Teaching

Music and education shape who we become. For Heleen, teaching is about far more than learning to play an instrument. It is about helping people discover who they are, what they are capable of, and giving them the confidence, understanding, and tools to become the best version of themselves.

A highly qualified, inspirational, and passionate teacher, she works with musicians of all ages and levels, teaching cello, chamber music, performance skills, pedagogy, movement, and performance health and wellbeing. Her teaching extends beyond instrumental instruction to developing the physical, mental, and artistic skills that underpin expressive, healthy, and sustainable performance.

Combining artistic, educational, scientific, and technological perspectives, her approach is informed by interdisciplinary research, movement science, and innovative applications of technology, including surface electromyography (SEMG). This integrated understanding helps students learn more effectively, perform with greater freedom and confidence, and develop healthy and sustainable approaches to music-making.

At the heart of her teaching is a fascination with how people learn and transform. She creates a supportive, nurturing environment where students feel inspired, encouraged, challenged, and safe to take risks. Through curiosity, enjoyment, laughter, and a genuine love of learning, she builds confidence by helping students understand not only what to do, but how and why they do it.

Drawing on her experience as performer, researcher, and teacher, she helps students break complexity into manageable steps, make connections between movement, thought, sound, and expression, and develop principles that can be applied far beyond music itself. More important than providing information is helping people learn how to acquire knowledge, think independently, solve problems creatively, and become their own teachers.

For Heleen, the cello is both a means and a metaphor. Through music, students learn to connect with themselves and with others, develop resilience and self-belief, communicate with authenticity, and discover their own voice. Technical development, musical expression, and human growth are therefore never separate goals, but part of the same transformative journey.

There is a saying:

“Change the World – Teach Music.”

But perhaps the greatest power of education lies in helping people change themselves. Through music, people discover abilities they did not know they possessed, develop confidence in who they are and who they might become, and learn to contribute positively to the people and communities around them.

“She has inspired me to be a better musician, cellist, teacher, friend, family member and global citizen.”

“With the cello as her medium, she has given me lessons for life.”

“She brings together the physical, technical, cultural, and scientific in the most compassionate way.”

“Her guidance is unparalleled.”

“A bottomless pit of inspiration.”

“She has completely changed my outlook on music pedagogy and has inspired me to change my career path”

“She is such a passionate and caring teacher. Never had an experience like that before. I am just amazed”.

“With this toolbox that I have been given, there are no limits to my improvement.”

“Easily one of the best teachers I have ever had throughout my education.”

“Her level of knowledge and her ability to productively convey that knowledge has made her a fantastic lecturer to learn from”.

“I now feel inspired to work hard enough as my instrument to someday be a teacher as kind and knowledgeable as Heleen.”

“Dr Du Plessis has been a dedicated and inspiring supervisor. She has both supported and challenged me throughout the project.”

“Her tuition has been outstanding, inspiring and has changed my life.”

“Through her philosophy on movement and muscle exercises, to no longer experience pain when I play the cello.”

“Her level of expertise in academia, performance and community service, allows her to provide me with advice and guidance for my cello studies and life as a musician”.

“Her approach allows the students to evolve and grow in multiple areas of life!”

“Heleen’s teaching transcends simply the mechanics of playing the cello”.

“She develops students with conspicuous success and strengthens each one individually to achieve fine results.”
– Prof. Terence Dennis, University of Otago

“Of course they are inspired by her playing. But perhaps more importantly, I see her students learning to enjoy the process of music-making and developing enquiring minds.”
– Ashley Brown Principal Cellist Auckland Philharmonic

“One encounters different types of music teachers… those who have the gift of transferring information in a way that the student understands and can absorb. Heleen du Plessis is the latter.”
– Soundpost magazine

“One of the finest cello teachers in South Africa and abroad.”
– Dalena Roux Former Cello lecturer University of Stellenbosch

“Her ideas were fresh and effective, achieving results quickly. A highly accomplished cellist and advanced pedagogue.
– Prof. Nicol Viljoen, University of the Freestate

Learn with Heleen

Heleen teaches at the University of Otago and works with musicians of all ages and levels through private tuition, masterclasses, workshops, and online teaching.

Areas of teaching include:

Cello performance
Movement and performance health
Chamber music and ensemble skills
Performance skills
Practice methods and learning strategies
Music performance pedagogy
Cello pedagogy

Whether working with beginners, advanced students, teachers, or professional musicians, her aim is to help people learn more effectively, perform with greater freedom and confidence, and develop skills that extend well beyond music.

To enquire about lessons, workshops, masterclasses, or online learning opportunities, please get in touch via the contact form.

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