Photographer: Alex Koppel
Kevin Mills is a cellist from Orange County, California who studied under Darrett Adkins at both The Juilliard School and Oberlin Conservatory receiving his Masters in Cello Performance and Artist Diploma respectively. Kevin received his Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from California State University of Fullerton and has toured, taught, and performed nation-wide and abroad in Denmark, Korea, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and Hungary.
Kevin's near future includes frequent recitals, further education, and auditions for major orchestras and chamber music performances.
When away from his cello, Kevin enjoys cooking and is an avid Pinterest chef.
Education
Oberlin College and Conservatory 2017 - 2018
Teacher: Darrett Adkins
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The Juilliard School, 2015 - 2017
Teacher: Darrett Adkins
Dr. Edmond Lipton Memorial Scholarship
S. & A. Fabian Scholarship
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California State University of Fullerton 2010 - 2015
Teacher: Bongshin Ko
The Pressler Scholarship
The Warne Foundation Scholarship
Vice President of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, 2012-2013
Member of Mu Phi Epsilon, 2011-present
Performances
Principal Cellist, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, Spring 2019
Recordings at Capitol Records and Sony Pictures Music Studios, Fall 2018
Artist for Seoripul Festival, Seoul, South Korea, 2017
Artist for "The Cellists of Lincoln Center," Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society, 2017
The Transatlantic Music Project ft. students from Cologne, Germany + The Juilliard School, Fall 2016
Recordings appeared on National Public Radio, 2016
Four Solo Recitals given at California State University of Fullerton, 2011-2015
Soloist of the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2 with the Rio Hondo Symphony, 2014
Debut Solo Recital at the Anne Goodman Hall in the Kaufman Center, New York, 2011
Principal Cellist of the CSUF Symphonic Orchestra, 2011-present
Principal Cellist of the Mission Viejo High School Orchestra, 2007-2010
Music Festivals
The Heifetz Institute, 2015
Mozart Concert Academy, 2013
Schlern International Music Festival, 2013, 2014
Summit Music Festival, 2010, 2012
Jacobs School of Music Summer Program, 2008
Credits
Participant, “Heifetz on Tour” programs, 2015
Mission Hills Church, Worship band, 2010-present
Mariners Church in Irvine and Ocean Hills, Worship Band, 2014-present
Rio Hondo Symphony Member, 2014-present
Cello Coach at the Garden Grove High School, 2014-present
awards and Achievements
Young Artists Competition Winner for the Rio Hondo Symphony, 2014
First Place Winner of the Concerto Competition at California State University of Fullerton, 2013
First Prize in the Schlern International Music Festival Competition, 2013
First Place of the American String Teachers Association L.A. Competition, 2012
Soloist with the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, 2010
Soloist with the Four Seasons Youth Orchestra, 2008