The Tennessee Cello Workshop (TCW) is a three-day exploration and celebration of cello playing and music making every year in January. The Tennessee Cello Workshop encourages cellists of any age and proficiency level to participate. The unifying characteristic of all registrants is a great love for the instrument.
The first 75 registered cellist participants for the three-day event, as well as the first 30 Suzuki workshop registrants who request to, may perform in a master class at the TCW. Interested cellists may also elect to participate in one of our four cello competitions (including the “uncompetition”). We round out our activities with concerts, group scale and technique sessions, cello ensemble activities, lectures on cello-related topics, movement classes, and the chance to observe the many TCW master classes. There is lots of cello playing throughout the weekend.
Embedded within the TCW is the half-day Suzuki Workshop. This shorter event is geared for younger Suzuki students and will include a Suzuki play-in, small group classes, technique classes, and a short group recital at the end of the afternoon. Note: cellists who have the maturity, drive, and stamina for the full 3-day event, are encouraged to register for the full 3-day TCW. The TCW gratefully welcomes and thanks our many sponsors, including the University of Tennessee College of Music and its Dean, Jeffrey Pappas, and several wonderful violin shops. During the weekend TCW participants have the chance to get repairs from Sarah Bystrom, as well as play a wide variety of instruments, bows, and accessories from our sponsoring violin shops who are able to be with us on campus that weekend. TCW participants will also have special access to our sponsors’ websites with discounts on music, cellos, bows, and accessories. Many thanks to you, dear sponsors!
The camaraderie, inspiration, stimulation, growth, and joy of another TCW await you this January. Join us!

Tennessee Cello Workshop Schedule
Schedule for 2026 Coming Soon!
NOTE: Updates, schedules, and informational bulletins are being posted on Facebook, on the Tennessee Cello Workshop group site. Please join.
Director

Wesley Baldwin
Professor of Cello, Director of Tennessee Cello Workshop
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Natalie L. Haslam College of Music
Email: [email protected]
Guest Artist Cellists
Hotel Information
There are many excellent hotels in downtown Knoxville, close to the UT campus. Five of them have offered special rates on blocks of rooms for TCW participants.
NOTE: there is a limited number of rooms at the hotels at these rates. You are encouraged to book as early as possible to get these discounts.
Courtyard Knoxville Downtown
The Courtyard Knoxville Downtown has a block of rooms discounted at $145 per night for TCW participants. Last Day to Book : Sunday, December 29, 2024 at midnight. To access the discounted rate online, use this link.
Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown
Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown has a block of rooms discounted to $169 per night for TCW participants. To access the discounted rate online, use this link.
Embassy Suites Downtown
Embassy Suites Downtown has a block of rooms with a 15% discount for TCW participants. To access the discounted rate online, use this link.
Cumberland House Knoxville
The Cumberland House Knoxville has a block of rooms discounted to $179 per night for TCW participants. To access the discounted rate online, use this link. The cut-off date for the discounted rate is December 31, 2024.
Hyatt Place Knoxville Downtown
Hyatt Place Knoxville Downtown has a block of rooms with a 17% to per night for TCW participants. To access the discounted rate online, use this link. The cut-off date for the discounted rate is December 31, 2024. Group code: G-TCWK.
Graduate by Hilton Knoxville
Graduate by Hilton Knoxville has a block of rooms with a discount for TCW participants. To access the discounted rate online, use this link.