Cello Studio

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Lamont offers an exceptional environment for cellists, combining individualized instruction with world-class resources and performance opportunities. Our studios are vibrant and collaborative, where cellists challenge and support one another in pursuit of artistic excellence. Guided by Professors Dakota Cotugno, Meta Weiss, Seoyoen Min, and Heather Hadley, students engage in intensive private lessons, chamber music, performance class, large ensembles, and masterclasses with renowned guest artists. In Lamont’s cello studios, students celebrate each other’s successes and push one another to reach new artistic heights.

Audition Requirements

Cello Auditions

Studying Cello at Lamont

As a cello student at Lamont, you’ll be part of a passionate, tightly knit community where your individual goals truly matter. Whether you dream of performing on the world’s stages, becoming a master teacher, or shaping a unique musical career, Lamont is where that journey begins.

Your weekly schedule is anchored by private lessons tailored specifically to your strengths, challenges, and musical goals. You’ll also participate in a weekly cello studio class and a collaborative string class, both of which build a community of growth. These are safe, encouraging spaces where feedback flows freely and support is constant. It’s in these sessions that you’ll learn not only how to perform better, but how to grow with and learn from others.

Performance is central to life at Lamont. As a student, you’ll be on stage regularly, growing more confident and expressive with every appearance. Lamont also offers exceptional opportunities outside of performance. Cello students—both graduate and undergraduate—can earn their Suzuki teaching certification while completing their degree, gaining a powerful credential and a foundation for a meaningful teaching career.

Outside the studio, opportunities abound. Lamont’s size allows for personalized attention and meaningful connections, while the city of Denver offers a vibrant music scene with regional orchestras, gigs, and teaching opportunities. Our students are active performers in the community and often get paid work before they even graduate.

If you’re looking for a place to grow as a musician, artist, and individual, Lamont offers a vibrant and supportive home.

10-12 cello students at Lamont

Over 5 ensembles to participate in each quarter

300+ performance opportunities per year

Faculty

Lamont cello students study with a team of phenomenal artists. Undergraduates study with Dakota Cotugno, section cellist with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Graduate students study with award-winning soloist Meta Weiss. Technique class and chamber music is taught by Colorado Symphony Principal Cello Seoyoen Min. And Suzuki students benefit from the pedagogical expertise of Heather Hadley.

Heather Hadley

Adjunct Faculty, Suzuki Cello

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Cello student performs at the Provost Concert

Degree Programs

The Celebrated Artist-Teacher String Series (CATS) brings together a unique, world-class series of celebrated artists-teachers from university music schools across the nation.
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Cello student performs with Lamont Symphony Orchestra

Auditions

Applicants may choose to either audition in person in Denver OR submit a recorded video audition.

Applications received after January 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You may indicate your preference for a live or virtual audition on the Lamont application.

Click here to view the current year’s audition dates and the full steps for how to apply.

In-Person Audition Requirements
All auditions are approximately 15 minutes in length. The applicant will choose one of their prepared works to perform. The faculty will choose the second of the prepared works and possibly an additional work as well.

Undergraduate (BM, BA and Minor)
- A movement of your choice from the standard concerto repertoire
- One contrasting work of your choice
- One etude of your choice, preferably Popper or Piatti
- Optional: you may choose, if you wish, to include a piece for solo cello from the 20th/21st century in addition to the above requirements
Graduate (MM Performance, MM Pedagogy, Certificate in Performance, )
- A movement of your choice from the standard concerto repertoire
- Two contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach Suite
- One Popper Etude or Piatti Caprice of your choice
- Optional: a piece for solo cello from the 20th/21st century in addition to the above requirements
- Major/Minor scales with arpeggios may be asked for at your audition.
Graduate (Certificate in Pedagogy)
- Level 1: Two contrasting pieces of your choice, minimum difficulty level of Chanson Triste or Sonata is C Major by Breval.
- Level 2: Two contrasting pieces of your choice, minimum difficulty level of Haydn's Concerto in C Major, 1st movement or Boccherini;s Concerto in B-flat, 1st movement.
Review Requirements for Artist Diploma
Review Requirements for Certificate in Orchestral Studies
Video Audition Requirements
Applicants unable to travel to Denver for a live audition may submit a video audition via the Lamont application. Repertoire may be recorded separately in multiple takes; editing within each take is prohibited.

Undergraduate (BM, BA and Minor)
- A movement of your choice from the standard concerto repertoire
- One contrasting work of your choice
- One etude of your choice, preferably Popper or Piatti
- Optional: you may choose, if you wish, to include a piece for solo cello from the 20th/21st century in addition to the above requirements
Graduate (MM Performance, MM Pedagogy, Certificate in Performance, )
- A movement of your choice from the standard concerto repertoire
- Two contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach Suite
- One Popper Etude or Piatti Caprice of your choice
- Optional: a piece for solo cello from the 20th/21st century in addition to the above requirements
- Major/Minor scales with arpeggios may be asked for at your audition.
Graduate (Certificate in Pedagogy)
- Level 1: Two contrasting pieces of your choice, minimum difficulty level of Chanson Triste or Sonata is C Major by Breval.
- Level 2: Two contrasting pieces of your choice, minimum difficulty level of Haydn's Concerto in C Major, 1st movement or Boccherini;s Concerto in B-flat, 1st movement.
Review Requirements for Artist Diploma
Review Requirements for Certificate in Orchestral Studies

Life After Lamont

Notable Cello Alumni

Lamont students have worked with some of the most prestigious music organizations in the world. Alumni have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra, Wolf Trap, Vancouver Symphony, Broadway, the West End, and San Francisco Opera. Lamont composers have premiered works at Carnegie Hall and the Monterey Jazz Festival, and conductors have led orchestras from Brazil to Hungary. Graduates of our Musicology and music theory programs hold posts at prestigious institutions nationwide. And our recording and production students have launched careers in Hollywood, editing soundtracks for films like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Dylan Tyree - BM 2025

Co-founder of Musical Swing
Ava Camilo - MM 2022

Boise Philharmonic, Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Disney PRIDE in Concert, Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Emily Torkelson - MM 2025

Founding member and Principal of Denver Chamber Orchestra