Cello Day at Butler University
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Registration link coming soon!
Cello Day is a free event for cello players in eighth through 12th grade. All playing levels are welcome, but we do not recommend this event for total beginners. Participants will get to experience cello study at the School of Music first-hand with activities including:
- A master class or clinic with special guest artists and current cello majors
- Workshops with Butler cello and other strings faculty
- Large Cello Ensemble with all participants and faculty
- and more!
A sample schedule is below along with information about our special guest and faculty. If you have questions, email JCAadmissions@butler.edu.
Butler Faculty:

Dr. Geissler is a passionate and communicative cellist with broad musical interests spanning multiple genres and disciplines. Dr. Geissler is joining Butler from his previous appointment as Assistant Professor of Cello at East Tennessee State University and is a member of the new music ensemble Latitude 49. Kalmia Garden Music Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization Dr. Geissler founded and directs in Durham, CT, just celebrated its 12th season. Dr. Geissler has been presented at a multitude of festivals. He has shared the stage with celebrated musicians such as Lynn Harrell, Mathieu Herzog, Clive Greensmith, Mihaela Martin, and Frans Helmerson. Through his work with Latitude 49, Geissler premiered works by dozens of composers.
As a dedicated teacher, Dr. Geissler teaches regularly at festivals such as ENCORE Chamber Music Institute’s Summer Academy and the Tennessee Cello Workshop and has been in residence to perform and teach at schools including Oberlin Conservatory, Princeton University, Vanderbilt University, and many more. Dr. Geissler’s students have been accepted into top-tier festivals and degree programs and have earned prestigious awards in national and international competitions.
In 2024, Dr. Geissler received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, serving as Desmond Hoebig’s teaching assistant. Previously, Dr. Geissler earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan under the mentorship of Richard Aaron.
Updated 2025 schedule coming soon. All sessions will take place in the Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall unless otherwise noted.
- 9:30 – 10:30 AM Check-in, Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall lobby
- 10:30 AM Master Class with special guest, Eidson-Duckwall stage
- 12:00 PM Free lunch with current cello majors in the Marketplace at Atherton Union
- 12:45 PM Presentations by Butler cello faculty, Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall
- 1:30 PM Large Cello Ensemble presentation with all participants, Ford Salon in the Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall, lower level. Remember to bring your cello!
- 2:00 PM Dismissal from Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall lobby