Endorsements

“ I feel so grateful that I found Urban Arts Music Camp. The experience was amazing, truly one of the best camps my kids have ever attended. The camp lit a fire in my kids that still burns on, even months later. Our house is now regularly filled with the sounds of drums, piano, and guitar. Dianne, Miguel and Andy designed a dynamic camp experience with the perfect balance of music, games, connection, creativity, and joyful learning. My kids can't wait to go back.” — Hava G, parent of two 2019 music camp students

“Urban Arts Music Camp was really, really fun! The variety of music was really cool and all of the teachers were so nice. I was in drum class and got to play the cajon, which is a really cool percussion instrument. We also got lots of free time to play outside - I felt like it was well-balanced between learning music and playing outside.” Liam O, 10 year old 2019 music camp student

“Dianne meets your child where they are, and nurtures creativity, growth and delight. Our child blossomed in this happy environment and looks forward to returning to Urban Arts Music Camp again and again.” Jeanette F, parent of 2019 music camp student

“Our son enjoyed the Urban Arts Music camp a lot, mainly because there were many instruments to play, and he got to learn fun famous songs. He got to play games and make fun crafts. He had just begun to play the saxophone-about a month-and the faculty worked with him; by the end of the camp he was able to play a lovely tune for the final performance. This camp is run by really talented and good-natured people who work very well with children.” — Boni and Sarah, parents of 2019 music camp student

“Dianne is an exemplary musician and educator. I have performed with her for over 25 years and taught alongside her at a summer music program she founded. Dianne is a superb ensemble collaborator and cellist. While Dianne’s starting point is music, her programs incorporate multi-dimensional activities such as yoga, and games for the students. Her focus is on fun for the kids through ensemble playing and other group activities that promote cooperation. I highly recommend Dianne as a cellist, ensemble performer and teacher.” — Stacy LeSartre, concertmaster of Ft. Collins Symphony, former member of the Houston Symphony

“My son loved the camp and came home happy every day! The students got to do a nice mix of learning new music, playing outside and doing crafts; my son loved the home-made cookies and the resident puppy, too! The end-of-camp performance was really nice to get to see the kids show off what they had learned that week.” Amy B, parent of 2019 music camp student

“Wonderful, intimate, supportive setting, and a great way for our son to start playing in an ensemble, and to begin to improvise. He gave it five stars and put it at the top of the list for next summer!” — Pamela C, parent of 2019 music camp student

“Dianne is a true musician and an excellent teacher-patient, professional, dynamic, and so much fun to work with. Our son’s experience with Dianne has enhanced his interest in and love of music through lessons, and also attending her classical concerts and Flamenco Fusion performances.” — Carolyn F, parent of high school-aged private cello student

“I have been Dianne’s cello student for about two years and in that time I have truly come to appreciate what an amazing teacher and friend she is. In our lessons she uses a perfect balance of guidance and openness to musical style that allows me to advance technically and grow as an individual cellist. With Dianne I feel like my musical preferences and beliefs are heard and validated. She supports me in anything and everything I want to achieve and makes me the best I could possibly be.” Maeve W, college-aged private cello student

“Dianne Betkowski is a master instructor who skillfully translates her lifelong journey as a professional musician to students.   She is clear, encouraging and innovative in how she presents learning strategies.  In retirement, I have started playing cello.  This is the first time I had ever held a string instrument…so I walked in with high anxiety, and hardly any understanding of music or the cello.  Each lesson has a clear focus.  I learn one step at a time and build on each skill.  She genuinely encourages me so I always look forward to my next lesson…even if I didn’t practice as much as I had hoped.  She is extraordinary and I give her my strongest endorsement.” Maria K., adult student