Violist Kayla Williams is an advocate for music, who hopes to diversify music through her own experiences as a Black woman. Combining bluegrass, gospel, jazz, and classical music, Kayla will perform an eclectic program joined by piano, cello, and bass.

Originally from Florida, Kayla began playing the violin at age four, then at age ten she discovered her true passion — the viola. As a winner of the 2018 Lynn Concerto Competition, she made her concerto debut performing Bartok’s Viola Concerto. Williams has been the guest of music festivals across a range of music including the Grand Teton Music Festival, the Florida Folk Festival, and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. Kayla believes music should be accessible to students of all backgrounds. She aspires to create a foundation of her own that will provide access and funding needed to support music programs in underrepresented communities.