Taylor Davis

🎻 Taylor Davis: Bridging Classical Violin and Nerd Culture

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Taylor Davis was born on March 20, 1987, in Western Springs, Illinois. She began playing the violin at the age of eight, inspired by a school performance of "Silent Night." Despite initial challenges, her mother's encouragement kept her practicing, leading to a lifelong passion for the instrument. Throughout her youth, Davis participated in various ensembles, including school orchestras, chamber groups, and competitive youth orchestras. Her classical training laid a strong foundation for her future musical endeavors. ​

Academic Pursuits and Early Career

Davis attended Gonzaga University, graduating magna cum laude in 2009 with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Violin Performance. During her college years, she introduced video game music to the university's orchestra and quartet members, blending her classical background with her passion for gaming soundtracks. After graduation, she worked in marketing and public relations for a non-profit organization. However, her desire to keep music in her life led her to explore new avenues. ​

YouTube and Rise to Fame

In April 2010, Davis launched her YouTube channel, "ViolinTay," uploading violin covers of her favorite video game, film, and anime music. Her unique arrangements and performances resonated with audiences, leading to a growing fanbase. By November 2011, she left her day job to focus on her music career full-time. As of 2025, her channel boasts over 2.9 million subscribers and hundreds of millions of views. 

Discography and Musical Style

Davis has released multiple albums, including:​

• Gaming Fantasy (2012)

• An Enchanted Christmas (2012)

• Game On: 2 Player Mode (2013)

• Legendary Movie Music (2013)

• Melodies of Hyrule: Songs from The Legend of Zelda (2013)

• The Anime and Game Collection (2014)

• Taylor Davis (2015)

• Odyssey (2016)

• Songs of Christmas (2017)

• Melodies of a Magic Kingdom (2018)

• Cover to Cover, Vol 1 (2021)

• Songs of the Lost Woods (2021)​

Her music blends classical violin with contemporary genres, focusing on video game, anime, and film scores. Davis also composes original music, showcasing her versatility as a musician. ​

Live Performances and Collaborations

Davis has performed live across the United States and Europe, headlining tours and appearing at anime and gaming conventions. She has collaborated with various artists, including pianist Lara de Wit on the album Game On: 2 Player Mode. Davis was also a member of the band Critical Hit, led by Jason Hayes, known for his work on the World of Warcraft soundtrack. ​

Educational Initiatives and Online Presence

Beyond performing, Davis is passionate about music education. She offers online violin lessons and courses through her platform, Taylor Davis Violin School, covering topics like audio recording, music distribution, and live performance. Her goal is to help aspiring musicians navigate the modern music industry. ​

Personal Life and Advocacy

Davis married her high school sweetheart, Jarred, in 2011. They have two sons, Logan (born in 2019) and Walker (born in 2021), and are expecting their third child. The family resides in Los Angeles, California, with their two rescue dogs, Jax and Indy. Davis is a Christian and often speaks about her faith's role in her life. She is also an advocate against bullying, drawing from her own experiences growing up. ​

Legacy and Impact

Taylor Davis has carved a unique niche by blending classical violin with modern pop culture. Her innovative approach has inspired a new generation of musicians and brought violin music to diverse audiences worldwide. Through her performances, educational efforts, and online presence, Davis continues to make a significant impact in the music community.