BIO

Krystyna Taylor

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. Krystyna began cello lessons at the age of eleven and her first introduction to public performance came soon after when she joined a swing band founded by her grandfather. In her early teens Krystyna performed regularly with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and on weekends, could be found at the local farmers market playing cello and classical guitar duets with her younger sister. 

Krystyna competed in classical string competitions in Southern California which earned her scholarships to finance private lessons, string camps, and eventually university. Krystyna's interest in string instruments extends beyond performance. For a three year period, Krystyna apprenticed under James Wimmer, a Santa Barbara based luthier of fine string instruments, learning the craft of repair and maintenance.

In 1998, Krystyna received a full scholarship to study cello performance at CSU Sacramento. During her Bachelors of Music degree, she received a grant to teach in the Strings Project at CSUS. The String Project is a program where undergraduates gain practical hands on experience running a string program under the guidance of a master teacher. This led to the creation of her own after school string programs at four public elementary schools in Sacramento where she taught violin, viola & cello. 

In 2006 Krystyna created The K Street Orchestra, an adult late-starters string orchestra, where she serves as conductor, director & instructor. In addition to CSUS Symphony Orchestra, Mrs. Taylor has been a member of Camellia Symphony, the West Coast Symphony, Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and associated outreach programs and many other orchestras around the California coast. She has performed in various pit orchestras around Sacramento such as Runaway Stage Theater Co., Sacramento Light Opera Co., B Street Theater, and VOX Musica.

Outside of the classical realm, Taylor has played with many local bands and Krystyna has recorded extensively serving as a session musician on more than 40 albums for artists such as Jackie Greene, David Houston, Chelsea Wolfe, Sea of Bees, Sister Crayon, Daisy Spot, Deluxe, Scott McChane, Alternative String Band, Autumn Sky and many others.

Cumulatively, through individual, group and small ensemble lessons, Krystyna has been a musical educator of children, teens and adults for over 20 years and currently maintains a private studio of over 50 students.