Samuel Nguyen, age 14, studies cello with Kirsten Cassel-Greer through Blair Academy at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. Samuel first began with violin at age five and added cello to his musical studies at age 10. His growing love for the cello, both its sound and repertoire, became more apparent each year, and he transitioned to solely studying cello at age 13. Most recently, in February 2025, Samuel placed 1st in the Tennessee Cello Workshop High School Division Competition as an 8th grader. During the school year, Samuel has participated in Vanderbilt’s Curb Youth Symphony, as well as Blair Academy’s Chamber and Advanced Cello Choir programs. He has been honored to participate in masterclasses and lessons with Wesley Baldwin, Felix Wang, Khari Joyner, Shu Yi Scott, and Sarah Berry. Summer study has been spent at Kinhaven, the Hilltop String Festival, and the Nashville Summer Orchestra Institute. In his free time Samuel enjoys listening to cello music, working out, playing basketball and gaming with friends, and spending time with his family at their family farm in Ashland City, TN.