Re-defining classic

Strings Magazine

• John Hanifin — cello

Cellist John Hanifin enjoys a diverse musical career. His repertoire spans across centuries and genres, from period-instrument performances of the early baroque to contemporary works and collaborations with singer-songwriters, film-score composers and many more.

John began his study of cello at the age of seven, studying privately with Boris Kogan for nine years. Through his years at Longmeadow High School in Massachusetts he was sponsored by the Five College Early Music Program and studied both cello and viola de gamba. John received scholarships to study during the summers at the Baroque Performance Institute, Western Wind Ensemble and the Viola De Gamba Society of America in different locations around the country. When he was sixteen, John made his conducting debut while in high school in Venice, Italy and upon graduation received the National Orchestra Award.

While an undergraduate at The Boston Conservatory of Music, John was named a Jephson Educational Trust Scholar. Throughout his undergraduate degree, John studied with both Rhonda Rider and Andrew Mark, while making guest appearances in master classes for cellists such as Anner Bylsma. In his Junior year, John debuted as a soloist in a performance at Belcourt Castle in Newport, Rhode Island. Wishing to pursue a career as a conductor, John founded the Eclipse Symphony Orchestra which debuted in Boston in 2009 showcasing soloists including Libor Dudas, Irina Bazik and Cordelia Paw. At conservatory, John received multiple scholarships to summer programs where he was asked to be both assistant coach and cello instructor. John received The Bachelor of Music Degree from The Boston Conservatory of Music in 2010.

In the fall of 2010, John was accepted to and named an Ambassador of the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where he continued his graduate study of cello performance under Mihail Jojatu. Hanifin was awarded The Masters of Music Degree in 2012. 

Following his Masters Degree, John began John Hanifin Band. A group of extremely diverse and talented musicians performing through out the country. While operating John Hanifin Band, John received endorsements from NS Design, D’Addario Strings, Rutman Strings in Boston, MA, Coda Bows & Takamine Guitars. In 2016 John was asked to be a featured soloist in Joel A. Martins “Footsteps of Mandela”.

John continues to perform as a classical and new age soloist and guest artist while operating a private cello studio for Boston area students. Along with coaching cello sections of regional orchestras, it is John’s hope to complete one book of cello etudes, another on cello technique, and a cello concerto, all by 2020.

• John Hanifin on Instagram