Our Mission
Our Beginnings
A Program
Every Summer
The International Cello Institute provides an inclusive and nurturing environment for cellists to grow and learn. Cellists are exposed to outstanding teaching, performing, and close-mentoring from experienced faculty. Our program strives to serve students from a variety of socio-economic, racial/ethnic, gender identity, and musical backgrounds. An atmosphere of excellence, coupled with collegiality, is fostered and encouraged.
“I founded the International Cello Institute in the fall of 2010 with the intention of creating a unique program and space for cellists to learn and grow. Most of my ideas for ICI were based upon my life experiences and the consistent and strong mentoring that I received as a young cellist. I felt encouraged to develop a program like this because I have always felt the need to be connected to other cellists. My teacher and mentor, Janos Starker always held his students to a high standard and we were to go out and “Carry The Flag!”
Originally named “Cello, An American Experience”, the program was first designed to invite cello students from around the world to study at a summer program where they could take the time to immerse themselves and have the time to think and learn from others. Now, fifteen years later, with a different name: “International Cello Institute,” we continue to be the only summer music program designed exclusively for cellists here in the United States. We have an exceptional faculty list and our alumni, both faculty and students are considered part of the ICI family forever.”
-Anna Clift
We have come a long way, from ten students from the very first summer of 2010, to inviting twenty five students every summer. Cellists are able to immerse themselves in an intensive learning experience, attend our CelloICI Recital Series, and work closely with master teachers from conservatories and universities all over the world. Students are housed in nearby dorms very close to the music school where most of our activities take place during the day.
Cellists that have attended ICI over the years are students or alumni of every major conservatory and university across the United States, Canada and Europe: Indiana University, New England Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, Rice University, Oberlin, San Francisco Conservatory, UCLA, USC, The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern University. Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Cologne, University of Michigan, Berlin University of the Arts (UdK)
“ICI is incredible for cellists of all ages!”
— Fiona Tsang (USA, ICI 2020)
“ICI has given me practice strategies that I will use for the rest of my life.”
— Ralph Maranon (USA, ICI 2020)
“Highly recommended for all motivated cellists around the world.”
— Mahtab Saadatmand (Iran, ICI 2020)