Testimonials and Alumni
Testimonials from Former Students
David Requiro. Winner, Naumberg Competition
“Having the opportunity to study with Mark Churchill was truly a life-changing experience for me. He has the ability to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds, and he is incredibly dedicated to nurturing each and every individual in his studio. For the two years we worked together, I was inspired and motivated in my lessons, and Mark truly sparked a curiosity about finding my musical voice on the instrument. I feel lucky to have had the chance to study with Mark Churchill, and I moved across the country to do so!”
Wendy Law. Soloist and noted teacher
“Studying under Mr. Churchill during my formative years as a cellist was an extraordinary opportunity that shaped my artistic journey. His mentorship instilled discipline, perseverance, and a pursuit of excellence through consistent practice and attention to detail. Beyond technical expertise, he became a guiding light, nurturing my passion for music and instilling a profound sense of purpose. His unwavering belief in my potential and constant encouragement propelled me towards a fulfilling career in music. He emphasized the transformative power of music to make a positive impact on society, a lesson that remains with me to this day. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of studying with Mr. Churchill. I always carry his teachings with me as I strive to make a meaningful contribution to the world of music.”
Tommy Mesa. SPM soloist, First Prize Winner, 2016 Sphinx Competition
“I met Mark Churchill at the Heifetz International Music Institute where he invited me to join his cello class at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts. His guidance and support during those crucial years were essential to my development, which eventually led to my acceptance at Juilliard. This was the first of many steps that helped me establish a career as a solo cellist. Mr. Churchill saw my talent and love for the cello and carefully fostered my development through a balanced approach of both technical skill-building and thoughtful musical interpretation. At a time when the rigor of a musical career was foreign to me and my family, he showed his compassion and care for me in the most difficult moments. I am extremely proud to call him my teacher and mentor, not just during my time at Walnut Hill but throughout my life.”
Alexei Gonzales. Member, New York Philharmonic
“I cannot think of a more devoted educator, teacher and mentor than Mark Churchill. At a time when I was becoming more serious about cello and music, his teachings and guidance were vitally important to my development. He especially taught me structure and discipline in my practicing and playing. He pushed me and challenged me but always with compassion and support. I will be forever grateful to Mark.”
Rainer Crosett. Pierre Fournier Award Winner
“Mark Churchill transformed me from a cello student into a mature young artist. His dedication to young musicians and the broader cause of music education extends far beyond giving weekly lessons, and with him, I learned just how enriching a life in music can be. The thoughtful, passionate approach to musical interpretation he encourages, the fluid, tension-free technical foundations he nurtures, and the curiosity he inspires about other great teachers & artists, one’s peers, recordings, and countless other resources guided me through my crucial teenage years. Mark and his cello studio helped me learn that music doesn’t have to be a stressful zero-sum game: we can all benefit and learn from each others’ breakthroughs and achievements. His signature kindness and calm demeanor combine with a musical integrity and honesty in teaching that instilled in me a deep love of music and cello, a lifelong passion for learning, an intelligent, imaginative discipline in daily practice, and a larger sense of purpose as a citizen-artist that are cornerstones of my personal and artistic life.”
Marina Martins. Brazilian Cellist
“I was a student of Mark Churchill during my formative years as a cellist, and over a decade later Mark continues to be a very important figure in my life as a musician. Not only is he a practical and methodical teacher, but also a deeply generous soul. Mark has dedicated his life to musical humanitarian projects for the young, and with that comes his personal care for his own students. I am originally from Brazil, but during my pursuit of music I have always been drawn back to Mark for advice and guidance. He has always received me and my family with open arms and has done the same for many, many others.”
Michael Tweed-Kent. Feldenkrais Teacher, Conservatorium van Amsterdam
“At a time when I faced enormous physical challenges on the cello, Mark planted a seed of self-care, self-curiosity and self-belief that has carried me to this day. He not only helped me progress technically and find physical ease, he opened me to a holistic view of cello playing that enabled me to find my niche in the music world.”
Dr. Jen Caudle. “America’s Family Doctor”
“Mark Churchill was one of the most important people in my life as a young cellist. I was a Walnut Hill Student and he taught me, guided me and truly paved a way for me. He was one of the most influential teachers I ever had.”
Luna Shyr. Senior Editor/Writer
“Mr. Churchill is one of the most influential teachers and mentors of my life. I was extremely fortunate to study cello with him as a teenager. He instilled in me a lifelong love of music and never gave up trying to help me grow as a musician and human being. Besides his infinite patience at lessons, he created opportunities that included a successful fellowship audition for Aspen Music Festival, studying with his teacher Millie Rosner in California, and helping my family find scholarships so I could travel to Israel and Europe to play chamber music and orchestral performances. These experiences changed my life immeasurably and I am indebted to him for his generosity, dedication, wisdom, tough love, and utmost care. Music is the place I go to nourish my soul, find inspiration and solace, and connect with the divine. Thank you Mr. Churchill!”
Some Other Former Students
Benjamin Adams. Pursuing Master’s degree and Cleveland Institute of Music
Yuri Ahn. Recent Bachelor and Master’s degree graduate of New England Conservatory.
Peter Anderegg. Principal cellist, Phoenix Symphony.
Nan-Cheng Chen. Director, New Asia Chamber Music Society, New York.
Zachary Fung. Pursuing a master’s degree at New England Conservatory.
Solomon Hearn. Pursuing a double major in cello and computer science at Vanderbilt University.
Karen Lee. Leading doctor specializing in fertility.
Nehemiah Richardson. Leading Australian Financial Executive.
Minyung Suh. Pursuing master’s degree at Boston University School of Music.
Rebecca Thornblade. Cello faculty at Wellesley College.
Megan Yip. Pursuing doctoral degree at University of Michigan.