Cello Lessons
The Peterson School of Music offers cello lessons that nurture talent, confidence, and a love for music. Guided by exceptional teachers, students receive personalized instruction, participate in group classes, and experience the joy of playing in ensembles. Join our supportive community and watch your child grow musically and personally.
Enroll today and start their musical journey!
DIANA & JOEL PETERSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
Our approach
At Peterson School of Music, cello lessons provide an inspiring journey toward musical excellence. Starting as young as 3 years old, our students are guided by world-class teachers who bring a wealth of experience, advanced music degrees, and specialized training.
Every child is given the opportunity to grow from a beginner to an artist, developing both technical skill and expressive musicianship. Beyond individual lessons, students come together in group classes and cello choirs, forming a vibrant community where they collaborate, share their progress, and experience the joy of making music together. This sense of community is a cornerstone of our school’s experience, nurturing not only musicians but also friendships and confidence that last a lifetime.
A GIFTED MUSIC SCHOOL TRADITION
EST. 2008
What to expect
Weekly lessons
15 in the fall semester, 17 in the spring, with holiday breaks included
Summer
lessons
Flexible schedule, with a minimum of six lessons required to retain a spot in the studio
In-person format
While in-person lessons are preferred, remote lessons are available based on teacher discretion
Lesson durations
30, 45, and 60 minutes are common, with extended 75 or 90-minute lessons for advanced students
Studio recitals
Each semester includes a performance opportunity for students to showcase their progress
Who our lessons are for
We offer world-class training for students of all ages and levels, from young beginners to adults—our oldest student is 90!
Most of our programs are designed to support growth from preschool through high school graduation, we provide an integrated pathway for musical and personal development. Every program contributes to our goal of fostering future community leaders, engaged citizens, and passionate musicians.
What students will learn
Students will build a strong foundation toward mastery of the cello. They’ll learn proper posture and instrument positioning, develop a relaxed and effective bow grip, and refine their left hand fingering and intonation.
Through personalized lessons, students will practice scales, improve their hand coordination, and will understand open strings and simple scales. Every lesson is designed to inspire artistry, foster discipline, and cultivate a sense of community.
Lesson costs
Tuition for cello lessons varies depending on the instructor and the length of the lesson. Detailed tuition ranges by department are available here. This allows families to choose the best fit for their needs. The lesson package includes all regular lessons, studio recitals, and group performance opportunities, providing a well-rounded musical education.
Our school’s mission is to help as many students as possible experience the joy of music, regardless of financial constraints. We offer several need-based and merit-based scholarships. We would love to have you apply.
Meet the faculty
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Katherine Baird
With a Master’s in Music emphasizing Kodály education and extensive training in a variety of teaching methods, Katherine Baird brings a holistic and engaging approach to cello and bass instruction. As a soloist, educator, and leader in multiple professional associations, her passion for both music performance and education shines through. Katherine’s dedication to nurturing young musicians is evident in her extensive training and leadership roles within music organizations.
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Anne Francis Bayless
As a member of the internationally renowned Fry Street Quartet and Associate Professor of Cello and Chamber Music at Utah State University, Anne Francis Bayless has a distinguished career in both performance and education. Her early love for chamber music shaped her musical journey, and her experiences at venues like Carnegie Hall and international festivals bring a wealth of expertise to her teaching. Anne’s commitment to fostering a vibrant musical community mirrors her passion for developing well-rounded and inspired musicians.
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Kevin Shumway
A cellist with the Utah Symphony, Kevin Shumway’s journey began in Holladay, Utah, and has led to advanced studies at Northwestern University and the Cleveland Institute of Music. He has trained with renowned cellists, won the Northwestern University School of Music Concerto Competition, and performed as a soloist with the National Repertory Orchestra. Kevin’s background combines high-level performance experience with a deep love for teaching students of all levels.
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Dr. Lauren Posey
Dr. Lauren Posey is the Executive Director of the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute and principal cellist with the Ballet West Orchestra. She teaches at Westminster University, directs the Alaska Cello Intensive, and maintains a private cello studio. Dr. Posey was recognized as one of Utah’s 2024 Forty Under 40 for her contributions to music education and frequently performs in prominent local music series. Her chamber music accolades include winning the 2014 MTNA National String Chamber Music Competition and performing at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Dr. Posey completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at Stony Brook University, where she received the Staller Scholar Award.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to learn more? See further details here, and don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss any additional questions. You can always find us at:
info@petersonschoolofmusic.org
(385) 222-7787
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Signing up for lessons and classes is easy! Go to our new student registration page and fill out the form. You can choose from a variety of programs based on your interests and skill level. We will be in touch with you shortly after the form is completed. If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you in selecting the right program for you or your child.
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We offer a range of programs designed to meet the needs of students at every level of their musical journey:
Conservatory: For serious students who gain admission through audition. Once admitted, students receive a full scholarship for all their classes.
Academy: High-level tuition-based lessons and classes open to students of all ages from the general community. Scholarships are available to help support aspiring musicians.
GRIT Program: Our comprehensive outreach program in Title I schools, bringing high-quality music education to underserved communities.
Young Composers Academy (YCA): Tuition-based Conservatory classes and opportunities that are available to the general public.
Suzuki Program: A part of the Preparatory Program, focused on string students using the renowned Suzuki method.
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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Our school is home to an extraordinary team of faculty members and teachers, all of whom are accomplished musicians and dedicated educators. Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experience and expertise to their teaching, ensuring that students receive top-tier musical instruction. You can learn more about each instructor by visiting our faculty page, where you’ll find bios and details about their areas of specialization.
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To apply to our Conservatory program, students must go through an audition process. This ensures that we select students who are committed to excelling in their musical studies. Information about audition dates and requirements can be found on our Conservatory Admissions page. If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, our admissions team is here to help.
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Your support is vital to the success of our programs and the growth of our students. To make a donation or learn more about the different ways you can contribute, please visit the donate page on our website. Donations go toward scholarships, outreach programs, and other initiatives that make high-quality music education accessible to all.
“We feel lucky to have found this school two years ago. At first, our kids were just in children’s choir, but we later added voice, violin, and piano lessons. All the teachers are top notch!”
Anna Taylor
PSM Parent