Marla Gigliotti

Hi, I'm Marla. I am a native Clevelander and I love my city... almost as much as I love my cello. I started playing cello at the age of five through the Cleveland Institute of Music's Preparatory Program. I continued my studies and obtained a BA in Music and an Arts Management minor from Miami University (2016) and my MA in Music Performance from Cleveland State University (2018). I studied with Pansy Chang, of "Pink Martini," and several members of the Cleveland Orchestra including Bryan Dumm, David Alan Harrell, and Charles Bernard.

As a professional musician, I've performed for countless events including weddings, musicals, charity events, birthday/holiday parties, religious services, recording sessions, and other special events. And as an active freelancer, I am affiliated with local event companies including BlueWater Kings, Glissando, Dream City Strings, and City Six Strings. My cello has also taken me internationally- I've performed in India for film composer AR Rahman alongside the Sunshine Orchestra and Global Rhythms. In addition to performing, I teach privately and conduct for the non-profit Rainey Institute for the Arts. 

My favorite aspects of music-making are collaborating with other artists and art-forms, crafting sounds to evoke emotion, and understanding the cultural importance of a piece. When I'm not freelancing, practicing, or teaching I enjoy running, petting dogs, and drinking coffee.