About

  Dylan Bell is a cellist and teacher with a deep commitment to music as a means of connection—between people, traditions, and communities. With a background in classical performance and extensive experience in orchestral and chamber settings, Dylan brings his electric energy to everything he plays . He has studied cello at Central Washington University, holds an Associate’s degree in Arts and Humanities from Columbia Basin College, and has studied with legends like Dr. Edward Dixon--Principal of Mid Columbia Symphony, John Michel--Professor of Cello at CWU, and Bruce Walker--Associate Music Professor at CBC. Dylan is Suzuki Book 1 certified and has spent years performing with ensembles such as the Mid-Columbia Symphony, where he was a seated member from 2023–2025, as well as serving as principal cellist and featured soloist in youth and collegiate orchestras.

 

  His musical journey began at home, taking piano lessons from his grandfather, before discovering the cello in middle school—an instrument that quickly became a source of joy, curiosity, and personal expression. Dylan later found his musical home in folk traditions after attending Wintergrass, where he first heard of artists such as Bruce Molsky, Mike Block, Rushad Eggleston, and Olov Johansson. Since then, he has immersed himself in folk music, studying Irish, Scottish, Swedish, and old-time styles at festivals and camps across the US including Fiddle Hell in Westford, MA and the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle School. As a performer and teacher, Dylan aspires to be a compassionate guide to music—helping people connect soul to soul and heart to heart, regardless of their background or identity. He is especially drawn to folk cello and fiddle performance, playing for contra dances, weddings, and community gatherings, where music brings people together in its most human form.