Kylla Thompson

A Florida native, Kylla began her music studies at the age of six. After a few years of private instruction, she became involved in Tampa Bay’s community youth orchestras and chamber music programs. As a young cellist, she performed with youth orchestras in Tampa’s Morsani Hall, Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall, as well as Carnegie Hall in New York.

In 2012, Kylla received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from The University of South Florida where she studied with Cellist Scott Kluksdahl. While a student, she discovered her love of teaching and founded a small cello studio. Since then, she has become certified to teach Book 1 of the Suzuki Method.

Kylla received her Master’s Degree from The Pennsylvania State University under the tutelage of Kim Cook, where she was awarded the Graduate Assistantship. She was principal of the Chamber Orchestra and co-principle of the Philharmonic Orchestra. She also taught a String Method course to undergraduate music education majors to give them the skills necessary to teach cello in public school programs. An advocate of early music, Kylla was principal cellist in the Pennsylvania State University Baroque Ensemble for four years and hopes to continue studying 18th century performance practices. An active performer in her community, she has played with The Altoona Symphony Orchestra, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, and Nittany Valley Symphony. Currently, she has moved to Miami, Fl and is working on building her private studio.

Kylla has participated in music festivals including Orvieto Musica in Italy, Killington, Sewanee, and Brevard Summer Music Festivals. She has also performed for esteemed cellists such as John Moran, Alan Harris, Guy Fishman, Brent Wissick, Matt Haimovitz, and Phoebe Carrai.