I’m Topu Lyo, a Tokyo-based cellist, composer, and sound artist. I’ve taught cello for over 15 years—including eight years at Crestwood School in New York—and have worked across live performance, recording, and music for film and television. With my duo Live Footage, I’ve composed music for projects including Netflix’s jeen-yuhs, as well as work for HBO and BET.

At Cello & Sound Studio in Yoyogi Uehara, I offer private cello lessons in English for children, teenagers, and adults—from complete beginners to experienced players.

My approach combines a strong technical foundation with curiosity, creativity, and individual expression. Whether you’re learning your first notes, developing your musicianship, or looking for a new way to explore music, lessons are shaped around your interests and goals.

Learning an instrument is about more than technique. It’s an opportunity to develop concentration, confidence, listening, patience, and a deeper relationship with sound.

We’ll work on the fundamentals of playing while making room for experimentation and discovery. Alongside traditional cello repertoire, students can explore improvisation, composition, and creative ways of making music. My goal is to help each student develop the skills and confidence to become an independent musician at their own pace.

• For Children: Lessons build a foundation in technique, rhythm, listening, and musical expression while encouraging curiosity and enjoyment.
• For Teenagers: Lessons combine technical development and repertoire with improvisation, creative exploration, and a growing sense of artistic identity.
• For Adults: Lessons offer a supportive space to begin learning, reconnect with an instrument, or deepen an existing musical practice.

No previous musical experience is necessary.

All lessons are taught in English.

• International Families & Expats: The studio offers a welcoming, familiar musical environment in English.
• Japanese Families: Lessons provide an authentic opportunity for children to encounter and use English naturally through music, conversation, and creative exploration.

Students do not need to be fluent in English to get started. Communication and instruction adapt to each student’s comfort level, allowing them to develop musically while naturally engaging with the language.

• Technique & Fundamentals: Posture, bowing, intonation, tone production, coordination, rhythm, and effective practice habits.
• Repertoire & Musicianship: Developing musical understanding, interpretation, phrasing, and confidence through pieces suited to your level.
• Improvisation & Creativity: Exploring sound, experimenting with musical ideas, and developing the ability to listen and respond in the moment.
• Composition & Recording: For interested students, we can introduce original songwriting, arranging, and basic recording concepts.

Individual lessons are available in 30-minute and 50-minute sessions. Single lessons are charged at the standard rate, while multi-lesson packages offer savings for regular study.

Lesson Length	Single Lesson	4 Lessons(Save ¥2,000)	8 Lessons(Save ¥8,000)
30 Minutes	¥6,000	¥22,000	¥40,000
50 Minutes	¥10,000	¥38,000	¥72,000

The 4-lesson package saves ¥500 per lesson, and the 8-lesson package saves ¥1,000 per lesson.

• Location: Cello & Sound Studio, Yoyogi Uehara, Tokyo. (A convenient 10-minute walk from Yoyogi-Uehara, Yoyogi-Hachiman, and Yoyogi-Koen stations).
• Language: English (All levels of English proficiency are welcome).
• Format: Private, in-person lessons.
• Instrument: Students bring their own cello. If you do not own an instrument yet, I can assist you with sourcing a rental or purchase option during your consultation.
• Scheduling: Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Not sure where to begin? I offer a free 30-minute consultation (in person or online) to discuss your interests, experience, and goals, and to see if the studio is a good fit for you or your child.

Whether you are a parent exploring options or an adult picking up the cello for the first time, I would love to hear from you.

Get in touch to arrange your consultation:

topulyo@gmail.com
@topu_lyo