Teaching Testimonials

  • Our son, Kurt Kowar, had his first lesson with Roberto at the age of seven, over ten year ago, when Roberto was teaching young cello students at The Aspen Music Festival. Kurt immediately connected with Roberto who is warm and joyful, while teaching so effectively. When Roberto moved full-time to the valley, after completing his masters degree, Kurt was eager to continue lessons with him. Roberto is a very talented teacher who guides with respect and kindness, while also encouraging each student to reach his highest level of beautiful cello music. Dr. Arundale has helped guide Kurt through the application processes to attend incredible summer cello study programs at Kinhaven, Brevard and the Aspen Music Festival & School. Kurt is now a senior at Aspen High School, and Roberto is assisting with his college applications and try-outs for admission to study cello performance in college. This has been an incredible journey for Kurt, and I know that it has been possible because of Roberto’s support, talent and encouragement.

    —Bonnie K., Parent

  • Roberto has been an incredible instructor, role model, and mentor for our son over the past six years. We are grateful for his patience, kindness, sense of humor, and flexibility with children! From his cello studies, our son has learned discipline and discernment that extends to all areas of his life. In a valley where string musicians are rare, Elliott has a sense of pride, confidence and identity from playing his cello. Our child has bilateral cochlear implants to hear, and Roberto has filled his inner world with the gift of music which is the greatest blessing I can ever imagine! I highly recommend this accomplished musician and instructor to any parent who wants to provide an exceptional musical education to their child.

    —Amy R., Parent

  • Roberto's passion for teaching and playing cello was clear from his first lesson with our son. We felt blessed to get to listen in on many of their sessions together and were always impressed with the way Roberto responded to our son's questions, and how Roberto guided him as he took up each song. Roberto brought a perfect balance of authority and playfulness, allowing our son to be himself and to explore his musicality. He helped our son build confidence as a musician, and inspired him to work hard to gain skills, develop his ear, and grow in his understanding of, and connection with, the instrument. Not only did Roberto provide a role model for how to be a cellist, he was a powerful role model for our son during middle and high school years when having an adult mentor and friend outside the family can help alleviate the social pressures and other stressors that teenagers can feel. The cello became our son's way of expressing himself, and his identity was positively shaped through this journey. We are grateful that Roberto has been a tremendous part of our child's growth and development as a musician and as a human being.

    — Kathryn C., Parent

  • I decided to learn to play cello (my first musical instrument) in my 70s, and was so fortunate to find Roberto. He provided me with the guidance and enthusiastic support that I needed from Day 1. Always 100% attentive to my playing, he applauded and encouraged me when I made it through a piece, and, when I stumbled, he invariably diagnosed the problem and provided a solution, an adjustment, or a practice approach that got me past the hurdle. Roberto adjusted the assignments when I expressed a desire to try a different musical genre; he joined me in a duet when the piece lent itself; and talked about the composition and composer when the opportunity presented itself. I could not have asked for a better mentor and teacher.

    — Julian N., Student

  • I have taken cello lessons from Roberto since the beginning of 2022. Roberto is a wonderful and patient teacher. During lessons he is constantly focused on the bow techniques, pitches and musicality. He listens carefully how a student plays a piece, and then breaks things down to the various steps to be taken for the student to improve. I have watched him with children and adolescents and can testify to his patient and enthusiastic attitude to encourage students to enjoy playing and creating beautiful sounds. Finally, the lessons are fun and time passes so fast because of that. I would be happy to discuss my lessons with any prospective students or parents.

    — Hatef B., Student

  • We can’t say enough about what an inspirational role model Dr. Roberto Arundale is for our daughter. She has been studying and playing cello with him for over 5 years. He continues to support her interests in musical style and cello with every lesson. Dr. Arundale has encouraged our daughter through both solo and ensemble performances. She is more than enthusiastic about performing and playing for our neighbors, at church, as well as the recital opportunities. Dr. Arundale has fostered a love of cello and musical aspirations in our daughter. She was confident in her playing enough to audition for the prestigious and competitive Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. She successfully completed a 3 week program in the summer of 2024. Goals and high standards are a foundation for Dr. Arundale. With that, he has cultivated a joyful environment and commitment to the cello in our daughter. We could not be more proud of her and the cello accomplishments she has achieved with Dr. Arundale as her guide.

    — Kaet S., Parent

  • We have had the pleasure of working with Roberto for over four years and can confidently say he is a talented musician and an extraordinary teacher. Roberto has been an invaluable mentor and friend to our son and family. He has a unique talent for meeting students where they are and elevating their practice to new heights. His ability to communicate effectively and hold my son to a high standard while keeping the learning process enjoyable is truly commendable. We are incredibly grateful to have Roberto in our lives and know we can lean into his support and expertise when our cellist needs that extra push. Thank you, Roberto, for your dedication and guidance.

    — Katie B., Parent

  • I can’t say enough about Mr. Roberto, who has been an incredible cello teacher for my kids, Luca and Olivia. From day one, he has created a nurturing and supportive environment that truly brings out the best in them. His caring and kind approach has not only made learning the cello enjoyable but has also instilled a deep love for music in both of them. Mr. Roberto has a remarkable ability to recognize and promote each child’s unique strengths. He challenges them to grow while celebrating their individual talents. Thanks to his guidance, Luca and Olivia have made significant progress and developed their confidence as musicians. We are so grateful for the positive impact he has had on their musical journey!

    — Samila T., Parent