Beyond Cello
From Shanti Jayasinha, Head of our Beyond Cello division
Beyond Cello is an online community for adventurous cellists looking to explore musical styles beyond the classical tradition. Shanti Jayasinha is an experienced jazz performer and educator dedicated to expanding the cello’s possibilities through Afro-Cuban and Brazilian grooves, Indian ragas, improvisation, folk traditions, and Jazz.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just beginning your journey into new genres, Beyond Cello will provide inspiration and a supportive community to help you break boundaries and develop your unique voice on the instrument. Join us and discover what you and your cello can truly do!
The curriculum will cover music from Cuba other Latin-American cultures, Indian approaches to phrasing and improvisation, Irish and Scottish folk music, also venturing into some Scandinavian tunes, and Brazilian repertoire, including how to accompany using 3-note chords.
Throughout the first year, a series of online sessions will explore the techniques and repertoire of Cuban music, with worksheets to help you develop your understanding of the genre and build your skills over time.
Workshops will be scheduled one per term in Autumn, Winter and Spring.
The first online session takes place on Sunday 2nd November 2025 @ 11.00am – 1.00pm. All ages and all levels above grade 5 are welcome.
Tickets available from September 15th …watch this space.
About Shanti Jayasinha
Shanti Jayasinha is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and composer who plays all sort of music – Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and other world music from Eastern Europe, Africa, India and China. His main instruments are trumpet and ‘cello.
He was based in London for many years, and he is currently a senior lecturer at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, having spent over 20 years on the staff at CYM in London. He has composed for the ABRSM jazz and classical grades and runs workshops and projects for the Grand Union Orchestra.
