"We love Katarina! She has a positive atmosphere and attitude for teaching and a unique way of inspiring her students to appreciate and feel the music they are learning. She challenges our son to be a better musician while giving him the confidence he needs to grow as a cellist. We have seen a big improvement in his playing ability since starting with her and would highly recommend her as an instructor." - Nanette, Sam’s (16) mom

I have been teaching privately since 2012 and have experience teaching students of all ages. My elementary and high school students have received distinctions for their ABRSM Grade exams and have successfully auditioned for Youth Orchestras. In 2019, 2020, and 2021 my students won spots in chamber and symphony Western States Honor Orchestra Festival, and in the Colorado All State Orchestra. In 2020 two of my students successfully auditioned (and received scholarships) for undergraduate degree in cello performance at UNC, CU, and CSU, and in 2022 one of my students successfully auditioned for Puget Sound University.

In years 2014-2017 I worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Northern Colorado, where I have given one-on-one cello lessons, coached a string quartet and the cello ensemble. I also regularly help with high school and college cello sectional rehearsals.

I currently teach from my private teaching studio in Longmont. For my teaching rates and other teaching related inquires, please go to CONTACT tab and fill out the form.

“Katarina has been tutoring me in cello for a little over a year and has demonstrated over many occasions her superior skills as both a cellist and a teacher, paying attention to the specific needs of each and every student. She provides so much guidance and gives so many opportunities to her students, including performances and an in depth understanding of how to help her students pursue music in college. I would not be on the path to becoming a musician without her as my teacher!”

- Jaidan (18), continuing her cello education at UNC

KATARINA M. PLIEGO CELLO STUDIO POLICY

Teacher Responsibilities 

• Materials – Provide sheet music for student, including technique exercises, etudes, solo pieces and duets. Student will receive them after the trial lesson. They will come in a binder. Other materials such as strings, rosin and other cello-maintenance related materials are student’s responsibility.

• Teach/guide – Provide instruction on technique, etudes, solo pieces, chamber music, and orchestral works. Teachings will include memorization exercises and sight reading. Seek out orchestral opportunities outside of the student’s school and help prepare them for auditions. Support and help with preparation for summer music festivals, all fitting the students’ level of playing. Prepare students for an end-of-semester recital (December and May).

Student Responsibilities 

• Practicing – Teacher instructs how much practice is ideal for each student and will encourage students in their practicing. However, once the instructor is gone it is up to the student to do their own practicing. The teacher will also talk to parents and advise them on best practicing techniques.

• Attendance – Students are responsible for their time slot. If a student is not available for their weekly lesson for any reason it is not the responsibility of the teacher to make up the missed lesson (even though, with enough notice, this can be arranged).

• In case of student absence, please contact the teacher asap. Lessons cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will need to be paid! In case of teacher absence, the student will be informed at least 24 hours in advance, and the lesson will be rescheduled or refunded.

PAYMENT 

Payment needs to be received at the time of the lesson. In case of a monthly payment, the payment needs to be received at the first lesson of the month. I accept cash, check, PayPal and Venmo.

“Katarina is amazing!!! From the very first lesson until my lesson yesterday, she has been a dream come true. I always feel happy and comfortable and progress on my playing. And somehow this all happens when we are having fun at the same time. I am so glad I found her!”

- Marbella (12)