Biography

of Dorothy Olsen

25 Years of Orchestra

  • Principal cellist of Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra, 2013-current
  • Boise Philharmonic section cellist, 4 seasons
  • Orchestra at Temple Square
  • UVS, Idaho Falls Symphony
  • ACI Sinfonia
  • Blue Lakes FAC assistant principal
  • Many chamber ensembles and performances

Professional

Through her symphonies Dorothy has played with such artists as: Pavarotti, Sarah Brightman, Richard Marx, Collin Ray, Josh Wright, Jenny Oaks Baker, Scott Holden

Teaching

Dorothy has taught private cello lessons for 21 years. She taught beginning orchestra for 1 year. She taught at The Music School, and Art City Music Academy. She also teaches a women’s self defense seminar. Her style of teaching pulls from all the other fields of her study. Form, breath, musicality, motivation, overcoming obstacles, self love, self awareness, and confidence are all in her arsenal. Precise correction unfettered by shame or generalizations, logical patterns for consistent, step by step progression… with healthy dose of humor and vulnerability.

Education

Dorothy got her BA in music performance from College of Idaho, a private liberal arts college in the Boise area. She studied with Sam Smith of the Langroise Trio, and before that with Karen Beck in Idaho Falls. She has had Intermuse training- international music, inspired by Zoltan Kodaly. Her work as a health coach greatly augments her teaching ability with success training, and motivation training. Her study of anatomy and exercise/movement enhances cello teaching as well.

Recording

Dorothy worked with the artist Wayne Musgrave for several years, where she won a talent search competition and was featured on a CD. She had recorded for the legendary Bob Bailey, as well as for the Canadian Broadway production of Mary Poppins.

Master Classes

She has performed in master classes with Zuel Bailey, Matt Haimovitz, Nancy Ives, Ross Harbaugh.

Awards

  • Guest artist with the Langroise Trio
  • ACI outstanding string player of the year
  • Concerto soloist with ACI Sinfonia