Instrument/Department: Chamber Music Coach, cello
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2022
Jessica Tuttobene has played cello for 25+ years. An honors graduate of Old Dominion University, Jessica earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education, with a dual focus on Instrumental and Vocal Certification. She studied cello with Leslie Frittelli. She also studied piano and voice while attending Old Dominion University.
As a part of her studies, she enjoyed performances with the orchestra, chamber ensembles, chorus, madrigals, and jazz choir. During her studies, she met the musicians who would become the founding members of the Col Vita String Quartet.
Following graduation, Jessica Tuttobene taught for seven years as the Orchestra Director at Azalea Gardens Middle School in Norfolk, VA. During this time, Jessica also had the honor of guest conducting All-City Orchestras in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, VA.
In 2012, Jessica joined the Symphonicity Orchestra of Virginia Beach in Virginia as a cellist. While in the orchestra, she also performed with the Symphonicity Quartet for community outreach performances and local private events. In 2017, Jessica joined the Harps on Fire program support by Norfolk Public Schools and the Academy of Music as a co-instructor and conductor for 3 years.
In 2018, Jessica became a mother and officially started Col Vita Music as way to spend time with her family and share her musical passion and experience by teaching music lessons and performing with the Col Vita String Quartet.
In 2021, Jessica moved with her family to Rochester, NY where she currently plays with the Roberts Symphony Orchestra as principal cellist.
More About Jessica Tuttobene
Hometown: Stillwater, OK
What inspires me: Anything related to music and teaching. I also love a good underdog story.
Why the arts matter: The arts remind us of how human we are. They allow us an outlet for expression, movement, and connection in so many different ways. There is so much depth to be found within each of us as humans and a depth of interpretation of what is around us. Art is how we attempt to bring that depth to light.
Favorite things to do in the Rochester area: I am still exploring the area to find my favorites
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: At home with my two little boys or in my music studio working, practicing, or teaching
My favorite local restaurant: Soho Bagels and Cafe
Favorite places to travel: Camping in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest and visiting my family in various locations across the US
Favorite movie: One of my go-to favorite movies is Gladiator for the music, pictures, and story
What people would be surprised to know about me: I like to make pies from scratch for the holidays