Teaching
Personalized Cello Lessons for Lifelong Musicianship
Professional Music Education Studio in Eagle Mountain, Utah
Meet Your Teacher
Meet Your Teacher
Meet Your Teacher
I am a cellist, educator, and the founder of Thrive Music Studio. I specialize in private cello lessons for students of all ages, both in-person and online. My teaching blends nearly 10 years of experience with a warm, supportive approach, drawing on proven methods from my pedagogical training (MM) at the University of Utah and professional performance career.
Whether you’re brand new to the cello or preparing for advanced auditions, I’m here to help! Our studio mission is to empower musicians of all ages to thrive through a fun, pressure-free, and results-driven learning environment. If that sounds like something you're interested in, let's get in touch!
I am a cellist, educator, and the founder of Thrive Music Studio. I specialize in private cello lessons for students of all ages, both in-person and online. My teaching blends nearly 10 years of experience with a warm, supportive approach, drawing on proven methods from my pedagogical training (MM) at the University of Utah and professional performance career.
Group Classes
Join our group classes to make friends, learn collaborative performance skills, and master the art of playing for others!
We hold group classes regularly throughout the year. Students are assigned a group based on their age and experience level.
Join our cello group classes and discover the joy of learning in a supportive community of peers.
Recitals
Studio recitals are a super important part of our musical journey! We hold recitals 3 to 4 times each year, typically in the Spring, at the end of summer, and around Christmas.
Participation is encouraged for all students, as recitals offer a wonderful opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and set new goals for the future.
Our recitals are unforgettable celebrations of musical achievement. From intimate solo performances to collaborative ensembles, each recital is a chance to shine and share your love of music with family and friends.
Master Classes
Masterclasses are exciting studio-wide classes that we hold regularly throughout the year. Masterclasses are offered both online and in-person, and dive into topics that are perfect for students of all ages and skill levels. Past masterclasses have included presentations on practice techniques, instrument care, improvisation, performance strategies, music history, composition, music theory, and more.
I like teaching masterclasses since we don't normally have enough time to cover these topics in our regular lessons!
Expand your musical expertise with our insightful masterclasses led by Kaitlin and other industry professionals. These specialized sessions cover a range of unique topics designed to enhance your skills beyond traditional lessons.
Competitions & Challenges
Each year, our studio does an annual Summer Practicing Challenge where students compete to see who can log the most practice hours. We have our own app where students are able to track practice time and see where they are on the leaderboard in real time!
Students 18 and under also participate in local competitions, such as Cello Federation, each Spring.
Confident Cello Playing Starts Here.
Confident Cello Playing Starts Here.
Hear feedback from a few of my students.
I am a cellist, educator, and the founder of Thrive Music Studio. I specialize in private cello lessons for students of all ages, both in-person and online. My teaching blends nearly 10 years of experience with a warm, supportive approach, drawing on proven methods from my pedagogical training (MM) at the University of Utah and professional performance career.
“From our first conversation, I felt nothing but encouragement and responsiveness to my questions and emails. I really appreciate Kaitlin’s excitement and teaching approach, especially as I am an older client."
- Rick H.
“From our first conversation, I felt nothing but encouragement and responsiveness to my questions and emails. I really appreciate Kaitlin’s excitement and teaching approach, especially as I am an older client."
- Rick H.
“From our first conversation, I felt nothing but encouragement and responsiveness to my questions and emails. I really appreciate Kaitlin’s excitement and teaching approach, especially as I am an older client."
- Rick H.
"Kaitlin is an outstanding cello teacher!! She is cheerful, patient, and encouraging and works with my daughter to set manageable goals and help her process each week. She recognizes and builds on my daughter’s strengths and keeps her progressing along the leading edge of her abilities without overwhelming her. I’m so grateful we found her!"
- Sarah A.
"Kaitlin is an outstanding cello teacher!! She is cheerful, patient, and encouraging and works with my daughter to set manageable goals and help her process each week. She recognizes and builds on my daughter’s strengths and keeps her progressing along the leading edge of her abilities without overwhelming her. I’m so grateful we found her!"
- Sarah A.
"Kaitlin is an outstanding cello teacher!! She is cheerful, patient, and encouraging and works with my daughter to set manageable goals and help her process each week. She recognizes and builds on my daughter’s strengths and keeps her progressing along the leading edge of her abilities without overwhelming her. I’m so grateful we found her!"
- Sarah A.
“Kaitlin was such a dream to work with and we were honored to have her prepare my son for his college cello auditions. She not only knew how to professionally prepare but was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the process. She knew how to highlight his strengths and help improve his weaknesses.”
- Ashleigh R.
“Kaitlin was such a dream to work with and we were honored to have her prepare my son for his college cello auditions. She not only knew how to professionally prepare but was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the process. She knew how to highlight his strengths and help improve his weaknesses.”
