Cello Academy

Cello International Travel Academy was founded by Denis Shapovalov in 2014. Denis travels much giving concerts in different countries, and almost everywhere cellists ask him for lessons after the performance. This idea of a travelling teacher gave birth to the foundation of Cello International Travel Academy. The Academy’s meetings have been held in Russia, Europe, Asia and South America since then.

Denis graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory where he had been studying under Professor Natalia Shakhovskaya. He performed with different orchestras under Mstislav Rostropovich and for 8 years regularly had master-classes with the legendary Maestro. After finishing the post-graduate course at 26, Denis had become a professor of the Cello Department at the Moscow State Conservatory where he worked for 11 years. Starting from 2022/23 – Denis Shapovalov is a professor of the Perosi Academy of Music in Italy.

Since Denis is a versatile musician – soloist, conductor and composer, classical, jazz and rock performer, who has an experience of working in and with orchestras as well as in various chamber ensembles – he pays attention to all aspects of cello performance. He elaborated his own unique teaching method based on an unusual psychological approach which allows the students to reach extraordinary results easily in a short span of time.

Denis is an easygoing and optimistic person; his lessons are noted for informal and friendly atmosphere. His teaching style is full of humor: while working with students he combines Russian, English and Italian languages.
Denis is always happy to meet new friends and he likes giving master-classes because sharing his interesting and useful experience is a part of his mission.  Each Cello International Travel Academy includes not only lessons but also jolly parties with students.

To book lessons and to get more information, please visit CelloTravel.com


“Master was very clear and incisive in what he wanted to teach me, both technical and interpretative, and it was easy for me to immediately put the new knowledge I received into practice.” – Nicholas Stellati, Italy

“Lots of positive energy and inspiration. Great man and an amazing artist who is always looking for better sound. The experience that I will always remember!” – Petar Lazarevich, Montenegro

“Professor is very helpful and shows how to get over difficult parts through delightfull exercises. Work with professor Shapovalov was very pleasant and I hope that we’ll meet again very soon.” – Zvonimir Perkovic, Croatia

Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, Tchaikovsky "Rococo Variations"
Belgrade Music Academy, Dvorak Cello Concerto
"Top secrets from the winner", Dvorak Cello Concerto, Introduction