Aaron Minsky or Von Cello (stage name) is a rock cellist. He began his career as a rock guitarist and was influenced by guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Jerry Garcia. During high school he started to transfer his knowledge of rock guitar to the cello, creating a new style of cello playing. He went on to study the cello, obtaining Bachelors and Masters degrees in music performance from the Manhattan School of Music, also studying with professors from Juilliard. He played in the Caracas Philharmonic of Venezuela, and the Virginia Opera. He concertized in diverse settings including Carnegie Hall and CBGBs. Minsky wrote cello etude and string ensemble books combining classical music with popular styles published by Oxford University Press. His music is in the curricula of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, UK, and the American String Teachers Association. He is included in Who's Who in America, and the International Who's Who. He has endorsement deals with the Yamaha and D'Addario corporations. He has recorded several CDs with his band, also known as Von Cello. His music has been heard on the radio internationally. He has performed and been interviewed on Fox and Friends, Good Day New York, and the Joey Reynolds show. His CDs include: "Breaking The Sound Barriers", "Von Cello Rules!", and "Excalibur". His published compositions include: "Ten American Cello Etudes", "Three American Cello Duets", and "Judaic Concert Suite". Minsky continues to bridge the gap between classical and rock music with his latest work; a transcription of songs by the Grateful Dead titled, "Dead Cello".
