Billy Tobenkin is a professional cellist who started learning the cello from scratch at age 25. He is the founder and owner of adultcello.com where he specializes in teaching other adult learners who found the cello later in life. Through his online courses and popular YouTube channel, he has helped thousands of adults realize not only can they start cello, but that beautiful sound is within reach from DAY ONE. His teaching is infused with positivity, humor, and extremely helpful, fun analogies that draw upon his first bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from Cornell University.

Recently, he has written feature articles in The Strad Magazine that explore the psychological landscape of adult learning and how to maximize one’s learning potential (both his article and podcast interview in June of 2022 with The Strad were “Best of 2022”). Along with his freelance work in orchestras, recording sessions, and chamber music concerts, Billy is also cellist and co-founder of Cattus Quartet, with which he has played hundreds of private events and concerts for companies such as Mastercard, Cartier, Amazon, and Louis Vuitton.

His most influential teachers include Ron Leonard and Hans Jensen.