Biography
Kelsey Lynch
Music has always been a part of my life and I feel it is one of the best ways to spread joy and connect with others!
I began voice lessons at the age of two, piano at the age of four, and then cello at the age of ten. Soon, I began to write my own songs for the piano and learned to improvise, under the teachings of Dawn Arrington. I maintained private cello lessons with Dr. Kenneth Law. He and my parents encouraged me to attend orchestra summer camps every year. Additionally, I continued to sing in choirs and take voice lessons under the study of Suzanne Brown. I fell in love with Broadway and opera, then turned my focus to popular music.
At the S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities my junior and senior years of high school, I found a newfound drive for performing. With Katie Dey as my orchestra director and Dr. Robert O’Brien as my cello instructor, I learned many creative ways to play music with others.
I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's of Music in Cello Performance at my home-away-from-home, Appalachian State University. At The Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State, the expansion from recording to stage production to conducting strengthened my musical skills. I played in chamber groups, was first chair cello of the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, and somehow still found time to busk in downtown Boone on sunny days, singing and playing cello with friends. Boone is where I started playing for weddings across the Blue Ridge Mountains blending both classical and jazz into my repertoire.
My cello professor, Dr. Kenneth Lurie, was instrumental in encouraging my love for jazz, bluegrass, and popular music, while simultaneously singing and playing the cello. I have found it fun and challenging to create something new. My debut of a voice/ cello combo was “Cry Me a River” by Diana Krall which I performed at my junior recital. I quickly started arranging covers of other songs that I loved by Billie Holiday, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and of course, the greatest band of all time, The Beatles. Since then, my dad has supported my creativity by helping me learn about amplification, recording, and a loop pedal for performances. I recently have picked up the electric cello and have loved playing open mic nights! I enjoy the challenge of discovering new artists, learning what they have to say, and then making music in my own style.
Since moving to Charleston in 2017, I have taught at Angel Oak, E.B. Ellington, E.L. Frierson, Jane Edwards, Minnie Hughes, and Mt. Zion Elementary schools. Currently I am Camp Road Middle School's orchestra teacher. I have been one of six directors for the Charleston County School District Honors Orchestra program, one of three directors for the All Island All County Orchestra Festival, and I have taught SMAART Strings Camp at the Charleston County School of the Arts during the summer.
I have been playing for weddings, private parties and special events for 7 years; working with clients to select traditional, pop, jazz, and custom arrangements to make their day memorable and unique.
I love cooking, going to the beach, painting, playing with my dog, Winston, and all things coffee. I love constantly learning and helping my students find a love for music. I also perform regularly at open mics around Charleston. Come and check it out!