Cello Duo is the musical collaboration of Andrea Courchene and Paul Leiner. Currently playing for a variety of events in Orlando, Cello Duo combines the traditional classical standards with recognizable pop covers.
Born in England , Andrea Lauren Courchene began playing the cello at age 3. After an active musical childhood that included studies at the Guildhall School of Music as well as membership in both the National Children's Orchestra and Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra, Andrea immigrated with her family to Pensacola, Florida. At the age of 15, Andrea began performing professionally as a member of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Andrea graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor's degree in cello performance and has continued graduate studies with Emilio Colon at the University of Illinois an d with Brant Taylor at DePaul University. Andrea currently performs with many Orlando area ensembles.
Andrea
teaches privately across the Greater Orlando area. She uses a
combination of traditional and Suzuki techniques and starts many
beginning Cello Students. Read more about Andrea's studio here.
Paul Leiner is quickly gaining recognition as freelancing artist,
teacher, and contractor in the Central Florida area. Paul received his
Bachelor of Music degree in May 2005 from Stetson University
studying with David Bjella. After graduating from Stetson, Paul
accepted the Teaching Assistant position at the University of Illinois,
Urbana-Champaign. Paul taught a studio of undergraduate cellists as
well as studying under master cellist Emilio Colon. Relocating to
Chicago after a year of studies at the U of I, Paul was accepted into
the studio of Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist Brant Taylor at the
DePaul University School of Music. Mr. Leiner received his Master's
Degree from DePaul in 2008. During his stay in Chicago, Paul performed with many ensembles including the Chicago Civic Orchestra, the DePaul University Orchestras, and the Millenium Chamber Players.
In Orlando, Paul performs regularly with the Orlando Philharmonic and for a variety of Musical Theatre projects at The Plaza Theatre. In addition to performing, Paul
is the Strings Teacher at Midway Elementary School of the Arts in
Sanford, and teaches private students in Volusia and Seminole counties as well as at Seminole Community College.
He teaches all ages and styles, but specializes with more advanced and
adult students. Read more about Paul's studio here.
