Music Lessons in Chicago or Online with
Mathew Arrellín
Looking for private music lessons in Chicago?
Cello (beginners to intermediate) 🎻
Piano (beginners) 🎹
Guitar or Electric Bass (beginners) 🎸
Whether you're a complete beginner or a returning player looking to build confidence and skill, I offer individualized music instruction for students of all ages.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance and a PhD in Music Composition and have years of experience as a music educator and performer. My teaching style focuses on:
Strong fundamentals (posture, tone, intonation, rhythm)
Musical expression and ear training
Reading music and building technique at a steady, encouraging pace
📍 In-Person & Online Lessons
Lessons are available in Chicago or online via Zoom for those outside the city. I welcome:
✅ Young beginners (ages 7+)
✅ Adult beginners and returning players
✅ Students looking for extra support alongside school orchestra programs
🗓 Flexible Scheduling & Trial Lessons
I offer flexible scheduling and a low-cost trial lesson so you can see if we’re a good fit. Lessons are typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on age and level.
Why Study with Me?
Proven experience teaching music to beginners and intermediates
Patient, personalized instruction tailored to each student
Strong background in both performance and composition/music theory
Warm, supportive learning environment
🎶 Ready to Start Your Music Journey?
Whether you're picking up music for the first time or returning after years away, I’d love to help you grow as a musician.
Pricing & Options
🎓 Single Lesson
$125/hr
$65/.5-hour
A focused, deep-dive session to help you get started (or refresh your memory), or simply to help you see if you’re on track.
🎼 Monthly Package (Best Value)
$400/four 1hr lessons $200/four .5-hr lessons
Consistent guidance with weekly lessons to help you grow and refine your musical abilities.
🔥 Trial Lesson (New Students Only)
$50/hr
$25/.5-hr
A one-time discounted session to experience personalized coaching.
About me
Mathew Arrellín (pronounced: A-rre-yín) is a composer and cellist from El Paso, Texas (b. 1993), currently based in Chicago.
His solo, chamber, and orchestral works have been performed by ensembles such as Ensemble Dal Niente, Mivos Quartet, Third Coast Percussion, ~Nois, and others, at festivals including VIPA (2016), June in Buffalo (2018), and the SCI National Conference (2019).
He is a 2023 Barlow Endowment commission recipient and has earned awards from the Illinois Arts Council and Northwestern University, among others.
As an educator, Mathew teaches music theory at Northwestern University and has led courses in composition, aural skills, and interdisciplinary arts. He also teaches masterclasses and private lessons online.
He holds a bachelor’s in music theory, composition, and cello from the University of New Mexico, and a PhD in composition from Northwestern University, where he studied with Jay Alan Yim, Alex Mincek, and Hans Thomalla.
