11/14/2025
It’s time to sign up for the 2026 Tucson Cello Congress! Registration is now open.
Do you play cello? THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU! No matter your playing level, age, or experience. This annual event brings together all cellists to celebrate, learn, and play together. It is truly a fun day that is designed to leave you loving the cello more than ever. Can’t wait to see you there!
https://astaaz.org/event/tucson-cello-congress/stte
Tucson Cello Congress – American String Teachers Association of Arizona
The Tucson Cello Congress annually unites 100 cellists of all ages and experience levels from across the southwest. This year’s theme centers around the concept of PLAY!: Finding Joy Through Creating Sound. This event is hosted by the University of Arizona and American String Teacher’s Associati...
06/19/2025
Thanks for the introduction and kind words! I am excited to be working with Allegro School of Music.
New cello lesson times now available!
🎵🎵🎶🎵🎵🎶🎵🎵🎶🎵🎵🎶
05/30/2025
New lesson times now available! Check the link below to see pricing and current times.
🎶Learn to play the cello today 🎶
Find Music Lessons - Allegro School of Music and Dance
Michael Santander is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist and dedicated music educator based in Tucson, Arizona. With over 25 years of private cello teaching, he brings his students a wealth of knowledge and passion.
05/30/2025
A great read and such an important way to practice. I had a student ask recently how they could practice while on vacation without their instrument. Mental rehearsal! 🎶
Enjoy "The Power of Mental Rehearsal for Musicians: Unlocking Potential Beyond Physical Rehearsal" by Joanna Latala of Performance Mindset.
"Musicians have long understood the importance of dedicated physical practice in mastering their craft. However, the role of mental practice, a technique that involves rehearsing music and performance mentally without physically engaging with the instrument, is often overlooked. Mental Rehearsal is transformative approach, offering valuable insights into how musicians can harness mental strategies to enhance their skills, optimize practice time, and overcome performance challenges.
This article delves into the principles of mental rehearsal for musicians, its benefits, and actionable strategies for integrating it into daily routines.
What Is Mental Rehearsal
Mental rehearsal involves vividly imagining the sensory experiences of playing an instrument or singing without actual physical engagement. This technique incorporates auditory, visual, and kinesthetic elements, enabling musicians to mentally rehearse the music, fingerings, and expressions. It’s akin to a pianist envisioning their hands gliding over the keys or a violinist mentally hearing the tone of each bow stroke while visualizing finger placements on the fingerboard.
Mental rehearsal is not a substitute but a complement to physical practice. When done effectively, it builds mental clarity, enhances muscle memory, and fosters deeper musical interpretation. It builds self-confidence and significantly enhances the ability to cope under pressure.
Mental will is a muscle that needs exercise, just like the muscles of the body.
— Lynn Jennings featured in The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive by Jim Afremow.
Enhancing Efficiency and Focus
Physical practice can sometimes be inefficient, especially when musicians play mindlessly or repeat mistakes. Mental rehearsal encourages focused, deliberate rehearsal by requiring heightened concentration. Musicians can work on challenging sections..."
Read more: https://hubs.la/Q03pFc9H0
11/13/2021
Cello Congress is happening!
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Tucson Cello Congress – American String Teachers Association of Arizona
The Tucson Cello Congress annually unites 100 cellists of all ages and experience levels from across the southwest. This event is hosted by the University of Arizona and American String Teacher’s Association and features outstanding guest artists, cello ensemble rehearsals, masterclasses, and a yo...
11/05/2021
This cello is a dream come true.
Being only slightly smaller than a standard 4/4, this instrument is INCREDIBLY comfortable to play and sacrifices nothing with its size. Strung with Larsen/Spirocore strings, the highs are rich and full, and the lows are bold and powerful. The hand applied finish is BEAUTIFUL. This is by far my favorite cello in the store. I can’t wait to find this instrument a great home… which may be with me if you don’t hurry.
There is one available now at Instrumental Music Center, Tucson!!!
https://www.imc-az.com/product-page/master-lucienne-7-8-cello
10/19/2021
An awesome Masterclass from Amit Peled this last weekend!