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About
I’ve been a professional cellist and teacher for 40 years. I teach cello in DENVER, CO from a classical as well as non-classical perspective. I am the cellist of an award-winning World Music ensemble and I have also performed, toured and recorded with internationally acclaimed, Grammy-winning symphony orchestras (St. Louis Symphony, Utah Symphony, Honolulu Symphony). I find a way to connect with each of my students, identifying learning styles, and strengths as well as areas that need improvement. I achieve results and help students become the best musicians they can be. I am kind and encouraging, knowledgable, insightful, articulate and fun. Learning to play the cello should be joyful, and I try to make sure it is! PS. I can also teach remotely, if need be.
Overview
Hired 4 times
Serves Denver, CO
Background checked
7 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Square cash app, and Venmo.
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Work location
My customers travel to me
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Great 4.7
12 reviews
5
92%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
8%
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Read reviews that mention:
Nat T.
May 11, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I'm a new adult cello student, and I've been taking lessons with Dianne for four months. She's been great about helping me know what to focus on, helps me see where I need more work (without making me feel bad), and also does a great job guiding me in building technique while still enjoying the process of learning.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, the student can read music • Classical • Folk • No, but the student is planning to purchase a cello and would like a recommendation • I'm flexible • At the pro’s location
Cello Lessons
Casey H.
Dec 8, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Prior to finding Dianne, I had taken some cellolessons but picked up some bad bowing and fingering habits. Dianne took me back to basics and has really helped fix my technique. She is very patient and excellent at not overwhelming me with too many things to work on. I highly recommend her!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • No, the student cannot read music • Classical • Folk • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a cello • I'm flexible • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Cello Lessons
Emily C.
May 14, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Dianne is just phenomenal. She is so accommodating and kind. Her passion for music and cello is clearly evident. Wonderful teacher!
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, the student cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has a cello • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Cello Lessons
Eric R.
Mar 12, 2024
Dianne has taught my son cello for the past year. Her perceptive diagnosis of what skills he already has, and where he needs help, has accelerated his growth as a cellist. She has helped to cultivate his love of music, and set him on a path of life long learning.
Maeve W.
Dec 7, 2022
As a college student looking back over my childhood endeavours with music I can honestly say that Dianne was one of the pivitol people who changed the course of my cello ambitions. Her knowledge of western art music and how to spin a beautiful sound are, of course, well rounded and foundational. She gives advice on this front gently and with the frequent use of artful metaphors. What makes Dianne a true gem, though, is her expertise with the world of music beyond classical; improvisation, composition, avant-garde rhythms. I am continually amazed by her work with Flanco Fusion and so grateful to have a teacher with such otherworldly experience. I think my favorite part about lessons with Dianne is how much agency she gives her students. We are able to take our playing in a direction we are interested in while still getting the very best support and instruction. I became interested in composition and she was endlessly helpful and encouraging about the pieces I created. If you want a musical experience full of care, beauty, and novelty then look no further than Dianne Betkowski, she is truly one of a kind! - Maeve Wilder, cello student
Credentials
Background Check
Dianne Betkowski
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge $100 per hour, though I’m willing to consider other pricing if needed.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I initially meet with new students to find out a number of things: their level of proficiency, their musical ambitions, their learning style, and how I can help them become the best cellist they can be under the circumstances. Over time I adjust my approach as I see how things go in actuality. Communication is key, so I try to keep the relationship I have with students open and free so that I can better serve their needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 40 years of teaching and performing experience, in addition to a BA in music performance from the University of Illinois and a Masters degree from Boston University. I’m the author of How To Get To Carnegie Hall, a weekly music practice schedule.
