Private Lessons

Cello students attend one lesson and two studio class sessions each week.
Lessons help students to

• Improve and expand their technical foundation on the instrument
• Develop an individual artistic style
• Broaden their understanding of cello literature and performance practice
• Explore and refine the skills needed to be an independent learner 

Studio classes give students opportunities to

• practice performing
• hear varied repertoire
• learn from peers
• work on technique
• engage in a variety of studio related discussions such as practice methods and body awareness.

String Project

The String Project is a unique program within ISU that allows string players to teach aspiring students. This program helps to strengthen educational foundations for the players and for the young teachers. These lessons and workshops focus on posture, note reading, technique & more. More information can be found on The String Project page. 

Suggested Repertoire

The following suggestions are representative of acceptable repertoire for undergraduate admission auditions. You are NOT limited to what is listed. Students should not hesitate to use music similar in nature and difficulty.

Baroque

• Bach, suites
• Vivaldi, sonatas and concerti
• Marcello, sonatas

Classical

• Boccherini, sonatas and concerto
• Breval, sonatas and concerti
• Beethoven, sonatas
• Haydn, concerti

Romantic

• Brahms, sonatas
• Bruch, Kol Nidre
• Faure, short pieces
• Popper, pieces and etudes
• Concerti by Goltermann, Dvorak, Elgar, Saint-Saens

On Campus

• Symphony Orchestra
• ISU Lab Orchestra
• Cello Choir
• ASTA activities
• Annual Popper Concert
• String Area Recitals
• String Chamber Music Recitals
• Redbird Road Concerts
• Master classes with guest artists

Off Campus

• ASTA events
• Redbird Road Concerts
• Peoria Symphony
• Illinois Symphony Orchestra

• Joe Johnson, Principal Cellist, Toronto Symphony
• Bo Li, Cellist, Baltimore Symphony
• Bob Jesselson, Professor, University of South Carolina

• Abby Knoche (MusEd), Hazelwood East Middle and High School Orchestra Director
• Alex Brimkman(B.M., B.M.ed), Director of Middle School Orchestras, District 86, Joliet, iL
• Aryc Lane(M.M. Ed), Director of Orchestras, Reedy High School, TX
• Shannon Schultze(M.M.), Buffalo (NY) Suzuki Strings Teacher
• EunKyoung Son(M.M.), DMA candidate at University of Iowa