Kealia Grace Smith, a cellist and pianist, is a freshman at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science.
She is currently part of the PYO Music Institute’s Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra and the All-Shore Orchestra, and cellist with the Capanna String Trio at Settlement Music School. Kealia Grace has previously performed with other orchestras including the New Jersey All-State Orchestra, the Rowan Youth Orchestra, and Symphony in C Youth Orchestra.
She studies cello with Dr. Joanne Erwin and Thomas Kraines, and has performed in masterclasses with Yumi Kendall, Bryan Dumm, Cassia Harvey, and Zachary Sweet; she’s also worked with cellist Arlen Hlusko and pianist Michelle Cann. Kealia Grace studies piano with Norma Meyer and has studied conducting with Rosalind Erwin of Drexel University and Paul Bryan of Curtis.
Her love of music extends beyond her instruments. She is part of her church choir and has a background in dance and musical theater; favorite professional roles include Hortensia (Matilda: The Musical) and Little Girl (Ragtime). Kealia Grace served as Junior Miss Stafford 2021, with a platform of bringing music to her community.
Kealia Grace has been featured on Fox29’s Good Day Philadelphia, NBC10, and CBS3 for her arrangement, recording, and video of the Ukraine National Anthem, which has helped to raise money for those impacted by the conflict. She’s also taken part in a number of benefit fundraising concerts and prayer services to support relief efforts.
Kealia Grace is a Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) Artist.