With the genes of a violinist and public music school teacher, University of Memphis music professor Peter Spurbeck says his road was mapped out before he even knew it. Spurbeck, born in 1960, picked up the cello at the age of 8 and hasn't looked back.
Opportunities to play under renowned musicians and teachers from decades past with the help of his father, who taught violin at a New York university, produced the defining moment in this cellist's life at age 13. When Leonard Rose, one of the great cellists of the era, heard him play, Spurbeck said it got him thinking professionally about music.
Eventually, Spurbeck ended up at the Meadow Mount Summer Festival playing for Rose before scholarships landed him at Indiana University -- a premier music university at the time.
"I had it in the blood," Spurbeck said. "I was watching my father have a marvelous career, and I could see it was satisfying, even when I was young."
His first teaching position was at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. Playing with the Illinois String Quartet, Spurbeck said he found a spot from time to time in the St. Louis, Memphis and Nashville symphonies as well.
"Teaching is an ongoing and continual inspiration working with students," Spurbeck said. "Even as a student I always had the urge to pass on what I knew."
Music professor John Chiego is a witness to Spurbeck's commitment.
"From that dedication comes the desire to be the best performer he can be, so as to be a role model for his students," Chiego said. "That's Peter's greatest strength."
Spurbeck said he has had the good fortune of seeing many of his students playing in orchestras and teaching.
"Seeing them make it keeps me going," Spurbeck said. "It's very gratifying to see the family of cello students grow and prosper. It's exciting to watch their careers."
Spurbeck's love of music has put his own career at the highest levels, both here and across the country, Chiego said.
At the head of his accomplishments are 30 seasons as principal cellist in the Memphis Symphony, a place in the faculty of the Sewanee Music Center from 1970-1999 and a principal's seat at the Peninsula Music Festival in Fish Creek, Wis. for 13 seasons.
"All of his contact with the finest musicians all over the world is a gift to our music school," said Kay Yager, admissions and marketing coordinator for the music department. "It shows up most widely through the Master Classes he arranges."
Spurbeck has arranged for world renowned cellist Janos Starker to hold a class Friday, Feb. 9, while Starker is here with the Memphis Symphony.
Spurbeck has managed to pull a few extra strings each year in order to bring talented musicians to The U of M, musicians such as Zara Nelsoba, Emerson Quartet cellist David Finkell and modern-day cellist icon Yo Yo Ma -- one of Spurbeck's career highlights, he said.
"They are very intellectual and absorbing classes," Spurbeck said. "It puts the students on cloud nine. I, too, learn enormously. It's exciting to learn from a master and watch the students play for someone famous who they admire. It's a valuable stimulant."
Chiego said Spurbeck has got just what students are looking for.
"He has excellent technical knowledge, the ability to identify problems and suggest solutions for the better of the student and get them to care endlessly about achieving what they are most capable of achieving," Chiego said.
As for the road ahead, Spurbeck, who is in his 33rd year at The U of M, is inching his way toward retirement next year, but said he won't be hanging up his passion for music.
"The fire burns too deep," Spurbeck said. "To be successful, you have to be a crusader. Don't stop. Keep fighting. Go with what you love. It's such a wonderful world creating. When you do, and others appreciate it, it's worth more than you can say."
