Molly Rife
- Instrument
- CR4 Cello
- Groups
- Mucca Pazza
- Website
I chose the NS electric cello because it gives me the flexibility my performances demand. In Mucca Pazza, choreography, dancing, and movement are a huge part of the show, and this instrument has been an ideal fit for combining dynamic stage performance with cello playing. The frame strap system allows me to perform standing up and move freely while staying fully connected to the instrument.—Molly Rife
Molly Rife is a professional cellist and educator based in Chicago, IL. Molly is passionate about exploring a wide range of musical genres and thrives on bringing cello into diverse musical settings. Molly performs on an NS electric cello with Mucca Pazza, a 30-piece ensemble known for blending marching band traditions, street theater, and rock-and-roll energy for over 20 years. She has performed live with artists such as Smokey Robinson, RAYE, Kygo, Mono, and Whitney. She has performed and recorded with many local Chicago artists, including Resavoir, Gia Margaret, and JG Shadid. Her festival performances include Lollapalooza, Electric Forest, Festival International de Louisiane, and Summerfest.
Molly earned a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Arizona State University, where she studied with Thomas Landschoot. She later received her Master of Music in Performance from DePaul University under the tutelage of Stephen Balderston.
