About Gonca

Gonca is a native of Ankara, Turkey. She started music at an early age, playing recorder, mandolin, and melodica. At age 10, She began concentrating on piano. At age eleven, she was selected to join the Ankara State Conservatory of Music. From this point on she dedicated her life to the cello and piano. Studying and practicing 6 to 8 hours a day, music was her life. She received her bachelor’s degree in music performance from Hacettepe University. She went on to get her Masters in Music at Western Michigan University on a full scholarship.  She is also a certified teacher in the Suzuki music teaching method.  

She has more than 20 years teaching experience in piano and cello. She has taught in universities, high schools, and elementary schools in the US and abroad. She has been an active teacher in her own private studio as well as other music studios around the US. In Tampa, she has taught at Patel Conservatory, Tampa Bay Music Academy, Gaither High School, and Studio 28. Her teaching style include both Suzuki and traditional methods blended to each individual student. She is currently working on her new piano teaching method for younger students based on colors rather than numbers and letters.  

​Gonca has always maintained an active performance career as well. She has played with orchestras, chamber music ensembles, operas, and musical theater around the US and the world, both as a full time and substitute player. She has played professionally in Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, Turkey, Italy, and Japan 

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Autumn by Gonca Huff

I love to visit the mountains in the Fall and take pictures of the local color. I put together this video of my Fall pictures with some of my cello music. Hope you enjoy it.

Children's Album Preview

Gonca is currently working on a new CD of lullabies for children. Watch a preview of her performance of several songs from the CD.

Sample Cello Lesson

Here is a short sample Cello lesson.



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Accolades 

Hillsborough Public Schools

"Ms Huff has been the masterclass cellist for the Gaither High School Orchestras since Fall 2016. In this time, the overall tone production, retention, and fundamental techniques have increased greatly by her expertise on the cello. Ms. Huff has a high level of musical expectation which her students rise to. The entire sound of my three orchestras has changed because of the sound of our lower strings. I can only attribute that to a great teacher. "
- Andrea S
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Florida Studio Theatre

I have had the experience of working with Gonca on a long run of a musical theatre production of "DADDY LONG LEGS" at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.  Her talent paralleled by her professionalism helped to get the musical rehearsed and ready for performance all in less than a week.
She was instrumental in keeping the intonation of the ensemble consistent throughout the eight shows each week. Her spirit, cooperation and collaborative efforts maintained the show effortlessly. 
Gonca Huff was a definite asset to the ensemble. She made my job as Musical Director much easier. I look forward to working with her again.
- Corinne A

University of Alabama

"During the summers, I have had the opportunity to teach some of her young cello students at various music festivals. The students from Ms. Huffs studio are among the best — demonstrating their ability to prepare and focus for their lessons and chamber music classes. Lastly, Gonca's pleasant demeanor sets a wonderful standard for all other professional musicians and students to follow."
- Carlton M