Hi, I’m Kelsey!
I’ve been playing the cello since I was 6 years old, and have been teaching and performing since 2015. I hold a Bachelors of Arts in Music, with an emphasis on psychology.
I believe that music should be accessible to all, and I build all of my musical endeavors from a foundation of education, relationship, and artistry.
As a teacher, I find that the student-teacher relationship is the most important element of learning. I take time to get to know my students and their interests, which allows me to select repertoire that will both excite them and help them grow musically. I place a big emphasis on proper technique, ear training, creativity, and confidence in my lessons. I also strive to introduce students to a wide range of musical genres and styles. These same guiding principles apply to my Stories & Strings early childhood classes which are designed to be fun, cozy, and relational— all while laying the foundation for a solid musical future.
As a performer, I love to play pieces that will make people connect with their emotions— whether it’s a trio of Christmas songs that makes someone nostalgic for their youth, a Beatles cover that makes someone smile, a pop song that gets people singing along, or a well-known classical piece— I love to find the entry points for audience members to feel the music in themselves. I regularly perform in the community. Recent performances have included weddings, holiday parties, museum events, library programming, a mental health fair, background music for an indie-rock band, and more!
Beyond my private studio, I have served in leadership and teaching roles with the Chicago Metamorphosis Orchestra Project, a nonprofit inspired by El Sistema that provides free orchestra instruction to underserved communities on Chicago's West Side. I am always looking for more ways to use music to serve my community.
I live in Chicago with my family and in my free time I love to cook, read, write, walk, travel, and spend time with loved ones.