Cello Chat with Host Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb interviewing Joel Bektell

Joel appears on modern and baroque cello and violoncello piccolo as soloist and with ensembles throughout the world. He has been heard as soloist with orchestras including the Austin Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, and the Santa Fe Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, among others. He is co-founder and cellist of the New Mexico-based concert series Movable Sol, and its period instrument companion series BWV. Joel is a member of the Columbus ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and the Santa Fe Symphony. He is the continuo cellist and frequent leader and soloist for the St. John's Bach Project in Albuquerque. He has recorded for the Blue Griffin Records, Revel Records, Marquis Classics, and Parma labels. Joel is an experienced cello teacher and performance and audition coach. In addition to his private studio and summer studios at various festivals, he has traveled widely as a clinician and presenter of master classes. He has been a guest teacher at high schools, universities, and music schools. Joel's private students have been accepted into many prestigious conservatories and universities, and many have gone on to successful careers as professional cellists. Of course many cello students do not aspire to music careers, and Joel enjoys training them as "musical citizens" who enhance their lives and their interactions with others through the enjoyment and understanding of the craft and art of music. He believes that, whatever a player's musical goals, study that includes a logical instrumental technique is an essential foundation for successful and fulfilling music-making. In the time of limited in-person interactions because of COVID safety protocols, Joel has adapted to video lessons, and is now able to teach even outside the geographic region where he lives. He now has students nationally and internationally. Your inquiry is welcome. Joel is a dedicated studio artist specializing in acrylic painting. He has also pursued his abiding interests in photography, writing, ceramics, and radio production. He has been on the staffs of radio stations WBFO and WNED in Buffalo, New York, and has been published as a photographer and writer in a variety of publications, including Strings and Strad magazines. He worked in the musical instrument business for many years. He was co-founder of two violin-family repair and sales shops, and was Vice President of Eastman Strings, one of the world's largest makers and distributors of stringed instruments, bows, and accessories. He has been a consultant for a diverse array of music businesses.

https://joelbecktell.com/