Fulfilling the vision of a youth orchestra for Montana

Collins is a sought-after cellist and teacher who has performed worldwide as a soloist, chamber recitalist, and orchestral cellist. He has appeared in recitals throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, and South Korea. He has served as principal cellist of the Mobile, Columbus, Pensacola, and Albany Symphony Orchestras, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and l’Orchestre de la Francophonie. As a chamber musician, Collins has performed in the Master Players Chamber Series, the Busan Maru International Music Festival, and in the Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy. He is currently the principal cellist of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and the String Orchestra of the Rockies. He is also the president of the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras.

Dr. Collins is currently a lecturer of cello at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. In addition to teaching cello students, he teaches courses in music theory and interdisciplinary courses at the University of Montana Davidson Honors College. His cello students have attended the Aspen Music Festival, the Round Top Festival and Institute, and the Brevard Music Center Festival. His students have also won prizes in statewide and regional competitions, including the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras Young Artist Competition and Music Teachers National Association chamber and solo competitions.