Thomas Maternik-Piret received Bachelor of Music from Ecole Nationale de Music de Fresnes, Paris, Master of Music from Royal College of Music, London, and is currently pursuing Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Alabama. In addition to teaching at Samford University Academy of the Arts, he has also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of North Alabama. He has served as the principal cellist with the California Orchestra CCCO, Alabama Huntsville Symphony, and Alabama Shoals Symphony. Currently, he is cellist in residence with the Capstone String Quartet at the University of Alabama and serves as principal cellist for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. He also performs with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Mobile Symphony Orchestra, and Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra.

Thomas shares that learning to play the cello requires discipline, tenacity, and lots of hard work, but unlike other activities, these essential elements for success can be learned while students experience the joy and fun of playing beautiful music on the cello. When he is not playing or teaching cello, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and children.