Joel Shimada is a dedicated cello teacher whose goal is to inspire confidence, artistry, and joy in every student, whether they’re just beginning or preparing for the stage. Born and raised in the entertainment capital of Las Vegas, Joel began playing the cello at age 11 and quickly found his voice through music. He studied under Dr. Andrew Smith, student of Bernard Greenhouse, while at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, later pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at California Lutheran University with Dr. Yoshika Masuda, student of Ralph Kirshbaum, and then a Master’s at Southern Methodist University, where he currently studies with acclaimed cellist Andrés Diaz. During his studies, Joel has served as the Associate Principal cellist of the California Young Artists Symphony and held the James H. Warsaw Cello Chair of the American Youth Symphony. His passion for learning has taken him across the country, participating in festivals and masterclasses with musicians from the New York Philharmonic, the Escher String Quartet, and more. He’s most inspired by the curiosity of his students, the energy of live performance, and the transformative power of music shared with others.