- Ashleigh R.
Frequently asked questions
What ages do you teach?
I teach students as young as 5 years old! No matter your age, background, or experience level, I’m confident I can help you learn and enjoy the cello. About half of my studio is comprised of adult learners.
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In the first lesson, I always like to discuss a student's goals with the cello. One person might want to go the classical route and train to study music in college (woohoo!), while another person may have different goals as an adult learner or hobbyist. After we determine what your goals are, we can tailor future lessons to meet those goals.
What music education or training do you have?
I hold both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Cello Performance & Pedagogy from Utah Valley University and the University of Utah, where I studied with professors Cheung Chau, Walter Haman, Pegsoon Whang, and John Eckstein. I’ve also received specialized pedagogical training in the Suzuki, Kodály, Rolland, and Galamian methods. In addition to over 15 years of performance experience, I’ve been teaching cello lessons for about 8 years!
How did you get started playing cello?
I started playing cello just before I entered the 7th grade and instantly fell in love with its deep, gorgeous tone. I had played both piano and classical guitar as a kid, but nothing challenged me quite like the cello did. I begged my parents to let me learn a string instrument so I could join my middle school orchestra. At 11 years old, I picked up a cello for the first time, and I haven’t put it down since!
Is there anything parents and students should know before joining your studio?
Our studio is focused, goal-oriented, and inclusive! My students regularly participate in performance classes, recitals, group classes, and competitions. Many are also involved in youth or community orchestras and dedicate several hours per day to their personal practice. As a teacher, my goal is to help each student thrive as they build confidence, develop strong technical skills, and foster a lifelong love of music… no matter where they might be starting from.
What ages do you teach?
I teach students as young as 5 years old! No matter your age, background, or experience level, I’m confident I can help you learn and enjoy the cello. About half of my studio is comprised of adult learners.
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In the first lesson, I always like to discuss a student's goals with the cello. One person might want to go the classical route and train to study music in college (woohoo!), while another person may have different goals as an adult learner or hobbyist. After we determine what your goals are, we can tailor future lessons to meet those goals.
What music education or training do you have?
I hold both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Cello Performance & Pedagogy from Utah Valley University and the University of Utah, where I studied with professors Cheung Chau, Walter Haman, Pegsoon Whang, and John Eckstein. I’ve also received specialized pedagogical training in the Suzuki, Kodály, Rolland, and Galamian methods. In addition to over 15 years of performance experience, I’ve been teaching cello lessons for about 8 years!
How did you get started playing cello?
I started playing cello just before I entered the 7th grade and instantly fell in love with its deep, gorgeous tone. I had played both piano and classical guitar as a kid, but nothing challenged me quite like the cello did. I begged my parents to let me learn a string instrument so I could join my middle school orchestra. At 11 years old, I picked up a cello for the first time, and I haven’t put it down since!
Is there anything parents and students should know before joining your studio?
Our studio is focused, goal-oriented, and inclusive! My students regularly participate in performance classes, recitals, group classes, and competitions. Many are also involved in youth or community orchestras and dedicate several hours per day to their personal practice. As a teacher, my goal is to help each student thrive as they build confidence, develop strong technical skills, and foster a lifelong love of music… no matter where they might be starting from.
What ages do you teach?
I teach students as young as 5 years old! No matter your age, background, or experience level, I’m confident I can help you learn and enjoy the cello. About half of my studio is comprised of adult learners.
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In the first lesson, I always like to discuss a student's goals with the cello. One person might want to go the classical route and train to study music in college (woohoo!), while another person may have different goals as an adult learner or hobbyist. After we determine what your goals are, we can tailor future lessons to meet those goals.
What music education or training do you have?
I hold both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Cello Performance & Pedagogy from Utah Valley University and the University of Utah, where I studied with professors Cheung Chau, Walter Haman, Pegsoon Whang, and John Eckstein. I’ve also received specialized pedagogical training in the Suzuki, Kodály, Rolland, and Galamian methods. In addition to over 15 years of performance experience, I’ve been teaching cello lessons for about 8 years!
How did you get started playing cello?
I started playing cello just before I entered the 7th grade and instantly fell in love with its deep, gorgeous tone. I had played both piano and classical guitar as a kid, but nothing challenged me quite like the cello did. I begged my parents to let me learn a string instrument so I could join my middle school orchestra. At 11 years old, I picked up a cello for the first time, and I haven’t put it down since!
Is there anything parents and students should know before joining your studio?
Our studio is focused, goal-oriented, and inclusive! My students regularly participate in performance classes, recitals, group classes, and competitions. Many are also involved in youth or community orchestras and dedicate several hours per day to their personal practice. As a teacher, my goal is to help each student thrive as they build confidence, develop strong technical skills, and foster a lifelong love of music… no matter where they might be starting from.