JeNai O’Connor is a Nashville-based cellist, pianist, performer, and teacher passionate about using music to inspire, connect, and create. With a background in classical performance and experience performing alongside acclaimed artists, recording in Nashville studios, and teaching students of all ages. JeNai brings both artistry and joy to everything she does. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the lesson room, her goal is simple: to share the beauty of music and encourage others to discover their own voice through it.
create
I love creating positive energy and meaningful moments through my cello and music. Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, and I strive to let that creative spirit shine through in every project, performance, and experience. My goal is to bring people together, inspire emotion, and create something that feels genuine and uplifting.
connect
I am passionate about connecting with others through music and creating an experience that feels both personal and memorable. Whether I’m performing or collaborating, I bring a warm, positive energy while maintaining professionalism, preparation, and respect. I believe the best music happens when genuine connection and creativity come together.
Inspire
I strive to inspire others through music, especially through teaching. I love helping students discover their own creativity, build confidence, and develop a genuine connection with their instrument. Seeing others grow, find their voice, and experience the joy of music is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Biography:
JeNai O’Connor is a Nashville-based cellist, pianist, performer, and teacher whose passion for music began at the piano and has grown into a diverse career, spanning classical performance, live music, studio recording, and education. JeNai earned her Bachelor of Music in cello performance from Belmont University, where she spent four years immersed in classical music through solo performance, chamber music, and symphony orchestra.
Her experience as a symphony musician has given her the opportunity to perform alongside a wide range of acclaimed artists, including CeCe Winans, Cody Fry, Trisha Yearwood. She most recently went on tour with Andrea Bocelli at both the Bridgestone arena in Nashville TN. and Legacy Arena in Birmingham AL.
Beyond the concert stage, JeNai enjoys the creative process of studio work and has recorded at Ocean Way Studios and other Nashville recording spaces. She also performs regularly for weddings, church services, and other special events, bringing her love of music into a variety of settings.
Teaching is another important part of JeNai’s musical journey. Through her private studio, she works with beginner and intermediate students in both cello and piano. Her approach goes beyond technique and fundamentals—she believes that music should be something students enjoy creating, exploring, and sharing. Her goal is to help students develop strong musical skills while discovering their own confidence, creativity, and love for playing.
Whether performing on stage, recording in the studio, or working one-on-one with a student, JeNai strives to use music as a way to inspire, connect, and create something meaningful.