Carrie Pierce

Cellist Carrie Pierce has built a dynamic career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, and educator, known for her artistic versatility and community-driven approach to music.

She is an active performer and champion of new music, serving as principal cellist of both the Corpus Christi and Victoria Symphony Orchestras. Pierce is the founder of the SoundWaves Music Festival, a week-long event in Corpus Christi, Texas that brings rising composers to work with students and faculty while presenting innovative performances throughout the community. The festival has featured composers like Viet Cuong and Reena Esmail, offering students direct access to some of the most exciting voices in contemporary music.

A dedicated chamber musician, Pierce frequently collaborates with artists throughout the U.S. and abroad. She is a regular guest performer and clinician at CIVEBRA, an international festival held in Brasília, Brazil, and has appeared as a soloist with orchestras across North and South America, including the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Viva, the Fenton Symphony Orchestra, and the West Michigan Symphony.

As a committed educator and community leader, Pierce directs a weekly outreach program at the Antonio Garcia Arts Center, offering free string education to elementary-aged students. She is also a director with the Corpus Christi Youth Orchestra program, helping to foster a love of ensemble playing in young musicians. Pierce is Professor of Music at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and was honored with the university's Excellence in Creativity Award in 2019. A certified Suzuki teacher through Level 10, she is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians through personalized, innovative instruction.