Tennessee Cello Workshop
January 30 – February 1, 2026
Registration opens September 1, 2025
The Tennessee Cello Workshop (TCW) is a three-day exploration and celebration of cello playing and music making. The TCW encourages cellists of any age and proficiency level to participate. The unifying characteristic of all registrants is a great love for the instrument.
The TCW tradition of having outstanding cellist pedagogues on its roster continues. Our 2026 cello faculty includes Dan Allcott, Andrea Casarrubios, Kirsten Cassel Greer, John Kaboff, Jennifer Kloetzel, Dmitri Kouzov, Thomas Loewenheim, and TCW workshop Director Wesley Baldwin.
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, held on Saturday, January 31. 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 supporters, including the University of Tennessee College of Music and Dean Jeffrey Pappas, and several wonderful violin shops. During the weekend TCW participants have the chance to play a wide variety of instruments, bows, and accessories from our supporting violin shops who are able to be with us on campus that weekend. Many thanks to you, dear supporters!
The camaraderie, inspiration, stimulation, growth, and joy of another TCW await you this January. Join us as we grow in excellence and love for the cello together!
Schedule
The most current draft of the schedule for the main 2026 TCW can be found here.
The 2026 TCW Suzuki workshop schedule can be found here.
NOTE: All events will take place in the Natalie Haslam Music Center, on the corner of Pat Head Summitt and Volunteer Blvd. on the UT campus.
NOTE: Updates, schedules, and informational bulletins are being posted on Facebook, on the Tennessee Cello Workshop group site. Please join.
Faculty
Director
Wesley Baldwin, University of Tennessee
Guest Artist Cellists
Dan Allcott, Tennessee Tech University
Andrea Casarrubios, composer and soloist
Kirsten Cassel Greer, Vanderbilt University
John Kaboff, The Kaboff Cello School
Jennifer Kloetzel, University of California Santa Barbara
Dmitri Kouzov, Oberlin Conservatory
Thomas Loewenheim, California State University, Fresno
Hotel Information
There are many excellent hotels in downtown Knoxville, close to the UT campus. Several offer special rates for TCW participants. Please check back in October of 2025 for an updated list of these offers. 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.
Contacts
Wesley Baldwin
The University of Tennessee College of Music
117 Natalie L. Haslam Music Center
1741 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996-2600
Phone: (865) 974-0706
Cell: (865) 384-8108
E-mail: [email protected]