Kelly Quesada
Cello Faculty
Kelly Quesada is a cellist and certified Suzuki teacher based in Chicago who has been teaching private lessons and group classes for over ten years. Before moving to Chicago, she ran a thriving private studio of students aged 7-65 in Eugene, Oregon, served as Assistant Director of the Douglas County Youth Orchestra in Roseburg, Oregon, and taught cello at the University of Oregon, Willamette University and Umpqua Community College. She is currently an instructor of strings for Sistema Ravinia and instructor of cello and chamber music at South Side Suzuki. Kelly’s ultimate goal is to teach students how to practice and learn on their own, which empowers them to be independent musicians, and makes playing music more fun!
In addition to teaching, Kelly is very active as a performer, currently serving as principal cello of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She has played with professional orchestras all over the country, including the Eugene, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa Symphonies and toured the U.S. as a member of the Portland Cello Project. She is the founding cellist of the Delgani String Quartet, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing innovative performances and educational outreach to Oregon. Kelly received her Bachelor’s in Cello Performance from the University of Alabama and her Master’s in Cello Performance from the University of Oregon.
Contact Kelly to inquire about lessons at kelly@southsidesuzuki.com.