Cellist Amber Den Exter is receiving treatment following a car crash last month in Houston, which resulted in serious spinal injuries and paralysis
A fundraiser has been set up to help a Nashville-based cellist suffering from spinal injuries and paralysis, following a car crash on 24 April 2025.
Amber Den Exter was involved in the car crash in Houston, TX, sustaining two spinal fractures and spinal cord injury, which has resulted in extensive paralysis. She is currently receiving treatment in Houston.
Den Exter has been a cellist for over 25 years, earning degrees in cello from the New Zealand School of Music, Middle Tennessee State University, and a Doctor of Music from Florida State University. She is a busy performer and cello teacher in Nashville and middle Tennessee.
Her husband, Rod Den Exter, is a luthier, bow repair and rehair specialist at Williams Fine Violins in Nashville. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with Amber’s medical bills and financial support during the time she is unable to work.
The injuries are described as ‘pretty serious’ on the GoFundMe page: ’[Amber] is currently recovering from corrective surgeries and she will be pursuing intensive physical rehabilitation to attempt to restore some if not all of her mobility.
’Amber currently has extensive paralysis that we hope will be temporary. In any case, Amber’s outlook remains positive and we are so glad to still have her with us. Amber and I have set up this GoFundMe to cover medical bills and because she will be unable to work for the foreseeable future.
’If you are so inclined to donate, we would be immensely thankful. We are grateful for the support we have received, rather here or the well wishes and thoughts.’
The Den Exters aim to raise $20,000. As of Tuesday 6 May, just over $15,000 has been raised.
Read: Car crashes into Nashville violin shop
Read: Viola candidates announced for 2025 Concours de Genève
The number one source for playing and teaching books, guides, CDs, calendars and back issues of the magazine.
In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.
The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
No comments yet