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Seattle Cellist Don Larson

  • Graduated from Juilliard in 1972
  • Held 3rd chair with the New Jersey Symphony during my 4th year at Juilliard
  • Studied with Leonard Rose & Harvey Shapiro
  • Principal cellist for three years in Switzerland
  • Performed recitals in New York (Carnegie Hall), London, Germany, Belgium, Vancouver, and Seattle

Cello Lessons

  • I became a cello teacher because I learned more during my first lesson at Juilliard than in all my previous lessons combined. Rudiments and proper technique are essential, but I believe each cellist has their own ‘voice’ which develops over time. My goal is for each student to express their personality through phrasing and tonal quality.
  • Generations of renowned cellists informed the technique of both Leonard Rose and Harvey Shapiro. I would like to pass this critical cello knowledge on to my students.
  • Online lessons available for those outside of Seattle.
  • All ages and abilities are welcome.
  • I provide my students the opportunity to perform at recitals twice a year at the Good Shepherd Performance Center in Seattle. You never really know a piece of music until you’ve performed it in public at least twice.

Pricing

Studio Lessons

$90/hr

Beginner to advanced levels

  • Weekly Sessions
  • Experienced Mentoring

Online Lessons

$90/hr

Suitable for students who play or are currently in performance arts and need offsite training

  • Weekly Sessions
  • Easy to communicate
  • Effective Lessons

Live Performance

$300/hr

I offer my services to play social events or weddings. Able to play as a single piece, or 2 piece with piano

  • Professional sound and experience
  • Quality music
  • Support on request music

Live Performance

In addition to teaching I also perform for events such as weddings, memorial services and at dinners. I perform solo or with pianist if needed.

Don Larson

Teaching Reviews

I have taken two lessons with Mr. Don Larson through FaceTime. Even though there is a 3-hour time difference, he manages to fit my lesson into his schedule. I have not taken private lessons previously, but I was in school orchestra for over two years. He has been correcting my bow hold and bowing, helping me make my cello produce nicer sounds. I really appreciate his focus on the rudiments. Mr. Don is very patient and funny at times.

By Qilin T. on 1/28/2016

How awesome to find Don. Colin had such a great first lesson and can’t wait to go back.

By Colin M. on 12/4/2015

Great instructor, very patient and his focus on bow holding is very helpful for someone who has never played before.

By Isabel A. on 11/2/2015

As an adult beginner, I found Don’s approach of focusing on the fundamentals key to producing a strong sound and forming good habits when practicing cello. I played violin for six years growing up but in that time never received such great instruction on technique of playing a stringed instrument as I did in a few months of cello lessons with Don. He is a very knowledgeable cellist and quickly recognizes adjustments in technique required for improvement. Additionally, he organizes recitals for his students, giving us a nice opportunity to perform. His knowledge, patience, and gentle manner make him a great instructor.

By Sara on 7/16/2015

My son thoroughly enjoyed the cello lessons… Don is a very gentle and patient instructor. With his level of knowledge and experience, I was very confident that my son was receiving the best instruction. Highly recommended!

By Greg on 7/14/2015

Don is a gentle, patient, and caring teacher. I am grateful that he chose to first focus on the fundamentals for my son.

By Immanuel W. on 4/29/2015
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Contact

Don Larson

larson.cello@gmail.com

Useful Links

Luthiers:

Windsor Lindberg
windsorlindbergviolins78@gmail.com
phone: 206.588.2616

Scott Allen
scottallenviolins.com

Bow Rehair and Repair:

Debbie Lemmi
dlemmibows.com

Bow Makers:

Alex Moro
morobows.com

Instrument Dealers & Appraisers:

Sten Olsen
olsenviolins.com

Rafael Carrabba
carrabbaviolins.com

Bischoffberger Violins
bviolinsltd.com

Strings and Sheet Music:

Southwest Strings
swstrings.com

Shar Music
sharmusic.com

Johnson String Instrument
johnsonstring.com

Ted Brown Music
tedbrownmusic.com

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