William "Donny" Crider started cello in 2003 through his public school's orchestra program, his training includes a Bachelors in Music from the prestigious University of North Texas as well as a Masters of Music in Cello Performance from Oklahoma State University. During his graduate studies, Mr. Crider performed with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra through an orchestral fellowship, where he had the honor of performing with world-class soloists including cellist Lynn Harrell, violinists Joshua Bell and Rachel Barton Pine, and soprano Sarah Coburn, among others.

After earning his MM, Donny began an adjunct faculty position at The Barthelmes Conservatory in Tulsa where he taught private and group lessons until 2018. His other teaching experience includes research in string pedagogy and 15 years' instruction in both public schools and private conservatories. Although his background is classical, Mr. Crider incorporates student requests into the repertoire from any genre - pop and movie tunes are his favorite.