Beth Tonning
Cello
— began piano and cello lessons at the age of seven. She joined the Youth Symphony Orchestra at Victor Valley College by age nine and performed with the orchestra for a number of years. At age twelve, she started studying piano with Dr. Linda Minasian, a highly musical and gifted teacher in the High Desert. She has participated in competitions throughout the Inland Empire and Los Angeles, as well as many studio recitals and concerts. She also studied with various cello teachers throughout the Inland Empire, eventually studying with Kyle Champion, principal cellist of the Redlands Symphony. At age 16, she performed her first solo piano recital. Beth opened her own piano studio at this time and found teaching to be such a joy that she wanted to pursue a music degree for the sake of being able to teach at a highly proficient level and provide the best instruction possible for her students. But, then things happened that would change Beth’s life forever. In 2007, at age 17, she started developing muscle stiffness in her neck and back, eventually developing severe and painful muscle spasms and abnormal posture. It was some years later that Beth was officially diagnosed with a neurological condition called Primary Generalized Dystonia. During all of this, Beth continued to play and teach piano, though physically unable to play the cello. In 2011, a neurologist found that Beth was a candidate for a procedure called deep brain stimulation, or DBS. Beth had the brain surgery to implant the DBS unit and the results were simply amazing. With the dystonia now under control, Beth went on to get training to become an Advanced Massage and Neuromuscular Therapist. She now runs a successful massage practice focusing on medical massage and helping to alleviate clients’ pain and suffering. Currently, Beth continues to teach piano and cello in her studio in Apple Valley and online. She continues to grow as a musician by taking lessons, reading, studying, and of course, teaching. Periodically, she will perform recitals and concerts for the community. In her free time, Beth enjoys reading, hiking, and traditional archery.