National Summer Cello Institute presents cellist Mike Block

Back by popular demand! Mike Block, the cellist from Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, performs with fellows from the National Summer Cello Institute and Feldenkrais for All Perfomers Workshop.

Mike Block is a pioneering cello player, singer, composer, and educator, hailed by Yo-Yo Ma as the “ideal musician of the 21st century.” Passionate about cross-cultural collaboration through music, Mike is committed to inspiring individuals and connecting communities. At home in a wide range of musical styles, through a multi-genre approach to composition, performance and education, he seeks to inspire audiences and empower musicians to find joy in the full world of music.  Mike Block is known for his invention of the Block Strap, a device that allows cellists to play the instrument over the shoulders, allowing greater movement while playing.

The National Summer Cello Institute offers two intensive weeks combining the principles of somatic education with varied approaches to cello mastery designed to redefine how cellists perform and teach. Participants experience an introduction to Feldenkrais with fellow musicians in the Feldenkrais For All Performers program, and continue in private lessons, master classes and seminars dedicated to expanding artistic freedom.