Background
Well known as a Suzuki cello workshop and institute clinician, Avi Friedlander teaches a variety of methods from classical to jazz and rock. Mr. Friedlander is the director of the Barston Suzuki Center at the Music Institute of Chicago, director of the Chicago Suzuki Institute, artistic advisor to the National Cello Institute, a Suzuki teacher trainer, teaches string pedagogy at the University of North Florida and teaches both Suzuki pedagogy and lower string pedagogy at Northwestern University. He holds Masters and Bachelors degrees in cello performance from The University of Michigan and pursued his professional studies degree from The Cleveland Institute of Music. Mr. Friedlander is the former Assistant Principal cellist of the Atlanta Opera, former member of The New World Symphony and former professor of Cello at Emory University in Atlanta. In addition to his own compositions, Mr. Friedlander writes his own arrangements for cello of rock tunes from Jimi Hendrix to Pearl Jam and is the author of his method books, Chopping Around and Pizzing Around, which introduce alternative styles to cellist. In his free time, Mr. Friedlander loves to read, play hockey and spend time with his family. His cello students have gone on to win multiple competitions and have been accepted into numerous music programs around the country. On top of his cello teaching career, Mr. Friedlander is also a level 4 USA Hockey certified coach and coached youth travel hockey for many years. His hockey teams have won numerous medals in tournaments and more recently, an Illinois state championship in 2024.