Ava Brighton
Cello
All Styles and Genres
The Cello has been said to be one of the most beautiful sounding intruments. Bring your cello playing to that level TODAY!
Discover your musical passion with Ava Brighton, an accomplished cellist with a Master's degree from the University of Denver and a rich performance history across the U.S. and Europe. She specializes in crafting personalized lessons that build strong technical fundamentals and empower students to explore their unique musical interests and goals. With expertise in all styles and genres, Ava provides a dynamic and encouraging learning environment that helps students find their own voice and expression through music.
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aVA bRIGHTON’S rESUME
Instruments Taught
Primary - Cello
All Styles and Genres
Education & Experience
Ava studied at the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver under internationally acclaimed professor Matthew Zalkind, and previously under Utah Symphony Cellist Pegsoon Whang, as well as pedagogy studies under cellist Alice Yoo.
Performance Credits (2000 - present)
As a soloist, Ava has performed with the Young Artist Chamber Players with conductor Jack Ashton, playing the Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto. Ava toured Europe with the group, soloing on Saint-Saens, La Cygne (the Swan) in 6 different countries starting in Budapest, Hungary and ending in Paris. Ava was additionally selected as a soloist in the Salt Lake Symphony, playing the Elgar Concerto.
An avid chamber musician, Ava has attended chamber festivals across the US including Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival in Vermont, Castleman Quartet Program in New York, and Hidden Valley Institute for the Arts directed by Mark Kosower, Principal Cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra in Caramel Valley, California.
As an orchestral musician, Ava was selected among four other cellists in the state to play with the Utah Symphony in a side-by-side all-star feature of music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Ava has moreover played as the section leader of the Bow Art Ensemble, a string orchestra under the baton of Colorado Symphony’s Principal Violist, Basil Vendryes.
An advocate for new music, Ava has premiered Andrew Dewey’s Contemplation 21 for three cellos and steel drum, and Alex Niederberger’s trio under commission for oboe, percussion, and cello called Coalescence, Shady Grove.
Ava plays on a rare Swiss instrument made by Bischoff Berger in 1948 and on generous consignment from Gregory Singer violins in NY, New York.
Teaching Credits (2002 - present)
Ava has taught cello as faculty at the Wasatch School for the Arts and through her private studio in New York City. She currently maintains a teaching studio in San Diego, CA.
Methods Used
Ø Sight-reading, according to the student’s skill level
Ø Ear training
Ø Fundamentals/Theory; Method Book work
Ø Technical exercise (weekly) or Virtuosic Etude (intermediate through pre-professional)
Ø Classical repertoire
Ø Student’s choice of any kind of piece from any genre
Ø Music exploration (discovering new repertoire from all genres)
Ø Consultation (professional or peer-level advising)
Ø Curriculum includes major scale methods, etude books, and customized repertoire goals
Teacher’s Philosophy
I have experience teaching technical fundamentals, Suzuki Method, the standard cello repertoire, and Alexander technique- the fundamentals of holding the instrument. I believe in fostering a learning environment where students feel empowered to explore their potential through music and pursue projects they feel passionate about. I see music as a vehicle for individual stories and as an expression of what it means to be alive. I would love to explore with you!
Lesson Rates
$280/month 1 hour lessons
$145/month 30 minute lessons
From Her Students
“We truly miss having her as our cello teacher. She played a crucial role in helping my daughter regain her motivation to practice. Her passion for music and deep knowledge of the cello were evident in every lesson. She was consistently on time, professional, and incredibly responsive to her students' needs. We are so grateful for the impact she had on our daughter’s musical journey.” -Alice White, Wasatch Arts Center Musical Director
“Ava is amazing in every way. Not only is she a charismatic, talented, and fun cellist but also just a great person. Well worth the money and will be hiring for my next event. Thank you Ava!!!!” -Erika Baker, Brilliant Everything Event Planning