Tennessee Cello Workshop

See Also: 2012 Tennessee Cello Workshop Brochure | Tennessee Cello Workshop Video

Now in its 15th year, Tennessee Cello Workshop is an extensive three-day exploration and celebration of cello playing and music making. The program consists of a series of master classes, lecture presentations, cello ensemble events, cello competitions, and concerts. The Tennessee Cello Workshop TCW encourages all interested in the cello--professional and pre-professional cellists, amateurs of all ages, young cellists, & cello enthusiasts--to participate. One can participate on a huge variety of levels of proficiency on the instrument. The one unifying characteristic of all registrants is a great love for the cello.

Over the years the TCW has had many of the country's foremost cellist pedagogues on our faculty. This year we are joined by guest artist faculty Carter Enyeart, Sera Smolen, Avi Friedlander, Eli Lara, Dan Allcott, Alicia Randisi-Hooker, Kathleen Bowman, and Kirsten Cassel-Greer as faculty at our workshop.

The first 60 registered cellist participants for the three-day event, as well as the first 30 Suzuki workshop registrants who request to, may perform in a master class at the TCW. Interested cellists may also elect to participate in one of our four cello competitions (including the "uncompetition"). This year we have a special series of presentations on Creative Ability Development, led by Sera Smolen, with a particular emphasis on teacher training. Teachers may receive continuing education certification for this series of events. We round out our activities with concerts, group scale and technique sessions, cello ensemble activities, lectures on cello-related topics, an orchestral excerpts session and sessions for teachers, and the chance to observe the many master classes held throughout the weekend. There is lots of cello playing throughout the weekend.

Finally, the TCW gratefully welcomes and thanks our many sponsors, including the University of Tennessee School of Music, and several highly regarded Violin (read “cello”) Shops. During the weekend workshop participants have the chance to thank representatives from these organizations, as well as shop for music, cellos and accessories, as well as get their bows rehaired. Thanks, sponsors!

I invite you to experience a great weekend of stimulation, growth, and enjoyment communing with our wonderful cello community at the 2013 TCW, this February 15-17 at the University of Tennesse in Knoxville.

-Wesley Baldwin,
Professor of Cello, University of Tennessee
Director, Tennessee Cello Workshop