Julian Sommer

Julian Sommer is a Suzuki-trained cellist and teacher who grew up studying cello through the Suzuki method. He began his formal teacher training in the String Project at California State University, Sacramento, a program led by Andrew Luchansky and master Suzuki teacher Judy Bossuat-Gallic that provides teaching experience in both classroom and individual lesson settings. He later studied with Trina Carey-Hodgson for his Suzuki certification. Julian currently teaches privately in San Francisco and at the Mountain House Suzuki Institute. In his teaching, he emphasizes calm, patient communication and works to build relationships of mutual respect with students while tailoring lessons to each student’s individual needs and goals.

Julian holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Jennifer Culp, Elisabeth Reed, and members of the Telegraph Quartet. He previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Performer’s Certificate from California State University, Sacramento.

At UC Santa Cruz, Julian performed in the Resident String Quartet, served as principal cellist of the university orchestra, and won the Concerto Competition, performing the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto. He graduated with highest honors in the music major. At Sacramento State he also served as principal cellist of the University Orchestra and received the Saturday Club Prize, a scholarship awarded to the university’s most distinguished student performers.

As a performer, Julian has appeared with the Stockton Symphony, Modesto Opera, North State Symphony, and the Zion Chamber Orchestra. Additional projects include the debut performance of Meredith Monk’s Indra’s Net, recording on John Paul Labno’s album Bells, and performances with Mason Bates’ Mercury Soul ensemble.