Khari Joyner

Khari Joyner serves as Associate Professor of Cello and Program Coordinator for Music Performance: Instrumental (Strings) at Baldwin Wallace University. An internationally acclaimed cellist described by the New York Classical Review as "one of the most exciting young musicians on the classical scene," he maintains a dynamic career spanning orchestral performances, chamber music, and cross-disciplinary collaborations across North America and Europe.

His academic foundation includes a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.), Master of Music (M.M.), and Bachelor of Music (B.M.) from The Juilliard School. During his studies, he pursued a mathematics concentration through an exchange program with Columbia University, demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement beyond music performance.

Dr. Joyner specializes in contemporary classical repertoire while maintaining mastery of traditional works. His artistic focus centers on premiering 21st-century compositions by figures like Tyshawn Sorey and Kaija Saariaho, alongside canonical pieces such as Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto. He actively bridges musical genres through collaborations with dance ensembles like Dance Theater of Harlem and experimental artists including Sudan Archives.

His significant recognition includes:

• 2017-18 career grant from the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship Fund

Dr. Joyner has performed for Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama (including a private Oval Office recital), received critical acclaim for Atlanta Symphony Orchestra appearances, and maintains teaching appointments at Columbia University, Sarah Lawrence College, and Mannes Prep. He regularly conducts masterclasses at institutions including Oberlin Conservatory and SUNY Fredonia, emphasizing pedagogical innovation.

As co-founding member of the Altezza Piano Trio, he performs with ensembles such as the Ritz Chamber Players and Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia, appearing at festivals including Highlands-Cashiers and Fontainebleau while broadcasting on WQXR's Midday Masterpieces series.