Rob Sutherland studied cello with Dr. David Starkweather at UGA in the early 1990's and continued to perform in solo, chamber, and orchestral groups in Oxford, England while completing his doctoral degree in molecular ecology.  Rob currently teaches both pottery and music out of Good Dirt Clay Studio in Athens, GA.  He has served as Assistant Principal cellist of the Athens Symphony Orchestra and performs with various local groups including the Athens Middle East Orchestra and the Athens Cello Quartet.  Rob is also an avid mandolinist and amateur luthier.