Ryan Murphy, cello

Ryan Murphy is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. He is a graduate from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Cleveland Orchestra principal cellist Stephen Geber. Currently, Mr. Murphy is a student pursuing a Master of Music degree at The Juilliard School with cellist Bonnie Hampton. His past teachers have included his mother, Melanie Murphy; Caroline Eddy; and Glenda Piek. He has performed solo radio performances in St. Louis and Washington, D.C., and has appeared as guest soloist with the University City Symphony, the Detroit Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra. He has participated and performed in master classes presented by the Emerson, Cavani, and New Zealand String Quartets. In addition, he has performed in master classes for Janos Starker, Norman Fisher, Truls Mork, and Cleveland String Quartet member Peter Salaff. Mr. Murphy plays a 1998 cello by Peter Staszel on loan from the workshop of William Harris Lee in Chicago. Mr. Murphy serves as the facilities manager for The Young Eight.

Getting to know Ryan Murphy

Hobbies: food, mountain biking, fine beers, short stories, long showers, and "American Chopper"

Favorite food: lamb

What was the most memorable or scariest musical experience you've ever had? Being stranded in the woods on a bike trail in the middle of Missouri at night after seeing the Blair Witch Project the day before.

What do you enjoy most about being a young artist? The freedom to explore.

What is your personal quote or motto that you live by? Work hard, play hard.

Most memorable Young Eight experience: It's amazing to be such a positive part of the lives and development of younger musicians. From The Young Eight String Seminar, I obtained the type of fulfillment that can't be achieved in performance, but only in contributing something of yourself to those around you for a greater good. It was truly a wonderful experience.