Baca Cello Studio

News and Studio Announcements

Upcoming Events

September 2023 Lessons Begin Again!

Studio Announcements

BCS YouTube Releases

Starting Lessons FAQ

When should my child and/or I start taking lessons?

Young children should be able to focus for at least 10 minutes on any task. Ideally, they should also be able to sit and look you in the eyes for 10 seconds.

Parents of young children should be prepared to attend lessons, take notes during the lesson, and practice with their children daily at home.

Older children, teens, and adults can start anytime they are ready to dedicate time and attention to daily practice and to lessons.

What should I expect at a lesson?

Lessons typically will be anywhere from 15 - 60 minutes long depending on the attention span and musical needs of the student.

You should expect clear, detailed instructions on what to practice and possibly how to practice it.

The following topics will always be part of the lesson:

  • Warm-Up
  • Technique
  • Reading
  • Review
  • Learning a new piece

What is included in my tuition?

  • Weekly lessons
  • Access to Practice Space
  • At least yearly recitals
  • Support from teacher as needed throughout the week
  • Suzuki Association of Utah events*
  • National Federation of Music Clubs performance opportunity*

What do I need to get or do before starting lessons?

There will be several things to get and they can all be discussed over a phone call or video chat before your first lesson. If you're not sure what sizes of things to get, Tamra would be happy to help you figure that out.

  • Get a cello & bow that are the correct size
  • Get a properly sized chair
  • Music stand
  • Cello endpin strap
  • Rosin
  • Metronome
  • Music literature (ask which you need before you buy them)

Do I/we really need performances?

YES!

Performances are a completely different experience than playing by yourself in your living room. They force a student to polish a piece to a much higher degree than they otherwise would. Performance is a very important part of becoming a literate and well-rounded musician.

*SAU and NFMC require a nominal annual fee to participate

About Tamra

Tamra is a cellist from Salt Lake City, UT. She began studying cello at the age of 12. Her teachers through the years included Ronald Archibald, Richard Hoyt, Anne Francis, Amy Leung, John Eckstein, and Avi Friedlander.

She received a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an emphasis in performance from Utah State Unviersity and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Music with an emphasis in performance from the University of Utah.

Between completing her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Tamra realized that teaching cello was important to her. She began her lifelong teacher training as a Suzuki cello teacher in 2007 and continues to improve her teaching skills to this day. She actively participates in Suzuki teacher training both in and out of Suzuki Summer institutes as well as outside the Suzuki teaching community. You can view the list of her completed training with the Suzuki Associaiton of the Americas on their website.

She is currently the owner and cellist of the Black & White String Quartet, is an active member of the Chrome Street Quartet, and occasionally performs with the Salt Lake Symphony. She is also an active board member of the Suzuki Associaiton of Utah.

In her spare time, Tamra is also a web developer, knitter, video gamer, and avid cat mom.

Picture of Tamra

Tamra is a cellist from Salt Lake City, UT. She began studying cello at the age of 12. Her teachers through the years included Ronald Archibald, Richard Hoyt, Anne Francis, Amy Leung, John Eckstein, and Avi Friedlander.

She received a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an emphasis in performance from Utah State Unviersity and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Music with an emphasis in performance from the University of Utah.

Between completing her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Tamra realized that teaching cello was important to her. She began her lifelong teacher training as a Suzuki cello teacher in 2007 and continues to improve her teaching skills to this day. She actively participates in Suzuki teacher training both in and out of Suzuki Summer institutes as well as outside the Suzuki teaching community. You can view the list of her completed training with the Suzuki Associaiton of the Americas on their website.

She is currently the owner and cellist of the Black & White String Quartet, is an active member of the Chrome Street Quartet, and occasionally performs with the Salt Lake Symphony. She is also an active board member of the Suzuki Associaiton of Utah.

In her spare time, Tamra is also a web developer, knitter, video gamer, and avid cat mom.

Contact

* Denotes required field