Mannfried was my cello teacher for nearly 10 years from '99 onwards, and it was great to work with him for that time. I'd still be having weekly classes with him if I hadn't moved from the area. His knowledge of the instrument and repetoir is deep and wide ranging. I was able to achieve things I hadn't expected because he encouraged, and required, me to push the boundaries of my comfort zone outwards. Having seen him deliver the Saint Seans concerto as soloist I can also report that he's a talented performer. Service Category: Cello Teacher Year first hired: 1999 (hired more than once) Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value Paul Garner ============================================================== Dear Mannfried, I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users. Details of the Recommendation: "Absolutely Amazing...and I've modestly understated our experience hiring Mannfried Funk! A little over a year ago I contacted Mr. Funk and secured his services for a private concert in Seattle. He was so easy to work with, organized and professional, and I have not even gotten to the talent he brings to his art and craft; his talent is world class as his resume confirms. My wife and I to this day hold in regard our evening enjoying his music as one of the best concerts we have ever heard...and it was simply Mannfried Funk and his Cello, and it was "beautiful" in a word. If you have worked with Mannfried before you know my comments and expressions of appreciation are well deserved and accurate, and if you have not and are considering him for your special event look no further and gift yourself the experience of enjoying Mannfried's art and music first-hand! Thank you again Mannfried for the wonderful evening. If you are reading these comments and would like to discuss further please do not hesitate to contact me....but don't be surprised if I inquire as to the location of your event so that we might hear him again, sooner than later...LOL! Best regards, Rob" Service Category: Cellist...! Year first hired: 2010 Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Good Value read more

I highly recommend Mannfried as a passionate, riveting performance cellist, and a personable, dedicated, attentive, knowledgeable, and patient cello teacher for students of any age. In 2004, being a prior piano student and in my 30s, I decided that I wanted to learn to play the cello because I had played around on one and loved the feeling of the sound coming through the instrument. I saw Mannfried in the phone book, did a phone interview, and subsequently took cello lessons from him for 3 years, until I left Seattle. His patience with wayward adult students who do not practice enough is astounding. Despite my neglect of practice, I continued to learn during lessons and to this day can break out the cello and play a little Bach or Hindemith. He emphasizes a natural, ergonomic method for playing the cello, which was important to me, as body coordination in playing the cello was very awkward compared to the piano. I am also married to a composer and classical music lover, and was amazed at Mannfried's knowledge of music and his ability to choose pieces for me that were easy to play, yet which I found interesting and compelling. Mannfried was previously a member of the Columbian National Orchestra. I have seen him perform the Saint-Saens cello concerto with the Bellevue Symphony and one of his solo performances at an art gallery. Mannfried truly knows how to do justice to music in performance. Both performances were technically impressive and emotionally mesmerizing; I always loved hearing him play. He also plays examples of music during lessons, and these tidbits are worth the price of a lesson. All in all, I found Mannfried to be a consummate musical professional who was also approachable and entertaining as an instructor. I would recommend him as an instructor for cellists of any age or experience level, as well as a solo or ensemble performer. read more

Dear Mannfried, I've written this recommendation of your work to share with the Yelp community. My first comment, "Absolutely Amazing, Perfect"...and I've modestly understated our experience hiring Mannfried Funk! A little over a year ago I contacted Mr. Funk and secured his services for a private concert in Seattle. He was so easy to work with, organized and professional, and I have not even gotten to the talent he brings to his art and craft; his gift is world class as his resume confirms. My wife and I to this day hold in regard our evening enjoying his music as one of the best concerts we have ever heard...and it was simply Mannfried Funk and his Cello, and it was "beautiful" in a word. If you have worked with Mannfried before you know my comments and expressions of appreciation are well deserved and accurate, and if you have not and are considering him for your special event look no further and gift yourself the experience of enjoying Mannfried's art and music first-hand! Thank you again Mannfried for the wonderful evening. If you are reading these comments and would like to discuss further please do not hesitate to contact me....but don't be surprised if I inquire as to the location of your event so that we might hear him again, sooner than later...LOL! Best regards, Rob read more

It was my lucky day when I found Mannfried Funk's website as a cello teacher. My son, a teenager, asked me to find a private teacher so that he could improve his skills enough to join his high school string orchestra. After deserting his cello studies in middle school to learn the guitar and tenor sax, he wanted to return to the cello, and needed a teacher who would be open to many forms of music. Mannfried patiently took the time to teach him his very effective techniques for holding the instrument, visualizing (or hearing) the notes before playing, practicing efficiently, and many more unique methods that are beyond my understanding and ability to describe. Mannfried has a super sense of humor, and is able to communicate the importance of focus and practice to the teenage mind. My son now practices without my nagging, and always looks forward to his lessons. I like what I'm hearing. As a grateful parent, I would give Mannfried Funk the highest recommendation as a cello teacher. Carol O. in Seattle read more

I took lessons from Mannfried for about 2 years as a non-beginner student, which means I was trying to unlearn some bad habits, improve my technique, and become more musical. He has high standards and made me work hard, and guess what? I improved a lot. I also noticed that his adult beginner students were getting really good. Learning the cello as an adult is no small feat, so a good teacher who emphasizes technique and ways of playing that don't stress the body is very important. I wish that Mannfried had been my first teacher - then I wouldn't have had all of my bad habits to unlearn! He's also kind and generous spirited. Definitely check him out if you're looking for a new cello teacher. read more

My 9-year-old son has been studying cello with Mannfried a little over a year after we had to change his cello teacher after two years. Mannfried's approach is very dynamic and unique as previous reviewers described well in their notes. I most appreciate Mannfried in his high expectations on the young student and does not baby him during the lesson. My son has taken a great stride in his cello playing as a result. My son is so lucky to have a teacher like Mannfried at such a young age. I should also mention that he has the cutest dog in the world that loves to cuddle with you during the lesson (if you are a parent who will be accompanying his/her children)! read more

I was in my late 20's when I began cello lessons from scratch. I couldn't even read the bass clef at the time and had no idea how to hold the cello. In 6 months I was able to play (respectably) Bach's prelude in G in recital and from memory. In 1 year, I began playing in adult community orchestras in the greater Seattle area and was playing Brahms Symphony 2 in the cello section. It has been 6-7 years of playing and I have played Beethoven symphony's 1, 6, 7. Tchaik symphonies 4, 5, 6. Being able to make this much progress so quickly is impossible without Mannfried as your instructor. read more