Ciyadh Wells is a multifaceted musician who prides herself in not only being an artist but also an activist, and a scholar. Born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Wells’ passion for music developed at a young age with her involvement in choir and band. Her skillset grew the more she honed her skills in private guitar lessons. Wells’ earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a focus on Choral Concentration from the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. After earning her Bachelors, Wells successfully pursued her Masters of Music in Instrumental Performance with a concentration in Applied String Pedagogy from the University of Louisville. She recently finished her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Guitar Performance at the University of Georgia. As a scholar and educator, Wells believes everyone deserves access to art, which she advocates as being essential to society.
As a performer, Wells’ has been a part of various national and international performances. She’s been a part of the Community Music School at the University of Georgia, Artist Affiliate of Guitar at Agnes Scott College. She has also been involved in higher education as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Georgia. She’s been recognized and awarded for her efforts as an advocate and a leader. Awards include; the Wilson Center for the Arts and Humanities Graduate Research Award, Young Artist Award at the Eastern Music Festival, Katy Garrison LGBT Student Leadership Award at the University of Louisville.
Furthermore, her advocacy has made a difference in many young musicians’ lives. Ciyadh’s mission is to utilize the impact of music old and new, to manifest moments of meaningful change and to inspire community therein. She has been an essential member of the Young People For (YP4) Community Activist Leadership Fellowship, DIG (Diversity and Inclusion in Graduate School) Leadership Fellowship at the University of Georgia and The Reformation Project Leadership Development Cohort. As a former professor, Wells’ was the Director of Education and Outreach at the Louisville Guitar Society. She was also the Director of Festival Activities at the Ghana National Music Festival.
Currently, Wells’ is an active member of the guitar community. She is the Artistic & Executive Director of Margins Guitar Collective, former Sphinx LEAD (Leaders in Excellence, Arts, & Diversity) member and was a part of the Emerging Leaders program at the University of Georgia. She currently plays in a guitar duo called Duo Charango. She is also a part of Trash Music, a research initiative exploring the intersections of sustainability, music and environmental justice. As part of a passion project, Wells’ is working on a video series entitled “Women of Guitar” which is a weekly series featuring a composition by a woman composer. When she is not out being a talented musician or advocating for social and environmental justice, Wells’ enjoys reading, designer salads, road cycling, and strength training.
