Amani Zouehid is a Venezuelan cellist currently based in São Paulo, Brazil. Raised in a vibrant Arabic-Venezuelan family, she discovered the cello at the age of seven through El Sistema, Venezuela's world-renowned music education program. What began as a childhood curiosity quickly grew into a lifelong passion for connecting with people through music.
In 2018, Amani moved to the United States to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at the University of Southern Mississippi. During her studies, she performed with regional orchestras throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, while actively exploring chamber music and collaborative performance. In 2023, she was awarded first place in the William T. Gower Concerto Competition, performing Dvořák's Cello Concerto as soloist with the USM Symphony Orchestra. She has also participated in acclaimed summer festivals including the National Repertory Orchestra, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, and Eastern Music Festival.
Amani earned her Master's degree in Cello Performance from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she served as a Graduate Assistant under the mentorship of cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir. She also completed the Charleston Symphony Orchestra's two-year Inclusion Fellowship, performing orchestral masterworks and chamber repertoire with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra while participating in professional development opportunities, masterclasses, and collaborations with internationally recognized guest artists and conductors.
Now based in São Paulo, Amani continues to perform, teach, and collaborate with musicians across the Americas. Whether on stage or in the studio, she is passionate about creating meaningful musical experiences that inspire curiosity, connection, and artistic growth.
For Inquires: Amanizouehid@gmail.com
Biography
As a teacher, I find immense joy in guiding students of all ages and skill levels, helping them not only develop technical proficiency, but also find their unique voice on the instrument. Whether I’m introducing someone to the joys of a new instrument or nurturing the next generation of musicians, I believe in the power of music to inspire, connect, and elevate.
Teaching Graduate Assistant at CCM
I’m fortunate to serve as a graduate assistant at CCM Prep, where I have the privilege of teaching talented students from the renowned Starling Program. I work closely with these dedicated musicians, guiding them to refine their technique and creative process as well as explore new ways of expressing themselves through the cello.
I also lead the graduate-level cello studio in the absence of the faculty instructor, guiding advanced students through their repertoire, technique, and performance preparation. It’s incredibly rewarding to nurture the next generation of cellists and witness their growth both as musicians and individuals. My teaching philosophy is rooted in encouraging creative exploration and innovative thinking, tailoring my approach to meet each student’s unique needs and helping them express their musical ideas in the most authentic and personal way.
Teaching