Accomplished classical cellist and also World Music/Jazz cellist loves to teach cello!

I have known Dianne for many years since we attended a Music Festival together. I was immediately drawn to her wit , enthusiasm, intelligence and friendliness. And talent! Dianne has many interests and abilities ,but above all, she is a passionate and committed musician and teacher. Students would benefit highly from from her knowledge and experience!

Dianne is one of the most creative people that you'll ever meet. She is a classically trained cellist who incorporates an improvisatory Latin style into her playing seamlessly. She's the only person I know who was accepted into architecture school without ever studying architecture formally. She is most enthusiastic and thoughtful about music, and it's always inspiring to have her around or converse with her.
We taught together at a music camp in Colorado a number of years ago, and all of the students loved her. She would be an asset to any program.

Dianne is an amazing musician and human being. She has performed with symphonies globally. She is very unique because she actually improvise in any musical situation which is very uncommon to classical cellists. I’ve had the privilege to tour and play music with her and she is amazing.If you’re looking for a Cello teacher look no further.
~Flamenco Guitarist Maestro Miguel Espinoza

Dianne is both an incredible cellist, and a terrific teacher. Whether a student is beginning, advanced, or anything in between, she provides a perfect balance of both structure and flexibility, according to the needs of her students.
Dianne gets great results quickly. She knows how to zero in and help students with their technical challenges, and at the same time also emphasizes playing musically, even the beginners. Dianne is patient, kind and supportive. I can’t recommend her highly enough!

To whom it may concern:
I’m writing to comment on Ms. Betkovski’s teaching qualifications. She has a quite solid technical and musical foundation. Very importantly, she has good instincts and can spot the root of problems. She is an experienced player and has the highest standards. She is very articulate and can explain solutions in a variety of ways. She doesn’t talk at students but explores with them.
I taught at highly prestigious music schools for over 60 years and have known the work of countless students and teachers. I’m frankly disappointed in much of the teaching that goes on. That being said, I trust Dianne and would welcome her as a teaching colleague without hesitation.
Sincerely,
Alan Harris
Dist. Prof. of ‘Cello Emeritus
Eastman School of Music

I highly recommend Dianne as both a musician and teacher. I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside her in a flamenco fusion ensemble, where her rhythm, musicality, and professionalism constantly stand out. As a percussionist coming into the group without prior flamenco experience, I was immediately struck by how naturally and clearly she could explain complex rhythmic concepts. She taught me the style with incredible patience, encouragement, and clarity, and always made space for questions without ever making me feel behind.

Dianne is an exceptionally talented cellist with some of the strongest rhythm and ensemble skills I’ve encountered; not just among string players, but among colleagues in general. She has a rare ability to truly listen, adapt, and lock into an ensemble while still bringing artistry and energy to the music. She is always fully prepared, professional, and a genuine joy to work with.

What makes Dianne such a strong teacher is her balance of patience and high standards. She knows how to support students while also knowing when to challenge them to grow. Her communication is thoughtful, inspiring, and easy to understand, even when teaching difficult concepts. Any student would be lucky to learn from her.

If you have an opportunity to have lessons with Dianne, take it! She excels in classical, jazz, fusion and more. She is a caring and enthusiastic person who will make learning inspiring and fun for you.

I have known Dianne as a friend and fellow musician since we were in college. She is a wonderful cellist, not only trained as a classical musician but also as a creative improviser familiar with different styles. She and I were colleagues in the Honolulu Symphony for a few years, and we spent much time together. I know her very well and can recommend her very highly as a trustworthy person and excellent teacher of all ages. Recently, my wife and I met with her for an evening of playing music together, including an original composition she had written. She will be an inspiration to any student lucky enough to study with her.

I'm a new adult cello student, and I've been taking lessons with Dianne for four months. She's been great about helping me know what to focus on, helps me see where I need more work (without making me feel bad), and also does a great job guiding me in building technique while still enjoying the process of learning.

Dianne has a classical background, while currently performing in modern and avante garde genres. She thus has very broad background and perspective. Dianne has remarkable flexibility to adapt to whatever is needed in a particular lesson, based on the student’s desires, abilities, and preparation. Perhaps most important, she imbues a spirit of creativity and fun to the student and to the lessons.

Very creative and highly focused on specific student needs. Helps with phrasing and with some added dynamics.

I started playing cello in my 50s, having never played any instrument previously. I chose Dianne because she's an amazing cellist. I'm so glad because she's also an amazing teacher. She is full of ideas to make difficult aspects of cello playing manageable to learn. Sessions with her are enjoyable (so important), and she is super encouraging, which I need because I tend to get frustrated and be hard on myself. She also reminds me to have fun, which I need sometimes. I'm learning good technique and making good progress, and I'm still persisting a couple years after starting, which I don't think I would have done with a different instructor. Highly recommend!

Dianne both challenges my daughter and encourages her love of music making. Dianne’s love of cello playing is contagious. She adapts to my child’s needs such as adapting practice style when my daughter struggles, and thoughtfully challenging her when she is ready. Dianne is an excellent cello instructor and consistently inspires my daughter to keep playing.

Dianne is a great teacher. My kid blossomed while taking lessons from her for the past two years. She focuses on a connection with her students and helping them where they are. My kid has grown not just in his ability to play cello, but in confidence.

I am thrilled to share my experience with Dianne, my daughter's cello teacher. My daughter has learned so much from her and truly loves playing the cello! Dianne's patience and humor create a welcoming and enjoyable learning environment. She has a remarkable ability to explain technical music terms using vocabulary that a child can understand, making the lessons both engaging and educational. It has been an absolute joy to work with her, and I highly recommend Dianne to anyone looking for a talented and caring music teacher!

I am an adult student, and I don’t have as much practice as I did when I was a kid, and Dianne is both very good at working with the constraints that I have to make sure that I am enjoying the music while still making progress.