Caitlin Edwards

Caitlin Edwards is a violinist, arranger, recording artist, and teacher based in Chicago. She began her musical journey at the age of 8 within a non-profit organization in her hometown of Birmingham AL. She later attended the University of Louisville (B.M.) and DePaul University (M.M.). 

Edwards is a classically trained violinist, but she’s inspired by gospel, jazz, hip-hop, and neo-soul. She released her debut album, Exhale, in 2021. She composes original music and intentionally performs the works of Black composers to help ensure that these composers and their compositions are remembered and spotlighted for aspiring young BIPOC musicians and the world as a whole. 

Recognition for Edwards’ versatile career continues to propel her work. She is a 2023 Sphinx MPower Artist Grant recipient, a 2022 Esteemed Artist Award recipient from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and a 2021 3Arts/Walder Foundation Awardee. Edwards was also a recipient of the Rising Star Award from the Gateways Music Festival, and is a co-curator with the Fulcrum Point New Music Project, and a former fellow with the Chicago Sinfonietta. In addition, she has received Grammy certificates for recordings on Disney’s The Lion King with the Re-Collective Orchestra and for albums by John Legend and PJ Morton. 

Edwards is a proud member of D-Composed, Ensemble Dal Niente, and Sphinx Virtuosi. Newly appointed to the Board of Directors of the Chicago Federation of Musicians Local 10-208, Edwards is proud to amplify the voices of and serve the vibrant community of musicians within Chicago.