About Charlotte Winslade
Charlotte has recently re-entered performing life as a solo act on either cello or violin with her own range of styles to entertain and delight audiences. Her one hour solo act for 2026 includes classical, tango, world and pop music, something for everyone!
Charlotte Winslade is available for solo bookings and guest appearances.
Feel free to get in touch to learn more.
Born in Melbourne, Charlotte spent her childhood in North-East NSW and Canberra where the beginnings of a great musical talent were forged. In 1996 Charlotte travelled to Boston, USA to undertake four years of apprenticeship with master-cellist and Casals protégé Bernard Greenhouse. While living in Boston Charlotte performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Artists Ensemble and premiered several works by Composer Clint Edwards.
Early in her career Charlotte represented both Australia and the USA in several international competitions and became one of the foremost cellists of her generation worldwide. She is a cellist in the Casals tradition, embodying all of the technical, interpretational and humanitarian ideals of her cellistic lineage as well as an artistic expression of great conviction and individuality.
Since returning to Australia in 2000, Charlotte has had a profound impact on the musical life of her country. She possesses an inspirational capacity for altruism towards those who seek great musical ideals and boundless determination to cultivate passion and excellence in her field. Charlotte has held positions as Artistic Advisor for the Australian National Eisteddfod Society, Principal Cellist of the Canberra Symphony and Canberra Pops Orchestras, Artistic Director and Concert Master of the Canberra Concerto Orchestra, and founding Director of the ACT Academy of Music, where she now continues after 14years. This Academy’s success has developed consistently, and now hosts the annual ACT Music Competition.
Charlotte has performed as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician to captivated audiences within Australia and abroad, including in USA, New Zealand and Afghanistan. Her love of teaching and consummate skill as a pedagogue are also realised in her devoted and successful studio. Amongst her many soloist appearances, Charlotte has performed the Elgar Cello Concerto twice with Zelman Symphony Orchestra, Dvorak Cello Concerto with the CCO, Beethoven Violin Concerto with the CCO and given many performances of the Bach Double Violin Concerto with various orchestras.
Following some significant personal losses in recent years, Charlotte now resides in Campbell with her two cats Alba and Nivia. She maintains a full studio with ACTAM and continues her role as the Director of the Academy.
Charlotte's Words on Teaching
"Learning to play an instrument can be one of the most rewarding experiences, both for children and adults. It is in many ways a journey of self discovery, an intricate language which allows us to express ourselves with honesty and detail. Choosing a suitable teacher is crucial as they will become your guide and principal source of knowledge for many years. Students must be inspired to absorb information and encouraged to apply their learning through daily practice.
Often I have met students and teachers who believe the study of music to be rather mysterious or requiring innate talent. In my own experience, there are solid techniques and answers which, if well studied, can allow all students to achieve their goals. The pursuit requires us to see our barriers and to find ways through them. The rewards are often as meaningful for personal growth as they are musically.
My own students are wonderfully varied, in age, current ability and ambition. I aim to provide all I can to help each student experience the best that music can offer and I understand that the choice is not mine where that path will go! If I had just one request of my students (and myself) it would be to try not to repeat the same lesson (or the same musicial phrase)! Or said another way... the experience of learning an instrument is not unlike the music itself - we aim for a rich tapestry of history, tradition, discipline, ideas and self expression."
If you are interested in taking lessons with Charlotte please enquire through the ACT Academy of Music, to view the website click here.