Biography
Olivia Quintanilla is a Twin Cities based cellist, composer and teacher. She takes her classical training to a modern stage with her live performance to create a unique and progressive musical style. With a hand in over a dozen musical groups - from hard rock to classic symphony - Quintanilla has quickly become synonymous with the progression of modern cello composition and performance.
Early Life
Olivia began her journey as a musician at age 7 - taking Saturday lessons in Milwaukee, WI with the Magnificent Performing Strings. The first instrument she chose was the violin. After four years she moved her attention toward the cello, and fell in love with its rich unique sound.
It was with the cello that she found her passion, and received a full scholarship for lessons with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Associate Principal Cellist - Scott Tisdel. She continued to keep music her educational focus by attending Milwaukee High School of the Arts (2004-2008) and becoming a member of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (2003-2008).
Olivia Quintanilla playing cello at the Great Wall of China 2007
She was accepted into Lawrence University’s Music Program where she continued her studies of cello performance under Prof. Janet Anthony. Within those years at University she grew into an experienced performer, focusing on classical and modern repertoire. Her studies of jazz were led under the guidance of the late Prof. Fred Sturm, Prof. Mark Urness (Bass), and Prof. Jose Encarnacion (saxophone) and Prof. Matt Turner (cello). Olivia graduated from Lawrence University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music.
Olivia relocated to the Twin Cities in 2012, and has been involved in many modern musical endeavors since. Of these projects the most prominent being Useful Jenkins; a contemporary acoustic band with roots firmly embedded in bluegrass. She also lends her talents to a Twin Cities new alternative rock band, IronStar. Her unique playing style and fierce live performance always brings her to the forefront of any group she plays with.
In addition to her vibrant rock’n roll career, Quintanilla continues to hone her musical skills as a private music teacher in Minneapolis, specializing in cello and violin lessons to students of all ages, with an emphasis on beginner and intermediate studies.
Full List of Bands
Little Star (2012-2015)
Blas Mala (2014-2016)
Useful Jenkins (2015- present)
Smokin Joe (2016-present)
Lenz and Frenz (2018- present)
Burbillies (2018-present)
Monsters of Grass (2019)
IronStar (2019-present)