Warren Oja, Cello Teacher/Freelance Cellist

Warren Oja has been a freelance cellist and private teacher in Chicago for over 10 years. He has helped dozens of students advance in their orchestra programs, get into competitive college programs, and provided enrichment and self improvement opportunities for adult students. Warren has had an adventurous career as a cellist, appearing on America's Got Talent in 2021, and being featured in viral videos published by himself and popular sites, such as Classic FM. The journey of mastering the cello is filled with days of jubilation and days of growing pains. Learning an instrument can be a rich opportunity to develop the emotional intelligence required to persist and overcome psychological roadblocks. Warren stresses the importance of celebrating small triumphs from day to day, not becoming discouraged by the rate of progress we think we should have. Many who commit to learning the cello will not continue as professionals, but the principles of persisting and the pleasure of playing such a beautiful instrument will remain for a lifetime. Warren also plays for public and private events as a cello soloist and with string ensembles. He can play both pop and classical songs.