bio

Taylor is an American cellist with a career in recording, performing, and teaching music spanning all genres, from classical and contemporary improvisation to singer-songwriter and folk rock. She currently serves as Principal Cellist of the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, and serves on Madrona School's faculty as Strings Teacher. 

 

A lifelong cellist, Taylor began her cello studies at the age of four with Nancy Yamagata at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, CA. Taylor received her Bachelor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in Ann Arbor, MI, where she studied classical cello performance with Richard Aaron, as well improvisational studies through the Department of Jazz and Contemplative Studies under the guidance of Ed Sarath and Miles Okazaki. Taylor's mentors also include Rajan Krishnaswami and Rick Mooney.

 

Taylor merges her technique earned from a lifelong study of the cello and a conservatory education with a love for improvisation and composition. She has been a freelance cellist for over two decades, and has composed, recorded, traveled and performed with her cello for artists across many genres and settings, including  film and stage productions. A seasoned touring and session musician, Taylor’s distinct melodic lines, lush string arrangements and warm, clear tone are featured on over a decade’s worth of records.

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Taylor welcomes students of all ages and abilities and is particularly passionate about embracing and celebrating learning differences, aiming to foster a love of learning in her students. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a strong technical foundation to facilitate musical and artistic freedom (and fun!) with the cello. She is a member in good standing with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).