
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.
How awesome to find Don. Colin had such a great first lesson and can’t wait to go back.
Great instructor, very patient and his focus on bow holding is very helpful for someone who has never played before.
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.
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!
Don is a gentle, patient, and caring teacher. I am grateful that he chose to first focus on the fundamentals for my son.
Contact
Don Larson
Useful Links
Luthiers:
Windsor Lindberg
windsorlindbergviolins78@gmail.com
phone: 206.588.2616
Scott Allen
scottallenviolins.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
