“Good teaching rests neither in accumulating a shelf-full of knowledge nor in developing a repertoire of skills. In the end, good teaching lies in a willingness to attend to and care for what happens in our students, ourselves, and the space between us. Good teaching is a certain kind of stance, I think. It is a stance of receptivity, of attunement, of listening.”
—Laurent A. Daloz, Effective Teaching and Mentoring

In teaching my students – whether they’re first-time beginners or seasoned professionals – my goal is always the same. I want to teach them excellent musicianship, but most important is this: I want them to enjoy the process, so that the pleasures are in the process, not just in the results. It gives me great satisfaction to see how much my students achieve in life by learning the art, discipline, and freedom of music.

My students’ ages and talents range from young and adult beginners to dedicated musicians. It’s never too late to learn how to play and enjoy music, and professional musicians continue, throughout their lives, to benefit from master classes. In my teaching, I try to give the opportunity to everyone who is interested in learning. The doors to my studio are always open to anyone who wants to enter.

“When I first started to play the cello, I was doubtful it would last very long. Boy, was I wrong. Now, it’s years later, and I can’t imagine life without my cello. Music is what I live for, and it’s all because of Peter. He has been my teacher, my mentor, my confidante, and my friend. There is no one in the world I respect and admire as much as I do Peter.”
— Kate Peninger, high-school junior, member of Kansas City Youth Symphony

I have been playing the cello for 50 years and teaching for more than 40. My teaching career started in Russia, where I was born and raised and where I discovered my love not just of playing and performing, but of teaching as well. This pleasure in teaching has stayed with me across continents, cultures, and decades. I welcome you to join me in the adventure of discovery.

My fees for private lessons and master classes are determined on an individual basis. To contact me about teaching, please click here.

“My daughter, Jennifer, studied with Mr. Sukonik for six years, from middle school through high school. I do not read music and had no introduction to classical music, but now, through Peter, I have a real appreciation for the cello. As for Jennifer: well, she went on to win a scholarship at the University of Utah, as a cello major. Just recently, she earned her Masters Degree in music at the University of Illinois. And it’s all because of Peter.”
— Mary Jo Brosch

Phone: 913-707-7458
E-mail: info@PeterSukonik.com