Sandra Halleran

Sandra Halleran, cellist, is from Rochester, NY. She is an active freelance musician and cello teacher in the Rochester area. She is currently teaching traditional and Suzuki cello lessons in her own private studio. Her students range in age from 4 to 82 years old. Ms. Halleran is also on the faculty of Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, where she teaches cello and bass lessons. Ms. Halleran uses the Suzuki Method, in collaboration with several other methods, to created well-rounded, knowledgeable, and passionate and musical students. As well-prepared and dedicated players, Ms. Halleran’s students enjoy participating in their school orchestras, pit orchestras, local youth orchestras, chamber music , and outreach events with the Rochester Cello Society.

Ms. Halleran is the founder and Artistic Director of the Rochester Cello Society, a non-profit organization benefiting cellists and lovers of cello music in the Rochester area. The Society was created to inspire a greater connection between cellists, young and old, student and professional. The Society plans cello events throughout the Rochester area, for players and listeners, alike. This is all in the spirit of bringing cellists together and creating positivity in the community. The Society presents events like concerts, masterclasses, cello ensemble reading sessions, and informative classes for children and adults.

Ms. Halleran has performed in orchestras throughout the US. She held principle cello positions with the New World Symphony, the Wheeling Symphony, and the Spoleto Festival Orchestra. She also performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada, the Rochester Broadway Theater League, the Rochester Oratorio Society, the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, and the Greater Rochester Women’s Philharmonic.

Ms. Halleran received her Master of Music degree and Orchestral Studies Diploma from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Steve Doane, Rosemary Elliot, and Kathy Kemp. In addition to her master’s degree, Ms. Halleran holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Rice University, where she studied with Paul Katz. She also received her New York State Teaching Certification from Nazareth College.

Ms. Halleran is also an active chamber musician. She is the director of the professional freelance ensemble, The Marini String Ensemble. They perform at weddings and special events throughout the Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

In her free time, Ms. Halleran enjoys renovating her house, cooking, gardening, and caring for her two cats, Felix and Ruby.