Taylor DeCastro, violin

Violinist Taylor DeCastro is a graduate assistant at the University of Washington, pursuing her Master of Music. Most recently, Taylor graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and minor in Studio Art from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music. In 2024, Taylor was named a finalist in the Musicians Club of Women Competition in Chicago, Illinois, and has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and France.

Additionally, she has performed as Concertmaster and Principal Second Violin of the UW Symphony Orchestra and Lawrence Symphony Orchestra. Passionate about new music, Taylor has performed with the UW Modern Music Ensemble and Lawrence University New Music Ensemble. She currently serves as the teaching assistant for the UW Baroque Ensemble, which she performs with as well. Taylor has performed in masterclasses for esteemed musicians such as Georgina Rossi, Jean Barr, Bella Hristova, Eric Silberger, the Spektral Quartet, Cavani Quartet, and Escher String Quartet.

As a passionate chamber musician, Taylor has attended the Zodiac Music Festival in Valdeblore, France, and the Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival in Leavenworth, Washington, where she performed alongside faculty. She has also previously performed alongside the New York City based quintet, Founders, in the Lawrence University Performing Arts Series. Recent professional engagements include performing with Philharmonie Austin (TX) and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra (WI).

An advocate for underrepresented voices and accessibility in the music world, Taylor is dedicated to creating diverse performances and inclusive teaching environments. At UW, Taylor coaches orchestra sectionals, Baroque Ensemble and chamber music rehearsals, and teaches music appreciation classes. Presently, Taylor is an Instructor of Violin at the Epiphany Music Academy in Seattle, Washington. Her primary teachers include Rachel Lee Priday, Samantha George, Colin Belisle, Helen Liu-Wong, and Ellie Albers LeRoux.