Julie Munkholm Bruun is a Danish-born cellist, educator, and RYT500 yoga instructor whose career bridges continents, genres, and disciplines. She studied cello performance, pedagogy, and chamber music at The Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus and the Danish National Academy of Music in Odense—Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown. Her principal teachers include Harro Ruijsenaars, Niels Ullner, and Henrik Brendstrup.
In 2002–2003, Julie took a year away from formal studies to deepen her technical foundation through private mentorship with Gert Von Bülow in Rostock, Germany. She has also participated in masterclasses with world-renowned cellists Steven Isserlis and Ralph Kirschbaum, and her passion for teaching has led her across Europe to explore diverse pedagogical approaches.
Julie started teaching in Denmark in 2001, working with students of all ages and levels. She has studied the Suzuki method extensively in Scandinavia (though not formally certified), and trained in the Colorstrings method in London and Helsinki. She has taught using Colorstrings for many years and helped translate and tailor its materials for Danish students, contributing to its implementation across Denmark. Her pedagogical background also includes classic conservatory methods, and she conducted an in-depth analysis of master teacher approaches during the Manchester Cello Festival in 2007. In Denmark, she participated in Music Mind Games workshops, learning to teach music theory in a creative and playful way.
As a performer, Julie is known for her versatility and collaborative spirit. She has performed in Denmark, Sweden, Italy, and the USA, with a repertoire that spans classical, rock, and crossover genres. Her collaborations include work with award-winning pianist Mookie Lee Menuhin, multi-Grammy-winning composer Perry Stenbäck, and Danish pianist/composer Jonas Frederik.
“One word sums her up: extraordinary. Julie is a professional musician with a heart of gold. Whatever Julie does, she does it exceptionally. Having played plenty of concerts together I could not have wished for a better partner in music.”
— Jonas Frederik, Danish composer and pianist
From 2001–2006, Julie was a member of the crossover/world-music ensemble Laila & Symfobia, and she has recorded with artists such as Tina Dickow, Western Stars, and the legendary Bent Fabricius Bjerre.
Julie has maintained a thriving cello studio in Round Rock, Texas for the past three years, where she teaches students of all ages and levels. Her teaching style is creative, encouraging, and tailored to each student’s unique learning style. She believes in meeting students where they are, building confidence through trust, and helping them discover the joy of music through multi-angle instruction that sticks.
“Julie made playing fun again. She was amazing at motivating me in a good and respectful manner, without making me feel bad about making mistakes. Julie made me love playing again, and I am her forever thankful.”
— Laura Holm Skyum, cello student at the Danish National Academy of Music, Folk Music
Julie has taught solo lessons, group classes, cello ensembles, chamber music, string orchestra, and “music and movement” for toddlers and young children. Many of her former students from Denmark have gone on to study at music academies and pursue successful careers as professional musicians—a testament to her thoughtful and inspiring approach to teaching.
“I met Julie Munkholm Bruun for the first time in 2006 where I was taking part of the pedagogic teaching program at the Carl Nielsen Academy of Music in Odense. I received lessons from her as part of her education to become a cello teacher. During that time Julie showed an enthusiasm for the subject and the music, that was contagious to the student! She introduced me to musical adventures and colors of sound that became a new adventurous world to me. After that, in 2007-2008, I studied with her at “OrkesterEfterskolen” in Holstebro where she guided me safely and surely towards my audition at MGK (a 3 year preparatory education to the Academy of Music), that started my journey through my own music education in Denmark and Austria. Today I look back at the time we spent together with joy, and I can only thank her for all the help she gave me in that enormously important time for me and my musical development.” ~ Mathilde Helding Facius, Professional Cellist and former student of Julie Munkholm Bruun, Denmark
In addition to her studio work, Julie is an active freelance cellist in the Austin area, performing in a variety of settings and collaborating with local artists across genres.
Julie’s yoga training adds a unique dimension to her teaching. As a certified RYT500 instructor, she brings a deep understanding of anatomy and movement to her cello lessons, helping students play with greater ease, awareness, and physical balance.
