“I feel incredibly accomplished going into my last concert before I graduate. I remember being nervous starting cello again because I had no idea what I still remembered from high school, nor if it was correct. I don’t even truly remember why I wanted to start again, but I jumped in headfirst anyways. I surprised myself by how much I actually knew and how much I’ve learned since last spring. I know how to read rhythms much better and can read notes on the staff and translate them to the cello much easier. I’ve learned better technique with playing cello: keeping my fingers rounded, relaxing the weight of my arm into my elbow, grabbing on to the string before drawing my bow across. I know that I have also gotten better with intonation and improved on my ability to shift positions. Seeing my growth with these skills makes me excited to learn more and see even more growth. I feel like an immensely better player and really would like to continue playing.”

–Graduating College Senior, non-Music major in Applied Cello Performance (2023)

“The last three years that I have been with Dr. Golden have truly been remarkable. With her help throughout our lessons and her willingness to encourage and teach me, my technique and my confidence have excelled to new heights. There were many points in my college career where I felt that I was undergoing a huge musical undertaking; I did not think of myself as a worthy cellist when it came to taking part in the National Music Festival or in the early stages of my Senior Recital. Dr. Golden’s support allowed me to see myself as a remarkable cellist that can do great things when I put my mind to it and not get clouded by self-doubt. Without her support, passion, and intensity for all things music, teaching, and cello performance, I would not be the cellist I am today without her as my instructor.”

–Graduating College Senior, Music Major in Applied Cello Performance (2023)

“Diana Golden was my string quintet’s Chamber Coach. She met with us on a weekly basis for twelve weeks. Our group regarded Diana as an excellent teacher with helpful critiques. Diana was able to provide specific comments to individuals on violin, viola, and cello, while offering comments towards the group. She introduced new concepts to approaching chamber music that allowed our quintet to enjoy practicing and advance with each rehearsal. Diana would never show frustrations when we were not playing our best. She constantly gave us different perspectives to allow us to understand her critiques. Sometimes, she would use an instrument to model or perform with the quintet. We appreciate all the lessons that Diana has given us. Diana provided me with a quality learning experience in chamber music that semester.”

–Graduating College Senior, Music Education major in Chamber Music (2016)

“Particularly loved learning about the history and music of the islands. A joy to be a part of this class with someone so passionate about her music. Thank you so much, Diana. A real treat!”

–Academy of Lifelong Learning student in Classical Music of the Caribbean (2023)

“This semester was absolutely amazing. Going into lessons I had no idea that they could be so helpful and enjoyable. I feel like I made so much progress and learned so much. I never knew I could enjoy playing cello so much, and while I’m still not as confident in my playing as I would like, I definitely feel like I can see the good in my playing and be proud of myself for really the first time since I started playing cello. I am so glad we went back through the basics, and even though I still have trouble with applying all of it at once and keeping up things like my bow hold and having my arms up for extended periods of time, I think it helped me a lot. I understand the base information now, and it helps me to not only feel like I know what I am doing, but it also makes it easier for me to see myself getting better and know that it is possible to improve. The concert was a really great experience for me. My performance definitely wasn’t perfect, but perfection isn’t what was important. I got the experience of playing a solo piece on stage in front of an audience for the first time, and it was terrifying but it felt so good afterwards to know that all of my hard work led up to something more than just being part of a group. I feel like I finally have a grasp on what I excel at and what I struggle with, and that is 100% thanks to our lessons and the very specific explanations of what I was doing, what I needed to do to fix my problems, and the new material. Having specific and detailed descriptions of what I was supposed to be doing really helped me to not only know exactly what was being asked of me and how to accomplish it. I feel like these lessons saved my perception of playing cello and stopped me from giving up on it. I am excited to keep working on everything and to learn more next semester. Thank you for helping me to love playing cello again!” 

–College First-Year Student in Applied Cello Performance (2023)

“Dr. Golden was someone that I only got to meet for a short time but who left a mark on me that I’ll carry forever. I had the pleasure of working with her at a summer festival where she worked as a cello mentor. Getting to sit next to her and watch her work within an orchestra was truly a special experience—she is detailed, professional, kind, organized, and creates an environment that is both positive and constructive. She came extremely prepared to help us all learn (prepared section bowings, arranged sectionals, held studio classes) and always made sure that everyone was taken care of. Dr. Golden dedicated lots of her own time to get to know us each as individuals and where our musical goals lie, and never fell short of offering some advice on how to work towards them. She believed in me at times I hesitated to believe in myself, and her words of advice, support, acknowledgement, and guidance is something that I will ever forget. She is a natural at what she does—it’s no surprise to me that she is as accomplished as she is! I learned more than I ever have working with her and I am so grateful to have had the experience. Dr. Golden, thank you!”

–College Junior, Music Minor at Summer Music Festival (2023)