Muriel Beth Sanders

Cellist Betsy Sanders grew up in Minnesota part of a very musical family. She studied piano and cello from an early age, and taught piano while still in high school. Interlochen Michigan became her second home, first for summer camp and then the illustrious Arts Academy for high school. She attended DePauw University in Indiana, where she was a Concerto Competition winner four years in a row. The University of Texas drew her to Austin for graduate school, and she completed her Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in cello performance with Paul Olefsky. After an injury early in her career, she became interested in the field of music medicine, and regularly advises fellow musicians who struggle with injuries.

Betsy has played with the Austin Symphony since 1984, and the Austin Opera since its inception in 1986. Some highlights have included performances with Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Stevie Wonder, Luciano Pavarotti, Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma. Freelancing has also included being part of the pit orchestra for The Lion King, backing up Johnny Mathis, Kristen Chenoweth and Natalie Cole, soundtrack to the movie Spy Kids 2, and wedding music for Jessica Simpson. She contracts orchestras for local organizations including Panoramic Voices, and plays regularly at Riverbend Church.

Her experience as a teacher in the UT String Project ignited a passion for teaching, and her reputation as a successful teacher and adjudicator is known throughout the state. Betsy has a large private studio, and is a member of the American String Teachers and Suzuki Associations.