My relationship with the violin began at the age of six, sparking a lifelong dedication that saw me turn professional by just twelve years old with a concert debut by “Handel Messiah” Concert.
A passionate pedagogue and performer, Marcella brings a wealth of global experience, technical precision, and creative artistry to her teaching style. Demonstrating her exceptional standard of instructional excellence, she just recently won the prestigious Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod, securing first places in both the Primary and Secondary School programs 2026. This accolade underscores her unique ability to mentor students across all developmental stages, successfully guiding them toward the highest levels of competitive and performance success.
Following years of intensive study under renowned mentors Matt Bruce and Finna Kurniawati, Marcella earned her Master’s Degree in Violin Performance on an Excellence Scholarship from the Australian Institute of Music (AIM). Her extensive global training includes advanced technical masterclasses at the Singapore Violin Festival under some of the world’s finest pedagogues, including Professor Boris Garlitsky from Russia, Professor Moni Simeonov from Bulgaria, Professor XieNan from China, Professor Yin Ke from Singapore, and Gia Jashvili from Georgia.
Marcella’s teaching is directly enriched by her vibrant, active career as a global performer. Known for her incredible versatility, she moves seamlessly between prestigious classical stages and modern, high-profile collaborations. Her career highlights include performing in the G20 Orchestra at the historic Borobudur Temple, as well as collaborating with global icons such as Sam Haywood, Professor Nigel Clayton, and multi-Grammy-winning artist Laufey for a major 2024 video project.
She also serves as a principal champion of cultural diplomacy and world premieres, maintaining a long-standing creative partnership with renowned composer Ananda Sukarlan, which recently included performing “Findolandesia” for the Indonesia-Finland diplomatic anniversary and debuting his Two Australian Songs in Sydney, 2024. She continues to perform Ananda’s music and maintain a good relationship with the composer himself.
As a leader of the Sydney Youth Orchestra, Sydney Concert Orchestra, and Western Sydney Symphony and the founder of Efrata Strings, a platform created in 2024 dedicated to bringing high-quality string music beyond the traditional concert hall; Marcella is deeply committed to shaping the future of the local music scene.
My approach to teaching is built on the belief that technical mastery and artistic expression should develop hand-in-hand, whether you are picking up the instrument for the first time or preparing for a high-stakes exam. I draw from my international training to create a curriculum that is both disciplined and deeply personal.
Having played since early childhood, I place immense value on the principles of aural development. I don’t just teach you how to move your fingers; I teach you how to listen, ensuring your intonation and musicality are professional from the start.
From performing in the G20 Orchestra at Borobudur Temple to my 2024 collaboration with Laufey, my career spans the highest levels of classical and modern music. As a founder of Efrata Strings and a teacher, I understand the “big picture” of musical education, helping students navigate everything from AMEB exams to high-pressure auditions.
Whether you are an adult learner starting your own journey or a parent looking for an experienced mentor for your child, I bring a level of professionalism and empathy that only comes from someone who has lived and breathed music for over twenty years. I offer a structured, encouraging environment where we bridge the gap between technical discipline and pure artistic joy.