC (Spain, Online)

February

• February 24–28
  Beyond the Notes: Musicianship from the Very Start

  Suzuki Association of the Americas Bi-Annual Conference
  San Francisco

March–April

• March 31 – April 5
  Learning in Motion: Cello Pedagogy for String Teachers and Cello Students
  Mexico City

June–July

• June 11–15
  University of Louisville Suzuki Summer Camp

• June 22–26
  Suzuki Cello Book 2 and Group Class Training
  Greater Washington Suzuki Institute

• June 28 – July 3
  Suzuki Cello Book 2
  North Texas Suzuki Institute

Thank you for being part of this growing community. I look forward to sharing more learning, ideas, and music with you in the coming year—and to welcoming many of you into upcoming online workshops created just for our subscribers.

Warmly,
ShuYi@ScottCelloStudio.com