I am a professional cellist, audition coach and teacher. As a Broadway cellist who toured with the Les Miserables US National Tour and performed over 1000 performances on the road, I am now residing in Houston, TX with my husband, daughter, and cavie pup. Currently, I most enjoy helping young cellists build a winning audition strategy with community & accountability.
I grew up going to Minnesota Orchestra concerts, as well as other local concerts. I remember at one point it felt like I personally knew at least 80% of the audience base. In any case, these concerts nurtured my love for orchestral music and what an orchestra has to offer a community. The importance of listening is so critical as a musician. I subsequently went on and got into my first choice of college, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. It was the perfect place to lock myself in a practice room day and night. There was not much else to do in the town aside from visiting the local Toppers pizza joint! I have fond memories expanding my intentional listening skills and exploring music with the ‘jazz guys’. Rhythm, phrasing, harmony, tonality, and all the nuances that come with music. The other thing happening in the halls of the fine arts building was Catalin Rotaru, the bass professor at the time, practicing ALL of the cello and violin repertoire… but on the double bass! This was a huge inspiration for me, and it was the first time I really began to learn HOW to practice. I would stand outside of his studio listening to him practice for longer than I’d like to admit. Because of the larger size, the importance of slow practice seems even more important on bass than cello, but slowing down with repetition to add precise details is ultimately necessary
As a chamber musician Ms. Stenson was a founding member of the Fair Trade Chamber Music Society as well as the Morningside String Trio. As an eager collaborator she has worked with ensembles such as the Fair Trade Trio, Classical Revolution, MuSE String Quartet, and The Leora Chamber Orchestra.
Ms. Stenson is an avid educator. With over twenty years of cello teaching experience, Ms. Stenson brings a focus to creating an environment that develops high sensibilities in her students. She uses a curriculum with individualized instruction addressing strong technique, repertoire, and musicality. Ms. Stenson completed her Suzuki Long-Term Teacher Training Certification at The School for Strings with Pamela Devenport. She has been on the Suzuki Faculty at Lucy Moses School, Silver Music, Suzuki on the Island, and School for Strings. Ms. Stenson has been a faculty member with summer festivals including the New England Music Camp and District 279 Summer Music Camp. As a guest clinician, she has presented at The Children’s Storefront, Mott Hall II, and Cedar Island Elementary Schools. Ms. Stenson has held residencies at Osseo Senior High School and currently holds residencies with The Woodlands High School and Conroe High School in Conroe ISD in Texas. She has been an adjudicator for NYSSMA, a state-wide competition, and has had several students do well in competitions including TMEA’s All-State and Regional Orchestra and UIL’s Solo and Ensemble contests.
