Jennifer was 7 years old the first time she heard a cello and it was love at first sound... even at that young age, she knew Cello (with a capital "C") was exactly what she wanted to do. 5 years (and lots of reminding her parents of that fact) later, she finally had a cello placed in her hands. In 1989, after just two years of study, she was accepted by audition to join the Cincinnati Youth Symphony Orchestra and began studies with the late Jack Kirstein, the founding cellist of the LaSalle String Quartet- becoming one of his last students. She continued her studies with Laura McClellan, who was then a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. In 1991 she joined the Starling Chamber Orchestra with whom she toured Germany and perfomed at the opening concert of the Aspen Music Festival in 1992 and 1993. At age 17 she made her solo debut with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and went on to further her musical studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. While earning her Bachelor's Degree in Cello Perfomance, she studied with Yehuda Hanani and Lee Fiser, as well as playing in master classes with Janos Starker, Paul Katz and the Tokyo String Quartet. She was a member of the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra from 1993-1999 and she continues to actively perform with local groups. Her summers have been spent studying and performing at the Kinhaven Music School with Wayne Foster Smith and at the Aspen Music Festival.

In 1997, Jennifer recieved her certification to teach Suzuki Cello after attending the Chicago Suzuki Institute. Since then she has taught students from a wide variety of backrounds, from age 3- 70. Her student have played in such ensembles as the Starling Chamber Orchestra and the Cincinnati Cello Choir. She currently holds the post of Adjunct Professor of Cello at Earlham College in Richmond Indiana and has recently been appointed Music Director of Let it Shine- a childrens' art program based in Covington, KY, where she teaches violin, viola, and cello in a class setting.

Through 20 years playing the cello and 10 years experience teaching privately, Jennifer has developed a sensitivity to the different styles of string technique, and emphasizes comfort and enjoyment of the instrument. Jennifer has studied other diciplines that supplement her awareness of how body-mechanics relate to playing a stringed instrument, ranging from Tai Chi and Yoga to Pilates and Alexander Technique.

Interested in cello lessons? At the moment, Jennifer's private teaching studio is full, but she is taking names for a waiting list.  Lessons are offered from 2pm to 6pm on Tuesday afternoons at the Wyoming Baptist Church and on Wednesday afternoons at A Violin Maker's Workshop. Please contact Jennifer at jennifer@jenwheatleymusic.com with questions or to be put on the waiting list.

Current rates for private lessons are $20 per half hour lesson, $30 per 45-minute lesson, and $40 per hour lesson. Tuition is paid on the first of each month, according to the number of lessons scheduled that month. Please see the attendance policy for more details.