Caeli Smith

Viola

Academic Program Affiliation(s): Bard Conservatory of Music: Viola

Biography: Called “intense, precise, and full of personality,” Caeli Smith is one of New York City’s most sought-after chamber musicians and educators. She is a member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and has performed with them across the U.S., Europe, and Asia; as well as with the

New York Philharmonic, The Knights, Sejong Soloists, and the Verbier Chamber Orchestra. She is principal viola of Simone Dinnerstein’s ensemble Baroklyn.

Known among students and colleagues for her exuberance and curiosity, Caeli

(pronounced “Chay-lee”) is on the faculty of Bard College Conservatory, Montclair State University, the Heifetz International Music Institute, and Kinhaven Music School. She works weekly with pre-college, college, and graduate students at The Juilliard School as a teaching assistant/adjunct professor for multiple studios. Caeli holds a bachelor’s degree in violin performance and a master’s degree in viola performance from The Juilliard School. Upon graduating, she received the William Schuman Prize for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Music. She holds a Masters in Education from Harvard, with a concentration in Arts and Learning. Caeli is an alum of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect.

Caeli has written for radio, TV, and print, and her articles have appeared in The

Philadelphia Inquirer, as well as Strings, Teen Strings, and Symphony magazines.
Department: Bard Conservatory of Music