Individualized Lessons with Dr. Trace Johnson
Prospective Cello-minded Friends,
Dr. Trace Johnson (pronounced “TRAY-se”) is a cello teacher in Madison, Wisconsin. Trace’s extensive background in music education combined with his professional experiences working as a classical and non-classical cello soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician, allows him to bring an accessible and practical approach to learning to play the cello to his students.
Trace’s studio is an inclusive, supportive place where students can share their unique interests and abilities in an encouraging environment. The cello studio is currently comprised of youth beginners (5-9 y/o), young adults (10-18 y/o), and adult students and offers a variety of teaching options for students. Private, one-on-one lessons, group lessons for siblings, beginner group classes, and adult chamber music coaching lessons are all. Trace’s wife, professional violist and violinist, Sahada Buckley, and Trace both teach out their home studios and at the WYSO building on East Washington Ave.
Trace is currently enrolling students for the 2025-2026 year. If you are looking for a supportive, thoughtful, and communicative cello teacher that focuses on the music YOU want to play, schedule a trial lesson!
University of Wisconsin - Madison, Wisconsin
Doctor of Musical Arts, DMA
Lynn Conservatory - Boca Raton, Florida
Master of Music, MM
Professional Performance Certificate, PPC
Cleveland Institute of Music - Cleveland, Ohio
Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance, BM
Interlochen Arts Academy - Interlochen, Michigan
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Candlelight Concerts, Hunt String Quartet, Sarasota Orchestra, Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival, Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, Rockford Symphony Orchestra
Studio Requirements
1. Make time for PRACTICE TIME🎻
2. 3-Ring Binder… don’t forget it📔!
3. Willingness to Learn! Students in my studio are Life-Long learners🌍
Teaching in the Community
Dr. Johnson is a Suzuki certified Pre-Twinkle, Suzuki-Book 1 and Book 2 cello teacher and received formal Suzuki pedagogy certifications from renowned cello pedagogue and teacher Dr. Tanya Carey, author of the CELLO PLAYING IS EASY. In Madison, Dr. Johnson has been involved in several different teaching capacities:
As a member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Hunt Quartet outreach string ensemble, Trace has presented classes as a part of the ‘Up Close and Musical’ Series on Rhythm, Form, Melody, and Expression in many K-4 elementary schools across the greater Madison area
Trace has prepared students for successful auditions at Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras
Trace has helped to guide and prepare high school students through music-focused college applications, auditions, and school selection decisions, ultimately helping them to earn scholarships and achieve their specific goals for their own musical futures.
Trace has participated as a clinician, sectional leader, arranger, audition judge, and group class leader in many local music organizations including Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO), Madison Cello Ensemble (MCE), UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic Pop Strings Collective, UW-Madison Bridge Ensemble, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra & Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County SuperStrings Program, Music Con Brio, and East Side Strings.
At UW-Madison, Trace coached orchestral cello sectionals to ensembles at UW-Madison Symphony Orchestra, WYSO Youth, Philharmonia, Concert, Sinfonietta, and Opus 1 Orchestras, and local high schools in Madison
