Written by Eliza Simikian
The Next Movement: Class of 2026
Stephen Arthur didn’t always know he wanted to become a professional musician. He knew he was good at the cello, but for years, that wasn’t the same as calling it a career.
Now a senior cello performance major from Memphis, Arthur has become a defining presence at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, serving as principal cellist of the UT Symphony Orchestra and representing the university in major competitions. As he prepares to graduate this spring, he reflects on a college experience shaped by mentorship, discipline, and an evolving sense of purpose.
From Skill to Calling
Growing up in Memphis, Stephen Arthur’s relationship with music was more of a slow burn than an immediate spark. Although he began playing the cello at age five, it took years for his technical proficiency to transform into a personal passion. “I think as I got older, for a while, I kept playing because I felt like I was good at it,” he says, noting that his early years were defined more by a sense of skill than a career-driven mission.
A turning point arrived in high school when Arthur attended several summer music festivals, leading to a realization that gained momentum after his sophomore year.
“I realized that this might be something I want to try to make a career out of,” he says. Yet, even as high school neared its end, he remained torn between music and business, initially considering the cello to secure financial assistance while studying another field.
That uncertainty vanished during his senior year. After careful consideration and conversations with mentors, he chose to fully commit to his instrument. “I learned that in music, there is no way to half commit and still do what you need to do,” Arthur explains. “You cannot make it if you are only halfway in. I made the choice to fully commit just before my senior year applications, and I have no doubts it was the right one.”
Finding the Right Fit at UT
When selecting a college, Arthur knew he wanted to focus on performance. While he envisioned teaching privately as part of his career, his immediate priority was developing his performance skills.
For performance majors, the path often includes trial lessons with potential professors before applying. Arthur visited schools in and out of Tennessee in search of the right instructor, a process that led him to Wesley Baldwin, professor of cello. After his audition at UT, a pivotal conversation with Baldwin solidified his decision.
“The thing that really sealed the deal for me happened during the committee’s lunch break right after my audition. Professor Baldwin asked me to stick around, congratulated me on a strong performance, and then showed me his clipboard. He said, ‘These are the 15 things that I think we need to tackle immediately if we were to study together.’” Arthur said. “He gave me a list of specific areas in my playing that needed attention to take me to the next level.
Beyond his immediate connection with Professor Baldwin, Arthur was impressed by the college’s facilities and staff, putting UT at the top of his list during application season, and the rest is history.
Performance, Leadership, and Community
At the heart of Stephen Arthur’s experience at UT is a unique studio tradition known as “peer playing.” Once a week, the cello students gather to perform for one another and provide constructive feedback. This practice serves as a cornerstone for both his musical growth and his philosophy in the community.
“I started to value that peer playing time much more as I progressed,” Arthur said. “It allowed me to talk about music with others and ensure we were all on the same page.”
This collaborative spirit seamlessly extended into his role as principal cellist for the UT Symphony Orchestra. For Arthur, the position was less about individual authority and more about maintaining the unity fostered in the studio. “Serving as principal taught me a lot about leadership, both in the ensemble and as a person,” he says. “It was about making sure the section operated as one unit, ensuring everyone had the same information and felt prepared.” Working alongside Maestro Fellenbaum further reinforced this, providing a professional environment where leadership and artistry met.
This sense of collective effort helped eliminate a common myth about music schools. “Before coming here, I heard so many stereotypes about how studying music is an isolating experience,” Arthur said. “In some ways, I agree because we spend so much of our day in a practice room alone. However, I think UT works very hard to counterbalance that isolation with a great community. I was pleasantly surprised by the sense of belonging here.”
Arthur credits this environment to the faculty’s intentional approach to mentorship. By cultivating a space where students can be open about their struggles and successes, the faculty have built a unique culture of support.
It is much easier to commit to your instrument with the necessary grit and discipline when you have a supportive community around you and don’t feel like you’re going at it alone. The level of commitment to you both musically and personally here is quite unique to Tennessee.”
STEPHEN ARTHUR
Senior Cello Performance Major
The Next Movement: A Bittersweet Goodbye
After graduation, Arthur will continue his studies at the DePaul University School of Music in Chicago, where he will pursue a master’s degree, serve as a graduate teaching assistant, and perform with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
Before that, he plans to spend the summer in Knoxville teaching and preparing students for auditions while also marking a personal milestone: his wedding in June.
Reflecting on his four years at UT, Arthur feels well prepared for these upcoming professional engagements and auditions. He views his time at the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music as a success in building the technical and collaborative foundation he needs. “Between my work with Professor Baldwin and my efforts in chamber music and orchestral playing, I’ve refined my skills to a level that I am proud of,” he reflects. “I feel very lucky.”
Despite his excitement for the future, leaving the university is a bittersweet experience. Arthur notes that he will miss the culture of the college most of all. “I don’t imagine finding another university or conservatory with a culture this strong, where every student, staff, and faculty member is so committed to your success both as a musician and as a person,” he says. “They check in on you. People are truly there for one another here.”
For students considering a similar path, Arthur offers two pieces of advice: to build meaningful relationships with instructors and take advantage of UT’s unique balance.
“You get the intimacy of a small music school with the resources of a large university,” he says. “That combination is rare.”
As he moves forward, Arthur carries with him more than refined technique. He leaves with a clearer artistic identity. One shaped by mentorship, community, and the decision to go all in.
