Dr. Keegan O’Donald is a cellist and teacher. Currently an instructor at the University of Illinois Springfield and Millikin University, Keegan maintains a studio of students of all ages and musical experience.

Keegan is passionate about chamber music, having recently served as Chamber Music Fellow at the Green Lake Festival of Music. He also studied chamber music at UIUC with members of the Jupiter String Quartet. Keegan was recently appointed to the University of Illinois’ Sinfonia da Camera and Champaign Urbana Symphony Orchestra and appears regularly with those ensembles.

Historical performance practice is a major interest. He studied baroque cello at Indiana University and has performed with Concerto Urbano and at the Five Cities Baroque Music Festival. His doctoral thesis examined the historical performing practices for the cello sonatas of Johannes Brahms.

As a doctoral student at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Keegan studied with Daniel McDonough and Denise Djokic. Keegan has previously attended Indiana University, DePaul University, and St. Olaf College, studying with cellists Emilio Colon, Stephen Balderston, and David Carter.

Originally from West Michigan, Keegan began playing the cello in his public school’s youth orchestra. When not making music, Keegan enjoys running and cooking Italian cuisine.