Terry Muir has been teaching at CAM for the past few years. A truly versatile musician and teacher, Terry enjoys teaching children as well as adults. Not only has he performed with celebrities such as Elton John and Sheryl Crow, he has also recorded for many independent and Hollywood movies. At CAM, we are offering free cello rentals for new students who will study with Terry this year! What a great opportunity! We recently interviewed him about his experiences – read on to find out more!
1. When and why did you start playing the cello?
I started playing the trumpet when I was 9 but I was never very good at it. When I was 12, I slipped in the shower and smashed out my front tooth. I couldn’t play the trumpet anymore and the music director at my school told me that they needed a cello player. Playing the cello was a completely different experience for me and I knew within the year that I would do it for the rest of my life. It was meant to be!2. What are some of the fond memories you have from your vast performing experience?
I still remember most of the performances I did as a student and how much I loved being part of concerts. I knew it was something really important for my development as a player and a person, and because I wanted to share it with other people. Since becoming a professional, I’ve especially loved starting chamber music series in Seattle, WA and Boise, ID, playing in experimental jazz and dance performances in Austin, sharing the stage across the country with musicians as varied as Pavarotti and Elton John, and many others I can’t remember off the top of my head. I keep a diary with all the performances my cello and I have done.
3. What is the role of music in your life now/what else do you do other than teaching at CAM?
I play regularly with the Charleston Symphony, which is a great orchestra and a source of much satisfaction. I’m also beginning to play more chamber music in Charleston. Come hear my colleagues and I at CAM perform the Brahms Clarinet Trio at the Rush Hour Mini Concert on April 29!
4. What brought you to Charleston and CAM?
DeAnna, my wife, was hired at MUSC and I decided to come along. (CAM: We are so thankful for that!)5. What are some of the benefits for a child studying the cello?
The cello is the best instrument there is, so one can’t help but benefit from studying it. People will also think that you’re the sensitive artistic type if you play the cello, which will also be true. And all the general neurosciencey stuff, that my wife studies.6. What is your teaching philosophy?
I try to get as much technique as possible into a student so that they can do whatever they like musically. I love to explore all types of music with my students. Studying the cello also helps one learn how to learn, which is helpful in just about everything in life. Discipline is fun!
Charleston Academy of Music 