Susan Cahill

We’re excited to welcome Associate Professor of Double Bass Susan Cahill as the newest addition to the esteemed faculty of the College of Music. This fall, Cahill—who has an active teaching career, and has taught and presented master classes at numerous institutions and conventions worldwide—will succeed recently retired Professor of Double Bass Paul Erhard. 

“Susan is a prominent figure in the bass world and has enjoyed an extensive performing career as an improviser, chamber musician and bassist for the Colorado Symphony,” shares Associate Professor of Cello David Requiro who co-chaired the double bass professor search committee.

Before joining the Colorado Symphony in 1997, Cahill served on the faculty of the University of Denver and as principal bass of the Louisiana Philharmonic in New Orleans. She’s also on the faculty of the Colorado College Summer Music Festival and a member of the Grand Tetons Music Festival, as well as a guest musician with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. 

“I’m beyond thrilled to join the faculty of the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music,” says Cahill, known for her teaching and coaching of double bass chamber repertoire as well as her cutting edge performances of bass solo and chamber music literature. “In addition to participating in and attending many great performances, I’m really looking forward to being a part of the unique educational environment that the College of Music has created. 

“Bass is such a wonderful, versatile instrument—as are the students who play it—and I can’t wait to discover what creative ideas they bring to the college. 

“I’m excited to support CU Boulder music students in achieving their dreams and I’m deeply honored to have the trust of Colorado’s flagship educational institution.”

Cahill has appeared as a guest star on the PBS Masterworks series “Now Hear This” with Stewart Goodyear and host Scott Yoo and—with her writing partner, improvisational actor Jon Wilkerson—she has created memorable works that have garnered great success on YouTube.

Cahill performs on basses by Nick Lloyd (circa 2015) and Guiseppe Santori (circa 1824) as well as beautiful bows by E. Sartory and Evan Orman