Becky Keeley

Meet Becky! Cello & Day-Of Coordinator

How did you start playing with Radiant Strings? What do you do for the group?

I started working with Nicole at The Pittsburgh Music Academy in 2017 where we started to become friends, and was thrilled to begin playing with Radiant Strings a few years later in 2022. I like to think that I’m pretty easy going and flexible. This is important when it comes to live music and special events. On-site I’m able to roll with the punches and have fun despite any craziness that may be happening!

What makes Radiant Strings special to you?

To me, music is all about connection. Whether I’m teaching a class of toddlers and their care givers or playing at a wedding ceremony I love that I am helping to bring people together through music. Radiant Strings does this at every event not only for each and every client but for each musician as well. It’s been wonderful to meet and connect with so many wonderful musicians and friends through Radiant Strings! 

What stands out as your favorite RS gig?

I love playing events that were a little outside of the box. The Titanic 21+ nights at the Science Center were a lot of fun - I especially loved seeing people in costume! Weddings at the Carnegie Museum are always special to me because they remind me of my own wedding day. The wedding we played there to kick off the 2024 wedding season was magical and it was so exciting to join the band No Bad JuJu for the first dance! 

What’s your musical background?

I grew up here in Pittsburgh - a great city for the arts and music education! I have such fond memories of playing in the Three Rivers Young People’s Orchestras and the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. After studying cello performance at the University of Maryland I stayed in the DC area to teach for the next ten years. My private studio grew to 30 students and I ran the music program at a private school in Virginia. It was a very special place but after so many years away it was time to head back home to Pittsburgh to continue teaching and making music! 

Favorite cookie table cookie? I think it’s too hard to choose just one!