Professional cellist and teacher of 10 years offering engaging cello lessons for all levels!

Learn more about Danijela

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember, even though my parents aren’t artists or academics. As a child, I would listen to CDs on repeat — everything from The Beatles to classical symphonies — until my mum decided to send me to music school. Cello wasn’t exactly love at first sight, but at 15, I developed a strong connection with it, and from that moment, I never looked back. It’s not the typical “started at age 3” musician’s story — but perhaps that’s what makes it mine.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I’ve never believed that genre determines whether music is good or bad — for me, great music transcends labels. My all-time favourites include the symphonies of Sibelius, as well as the works of Brahms and Mahler. Outside the classical world, I deeply admire Oscar Peterson’s artistry, and in the popular sphere, I often return to Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Fleetwood Mac. And every now and then, I’ll listen to George Michael — his voice was truly gorgeous, and some of his songs are just classics loved by so many people.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  It’s difficult to define a single “most challenging” course because every student’s needs and strengths are unique. As someone who truly believes in an individualised approach, I tailor my teaching to each person’s unique story and goals. For some, the biggest challenge may be theoretical understanding; for others, it might be confidence or a specific technical hurdle. Whatever the difficulty, I approach it from multiple angles, breaking it down gradually until it’s mastered. In doing so, we don’t just learn music — we also build confidence, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the instrument.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  It’s hard to name a single “most difficult” instrument, because every instrument has its own challenges, and every musician’s experience is different. From the instruments I’ve tried, I would say string instruments are on another level: achieving a beautiful sound is a challenge in itself, and there’s an entirely separate technique for each hand, all while navigating complex musical demands. That combination makes them particularly demanding, but I have great respect for the unique challenges of every instrument.

• What are your keys to success?

  Success is such a personal concept — it changes over time. What I considered “success” as a teenager is not the same as what I value now, and I suspect it will keep evolving. That said, I believe the keys to achieving any goal are determination, discipline, patience, and resilience. Just as important is having confidence and faith in what you want to achieve, even when the path feels uncertain.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  If I could, I’d love to share a conversation with Oscar Peterson — he seemed extraordinary both as a musician and as a human being. I’d also choose Mstislav Rostropovich, one of the greatest cellists of all time and someone who contributed immensely to the instrument’s repertoire and legacy. Finally, I’d invite Ian Bostridge — I’ve been obsessed with his Schubert albums ever since hearing him live, and I would love to ask him about translating a singer’s technique to the cello. He also seems like he would be fascinating company.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  I have plenty of stories from my early music school days — I was a bit of a mischief-maker. I attended with two childhood friends, and one day, bored in class, we decided to leave early by convincing our teacher that the lesson time was up. While she stepped out for just two minutes — probably to copy some scores for us — we moved the hands on the classroom clock. She returned, glanced at the “time,” and let us go. Looking back, it still makes me laugh… and I suspect she knew all along, but let us have our little victory.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  What I think helps me as a teacher is taking the time to understand each student and finding an approach that suits them. I focus on explaining techniques clearly and paying close attention to small details that can make a big difference, even in online lessons. With this tailored approach, many students notice their progress at a surprisingly fast pace. I aim to keep the process encouraging and supportive so that they feel confident and motivated to play and grow.