Barbara Mussafia

Originally from Reims, in the Northeast of France, I began studying the cello at the age of six through private lessons with Karine Drouhin.

I then joined the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Reims in the class of Marc-Didier Thirault. Coming from a family of musicians, I quickly developed a deep appreciation for this artistic world that was opening up to me. Discovering the orchestra and chamber music allowed me to develop my creativity and sensitivity, and nurtured my curiosity throughout my childhood.

In June 2008, I graduated from the conservatory with a First Prize in Cello, awarded unanimously, as well as a First Prize in Chamber Music.

In September 2010, I continued my Bachelor's and Master's studies at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. This experience introduced me more deeply to pedagogy in the arts.

In 2017, I graduated with a Master's degree in Cello Performance and Pedagogy. I decided to remain in Finland to build my professional experience, performing with major Finnish orchestras such as  Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Tapiola Sinfonietta, Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, Lappeenranta City Orchestra, and Lahti Sinfonia.

At the same time, I continued teaching cello through private lessons. My students come from various backgrounds, age groups, and nationalities, each with different goals and ambitions. I teach beginners as young as three, as well as adults who wish to start learning the cello or return to it after a break. However, I noticed recurring challenges among many of my students: difficulty with fluent note reading and a strong sense of rhythm.

In May 2022, enriched by all these experiences, I felt a strong desire to introduce young children to the fundamental principles of music. However, my own memories of learning music theory reflect a difficult period in my life as a young musician. It was a source of stress during my years at the conservatory, with compulsory exams at the end of each cycle.

Fortunately, my deep desire to play the cello was stronger, allowing me to continue and succeed in a path that fascinated me so much. Nevertheless, music theory remains an essential key to truly understanding music.

All of this led me to rethink the way music theory is taught.

How can we introduce young children to the theoretical foundations of music in a joyful and peaceful way?

In August 2022, I decided to further my training with a French pianist and educator recognized, Valerie Sabbah, in the field of early childhood music education. I learned new approaches to teaching music theory to children aged 3 to 10 in a playful and engaging way that was entirely new to me.

Inspired and encouraged to develop my own early childhood music workshops, I began teaching in September 2022 at Jules Verne School. Seeing the children happy and enthusiastic about learning music theory through play confirmed that I was on the right path. I continue to offer weekly sessions at the school, at the French crèche "Club des Cinq," as well as private workshops.

An essential aspect of my life as a performing musician is finding the right balance to manage stress before and during concerts. In June 2018, I discovered meditation and its beneficial effects. This practice quickly became part of my daily routine.

Through meditation, I discovered new sounds that resonated deeply with me — those of Tibetan singing bowls. It felt natural to integrate a moment of relaxation at the end of my music sessions, using the sound of my Tibetan bowl. After a long school day, sound relaxation helps children unwind while discovering the vibrations and resonance of the instrument.

The connection between music education and child development is so close, inspiring, and limitless that it continually encourages me to develop my creativity in order to better support each child.