Christopher Bell
About
Hi, I’m Chris, a professional cello, guitar, and bass teacher based in Des Moines, IA.
Are you struggling to break out of a musical plateau or translate the music in your head into your instrument? Whether you are navigating performance anxiety, battling a rigid technique, or just feeling lost in the practice room, I am here to help you fix it. I bring 20 years of music industry experience directly to your lessons—including performing over 1,100 shows (I even once toured the Erie Canal by canoe from Buffalo to NYC), playing on over 30 studio albums, and composing for films, YouTube series, and podcasts.
Backed by degrees from Full Sail University and additional studies at SUNY Fredonia, I have taught for over 10 years. Because we all learn differently—some visually, some tactilely, some intuitively—I constantly adapt my teaching to your natural learning style. My goal is to help you persevere through challenges, encourage critical thinking, and empower you to cultivate your own unique voice and creative process through play.
Furthermore, your growth doesn't stop when you leave the studio. I supply you with tailored practice routines and clear strategies to eliminate guesswork and accelerate your progress between our lessons.
Want to learn online?
If you are out of town and wish to study with me, just mention "online lessons" in your inquiry. Zoom sessions are just as effective as sitting in the same room, and they give you the ability to record your lessons for easy review later!
If you have any questions, reach out to me anytime. And if you’re ready for lessons, sign up below. I’ll see you in class!
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student is unique, so my process starts with understanding your specific goals, experience, and practice schedule. On day one, the goal is immediate momentum.
To ensure you develop a strong foundation, I generally start everyone on proven curriculums—Suzuki or Essential Elements for cello and Mel Bay or Essential Elements for guitar. We will cover instrumental technique, reading music, and music theory, connecting those core skills directly to the music you are most excited to play.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
College classes and degrees:
Associates of Science: Audio Production from Full Sail University Bachelor of Science: Entertainment Business from Full Sail University Classes in Baroque Counterpoint, Jazz Performance/Theory, and African Drumming from SUNY Fredonia.
Private Lessons
- Cello: 10 years
- Carnatic cello: 5 years
- Drums/percussion: 5 years
Certifications and Continuing Education
- RCM: Grade 8 Music Theory
- Trinity - Grade 5 Music Theory
- Suzuki: Every Child Can
- Music ConstructED: Safety and Inclusivity Training
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$27 for 30 minutes
$38 for 45 minutes
$50 for an hour
How did you get started teaching?
I started by teaching myself guitar when I was just 10 years old. By the time I reached high school, I had hit a wall and was losing motivation.
My high school music teacher, frustrated with my lack of practice, tried a brilliant experiment to light a fire under me: they assigned me to mentor a younger classmate.
It worked perfectly. The responsibility forced me to figure out how to explain the mechanics of music, and in the process, I completely fell in love with teaching.
That experience is exactly why I'm so patient when my own students hit a roadblock—I know firsthand that sometimes you just need a different approach to get unstuck.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with motivated students of all ages, from 9 to 99. You are never too old to begin your musical journey! My studio roster typically includes:
The Ambitious Classical Player: Cello and classical guitar students preparing for ABRSM, Trinity, and RCM exams, or auditioning for high school, college, and All-State orchestras.
The Jazz & Theory Enthusiast: Guitar and bass players looking to unlock the fretboard, dive into jazz chord melodies, understand advanced improvisation, or learn how to write and arrange their own music.
The Modern Rocker & Tone Chaser: Electric players who want to tear down 90s grunge and rock riffs, build solid rhythm techniques, and master the physical mechanics of their gear, pedals, and amps.
The Adult Hobbyist: Adults who have always wanted to play (or are returning after years away) and want a low-pressure environment to finally learn the songs they listen to every day.
The Absolute Beginner: Anyone starting from square one—on cello, guitar, or bass—who wants to build a strong technical foundation the right way, starting with Suzuki, Mel Bay, or Essential Elements.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When looking for a music teacher, look for these three things:
They listen to your goals: They tailor the lessons to your personal tastes rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
They teach the 'Why': They don't just show you how to play a song; they explain the underlying theory and mechanics so you actually understand it.
They are patient with roadblocks: A great teacher will help you untangle your frustrations and find a solution, rather than making you feel bad for hitting a wall.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think about what they like about music, what they want to learn.