About the Teacher

After his classical training at Manhattan School of Music, Josh, a native of Boston MA, set on a musical path that continues to lead him around the globe. Josh has performed Solo, Chamber and Orchestral music at the Banff Music Festival in Canada, the Pacific Music Festival in Japan, and the Spoletto Music Festival in South Carolina. After playing with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, and in addition to his current full time position with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, he also plays with the Hawaii Opera Theater and as a guest musician with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

Joshua currently plays on A Johann Baptist Schweitzer cello from 1831.  Joshua is a longtime supporter of community music outreach education, and is always looking for fun and creative ways to tie culture, passion, people, and music together. 

In Person Cello Lessons

All in person lessons are weekly at Josh’s studio in Kakaʻako. Please inquire about availability in the form below.

Virtual Lessons
(Zero to Bach in 4 Months)

A Four Month Program that teaches you cello. Begin from the most basic level and finish at an intermediate level. Move at your own pace. Learn how to play the cello all by yourself.

  • Great for beginners, elementary and middle school students.

    -Cover school music/ repertoire

    -Foundational technique

    -Basic music theory and reading

  • Great for intermediate-advanced players, high-school students and adult beginners.

    -Cover school music

    -Audition training- for live auditions as well as providing help with making professional quality videos and recordings

    -Scales; Etudes; Concerto

Virtual Lessons

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Want to learn on your own at home?

“It feels like having a one on one teacher every single day!”

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Testimonials

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“Overhead drone shots add a spiritual dimension to many of the lessons.” -Honolulu Star Advetiser

Featured
Sharon & Naia
Sharon & Naia

“Zero to Bach in four months with Joshua Nakazawa has ignited Naia’s ability, confidence and love for cello. It has allowed us to better support her at home and created a positive learning atmosphere for the whole family. We are extremely grateful to have such an amazing resource available to us.”

Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro

“Itʻs therapeutic and Josh is a great teacher. Heʻs patient and thorough. Heʻs like a doctor with a great bedside manner.”

Kahala
Kahala

“Learning along with Josh is lots of fun! I get to play on my own and take him everywhere on my iPad. Plus he has cool video locations.”

Jordan & Yumi Lautej
Jordan & Yumi Lautej

“The "Zero to Bach in four months" online cello lessons with Joshua Nakazawa have been nothing short of AMAZING! I am proud to testify that in just shy of a month (with no musical background) our 12yr old is not only able to read sheet music but can play a few songs on his own! The luxury of taking the online lessons at your own pace & in your own space is an added bonus. With our son's hectic school & sports schedule, he loves being able to pause & replay lessons as he is progressing. Joshua has really gone out of his way to thoughtfully curate each lesson & with his vast musical experience & amazing Hawaii scenery, each lesson keeps getting better & better. Mahalo Joshua for helping Jacob, grow his love for classical music & especially his love for playing his cello. We highly recommend "Zero to Back in Four Month" to any & all ages!” -Watch Jacob Play Happy Birthday!