Private cello studio

 
 
 

Since high school, Megan Johnson-Barnes has had a passion for teaching cello and helping her students fall in love with music. Incorporating Suzuki, Feuillard, Essential Elements, Habit Strings Method, Rick Mooney, Janos Starker, Popper and more, she believes in a well-rounded approach catering the lessons to each specific student’s learning style and level. Over the course of her professional career, she’s taught dozens of students ranging from age 8 to nearly 80.

Mrs. Johnson-Barnes is currently building an orchestra program at Southside High School.

Member of American String Teachers Association and SCMEA

Superior Sight-Reading Southside High School 2025-2026 School Year

Excellent CPA Rating Southside High School 2025-2026 School Year

See Performance Bio

Currently, Mrs. Johnson-Barnes studio is in Mauldin, SC (just outside of Greenville, SC and Simpsonville, SC).

She expects regular, daily practice. Our lessons will consist of a small amount of regular music theory in addition to cello studies.



Studio Current Availability and Schedule (following the Greenville County Schools Calendar)

**Current openings subject to change.

Availability shown in 45-minute blocks, as this is the most popular lesson length (1 hour and 30 minute lessons also available).

Studio is located in Mauldin, SC. At this time, all lessons will take place at the in-home cello studio.

 

Tuesday: 

5:30-6:15pm (or 5:30-6:30pm 1-hour slot)- ONLY REMAINING AFTERNOON HOME STUDIO LESSON TIME.

Wednesday: 

Morning lesson times if needed (please inquire directly) beginning at 9:30am through 11am.

Afternoons are currently booked/full.

Thursday: 

Morning lesson times if needed (please inquire directly) beginning at 9:30am through 11am.

Afternoon availability at Pecknel Music only from 5:30-6:15pm (45-minute lesson) or 5:30-6:30pm.


2026-2027 Pricing

Set Monthly Rate (flat rate taking into consideration school holidays)

Monthly Rate will be...

$175.00 through the school year for 30-minute weekly lesson

$210.00 through the school year for 45-minute weekly lesson 

$280.00 through the school year for 60-minute weekly lesson 


Summer Schedule (flexible!): 

Mrs. Johnson-Barnes offers bundled summer cello lessons to allow schedule flexibility.

I have been working on a master schedule for June and July summer lessons.

As soon as you're able, please hold your desired lesson time by placing your child's name in the block(s) for the day and lesson duration. 

For example: Student A takes 1-hour lessons, so you will place the student's name in each block to block the hour (4 pm and 4:30 pm).

For ease of scheduling and to maximize time, I've set the summer schedule to include 30-minute and 60-minute lessons. If your child typically takes 45-60 minutes, please plan for one hour of summer lessons. 🙂 

I've sent this to my regular weekly students first, and then I will open it up to my orchestra-teaching peers for their students in need of summer remedial work or those wanting to advance over the summer. 

***The lessons purchased within the bundle must be used between the dates of June 1, 2026 and July 31, 2026. See attached master schedule.

Payment may be made in two installments- 1/2 June 1 & 1/2 July 1.

30 Minute Lessons:

Package of 6: $210.00

Package of 8: $280.00

Package of 10: $350.00

Package of 12: $420.00

60 Minute Lessons:

Package of 6: $420.00

Package of 8: $560.00

Package of 10: $700.00

Package of 12: $840.00

The schedule from August-May will match Greenville County Schools: 

(3) lessons in August (beginning August 8/Thursday) 

(5) lessons in September 

(4) lessons in October 

(3) lessons in November (Fall Break & Thanksgiving) 

(3) lessons in December (no lessons Christmas week/first week of January) 

(4) lessons in January 

(4) lessons in February 

(4) lessons in March (Spring Break) 

If Tues/Wed lesson, (4) in April 

(4) in May

https://suzukiassociation.org/people/megan-johnson-barnes/

Required Materials... 


Cello (please inquire re: rentals if you need assistance)- we recommend Bernhardt House of Violins.

Books will depend on the students current level, but will include a method book, a Suzuki book, and a theory book at minimum.

Music Stand

Pencil (please bring to each lesson) 

Rock Stop- I recommend the strap like this.

Rosin

Practice Book/Composition Book

Looking forward to hearing from you! Please email me at megan@carolinamusicplanner.com if you have any questions or concerns! I look forward to meeting you/your kiddo.



SUPPLY LINKS:

BOOKS-

ACCESSORIES-