Jo Cole

Professor Jo Cole is a distinguished cellist and Professor at the Royal Academy of Music, University of London. She studied cello at the Academy with Florence Hooton and David Strange, followed by advanced studies with Ralph Kirshbaum. Previously, she served as Deputy Head of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music (2006-2010).

With over 25 years of professional performance experience, Professor Cole specializes in orchestral and chamber repertoire, including period instrument performance. Her career includes principal positions with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, City of London Sinfonia (Co-Principal), and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, collaborating with artists including Isaac Stern, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Yehudi Menuhin.

At the Academy, she integrates extensive performance experience into her pedagogy, emphasizing technical foundation and musical expression. She also serves as an orchestral trainer, chamber music coach, and examiner.