Laurie Stearns Selby received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance from Arizona State University. She went on to obtain a position as cellist with The Phoenix Symphony in 1982. Selby’s teachers include Takayori Atsumi, Ron Leonard, Zara Nelsova, and Gabor Rejto.

Selby is also a member of the Phoenix Symphony String Ensemble, and is the moderator for the education outreach programs. This 20-member string group performs educational and entertaining Classroom Concerts in many valley elementary and middle schools throughout the season.

She works closely with the “Mind Over Music” program. Mind Over Music is a new initiative created by the Phoenix Symphony which trains teachers to integrate music into STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) concepts, the first symphony program of its kind in the nation. By learning through music, students are provided with new, creative ways to learn science and math concepts.

Selby says the best part of playing in a professional symphony orchestra is not only enjoying the privilege of performing great music, but touching lives in a manner that only music can.

“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.”- Maria von Trapp

“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.”  -Martin Luther