Biography

Coming from a classical music loving family, learning an instrument was less a decision than a rite of passage. My father, an amateur violist, dreamed of playing chamber music with his children, and since my older brother already picked violin, we needed a cellist. I started taking lessons when I was 6.

Despite starting young, I didn’t fall in love with the cello until many years later. When I was 14, I joined a youth orchestra in my city – Philadelphia Sinfonia – where I first experienced the joy of playing in an orchestra. With this group, I discovered how incredible the symphonic repertoire is and how powerful it feels contributing to such a large sound. Participating in two summer programmes, Interlochen Arts Camp and Boston University Tanglewood Institute, further cemented my desire to continue studying music at university.

After high school, I moved across the country to start a dual-bachelor’s course at Northwestern University. At this point in my life, I knew I wanted to study music, but I was interested in other subjects too and keen to explore them as much as I possibly could. I was particularly interested in the brain and the cognitive processes involved in musical practice, so I ended up earning a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science as well as a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance. At Northwestern, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Copenhagen for four months at the Royal Danish Academy of Music; this is where I first considered moving away from the US. I also had the privilege of spending a summer in California as a fellow at the Music Academy of the West, where I cultivated a love for contemporary music.

By the end of my undergraduate studies, I realised music was my calling. My cello professor at Northwestern, Hans Jensen, had a profound impact on my relationship with my instrument, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the process of practising.

In Autumn 2025, I moved to London to start a Master’s at the Royal College of Music after being offered a scholarship. While the scholarship initially was the driving force for my decision to move, I’m so grateful to be living in this incredible city now and could never have imagined the opportunities I’ve had this past year. I’ve gotten to travel to Malta and Germany for fellowships, led several projects at college, and recently joined a chamber collective. I’m so excited to start this new musical chapter with Sinfonia Smith Square!