A dynamic violinist, musical leader, and an educator, Kelly Cho brings artistry, versatility, and deep human connection to every facet of her work. She currently serves as a violinist with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, a position she won and began in January 2025, and performs regularly with the Washington National Opera Orchestra. As a member of the Marine Band, she performs at some of the nation’s most significant events, including official engagements at the White House.
From an early age, Ms.Cho has been drawn not only to performance, but to leadership within ensembles. She has served as concertmaster of numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles, both during her studies and professionally, leading performances at major venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Tilles Center. Her early orchestral experience includes serving as concertmaster of the Long Island Youth Orchestra, performing as a member of the New York Youth Symphony, and attending the School of Orchestral Studies, where she was also concertmaster and awarded a New York State Scholarship.
Her training continued at the highest levels. Ms.Cho earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, spent two summers at the Music Academy of the West on full scholarship, and studied abroad as an exchange student at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart.
From 2022–2025, Ms.Cho was a member of The United States Air Force Band, where she served not only as a violinist but also as a music ambassador, performing in support of both domestic and international outreach efforts. As Music Director of the Strolling Strings, she led ensembles in a wide range of performances, using music as a powerful tool for diplomacy, community engagement, and cultural connection.
An active chamber musician, Ms.Cho performs regularly in smaller ensembles worldwide, bringing the same precision, passion, and collaborative energy to intimate settings as she does on the orchestral stage. Alongside her chamber work, she is an active accompanist and arranger, known for her adaptability and collaborative spirit.
Her versatility extends into the recording studio. Based in New York, Ms.Cho performed on film soundtracks for major motion pictures including “Joker“, “In the Heights”, and “Gemini Man“, and collaborated with Michael Bublé on his song “My Valentine.”
Fun fact: she has also performed twice with BTS on their world tour, appearing in both New York and Chicago.
Equally passionate about education, Ms.Cho has been teaching and mentoring for over 20 years and currently teaches regularly at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division. She is the founder of NOVA Violin Studio in Fairfax, Virginia, where she works closely with students of all ages and levels. Known as a deeply attentive teacher, she listens carefully to each student’s individual needs, discovers their unique potential, and brings out the very best in their playing. Her teaching philosophy centers on growth—not only of technique and musicianship, but of confidence, creativity, and heart.
Whether leading an orchestra, performing at the White House, collaborating in chamber music, recording for film, or mentoring the next generation, Kelly Cho is a musician who connects the hearts of audiences and transforms the lives of students through music.
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