“My daughter started cello lesson with Ms. Ragno when she was only 4 years old. She asked to take cello lessons, so we took her to Janelle and didn’t expect that would last since she was so young. To be surprised, she did well and finished over half of Suzuki book 1 in less than a year. Janelle and her husband Andrew are excellent teachers with children. Janelle is very patient, clear and inspiring. Janelle is a fabulous cellist and cello instructor. I would highly recommend her to any kids that want to learn cello.” – Mother of EZ, 4

“My two sons have been taking lessons from Andrew and Janelle.  I have seen them grow musically and in appreciation for their instruments.  KP was in the middle of Suzuki book 1 when he started with Andrew and is now starting to play pieces in Suzuki book 4.  Andrew is sensitive to the learning style and pace of my son and would introduce pieces outside of the Suzuki books that may be of similar levels.  My son has improved steadily in his technique and enjoys playing the more advanced pieces.  

SP started lessons from Janelle to help him with his school orchestra and is completing Suzuki book 3. He really likes Janelle’s pleasant and gentle approach. She makes very good practice notes for him and has a certain expectation for him to work on. I really enjoy talking to Andrew and Janelle about the children’s music and about education in general as I see them bringing up their own young children with the same sensitive and personal approach.” – Mother of KP, 8 and SP, 11

“I have been playing cello for 2 years and once Janelle started teaching me I got instantly better.  I got an “A” in strings at school! Plus Janelle is so nice and positive. We also get to perform in recitals with pianists, and play in group sessions with other cellists.  The most important thing is that she helps me and I am improving in every lesson.” – AL, 11

“My son started learning the cello from Andrew when he was 7 years old. That was 4 years ago, and he has progressed from never having played cello to being a confident cello player. Andrew is a patient, calm and supportive teacher, and is a great teacher for my son. Andrew will take the time to send us recordings to listen to, and he has also been so generous with his time with finding and even transcribing pop songs that my son really wants to learn to play. Andrew and Janelle’s cello recitals happen three times a year, and they are a wonderful way to come together and celebrate the hard work they and their students have done.” – Mother of SH, 10

“Janelle has taken my son from beginner to university music major, and my son has enjoyed every weekly lesson. When he was a beginner, she found many creative ways to help him learn the techniques required. As an advanced student, he benefited greatly from her attention to details. As an added bonus, it was wonderful to occasionally be taught by Janelle’s husband, Andrew, for a different perspective and different emphasis. 

Janelle always teaches with an infectious enthusiasm, and she has prepared my son very well for all his exams, competitions, festivals, and auditions.” – Mother of NK, 18

“My lessons with Janelle Ragno started when I was in Grade 4. At my very first lesson, Janelle offered practical, comprehensive advice which led me to continue lessons with her for the next 8 years, during which she prepared me for numerous cello exams, auditions, and festivals. Lessons are made fun and educational, and through her easygoing yet detail-oriented attitude I have explored a vast range of music and come to have a greater understanding and appreciation of music. Entering the Bachelor of Music Program in Cello Performance next year, I can only say that Janelle has had a profound effect on my musicianship and technique, and that my musical accomplishments could not have been achieved without her constant support and guidance.” – NK, 18

“I’ve had a wonderful 7 years learning with Janelle. She combines personability with professionalism and never fails to spark interest. Overall, Janelle’s teaching style is well balanced and I felt that she understood my strengths and weaknesses as a cellist. I don’t think that I would’ve come this far without her.”- MC, 18