Jalayne Mitchell is a dynamic American cellist whose work spans performance, pedagogy, and advocacy, uniting artistic excellence with a deep commitment to social impact. Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Cello Performance at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University under the mentorship of renowned pedagogue Norman Fischer, she previously earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she was recognized with the prestigious Principal’s Award of Excellence in 2022.

Jalayne’s orchestral experience includes performances with leading ensembles such as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Glasgow Barons Chamber Orchestra. She also served as principal cellist of the COP26 Climate Conference Symphony Orchestra, a landmark cultural event aligning music with global sustainability efforts.

As a soloist and chamber musician, Jalayne has performed across the United States and the UK, with recitals in Seattle, Glasgow, Houston, and Vermont. Her chamber music collaborations include performances with members of the Brodsky Quartet and participation in internationally respected festivals such as the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival—where she was honored with the NIMAN Fellowship—and the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music. These communities have been central to her artistic development and continue to inform her collaborative ethos.

Jalayne has performed in masterclasses for some of the world’s foremost cellists, including Steven Isserlis and Hans Jørgen Jensen. As an educator with over six years of experience, she integrates a trauma-informed and inclusive approach to teaching, dedicated to fostering curiosity, empowerment, and access within classical music. Her work reflects a broader mission: to create spaces where music builds connection, cultivates belonging, and supports transformative social change.