Violinist, Kerri Nanelle Lay, grew up in Austin, Texas before making Santa Fe her permanent home in 1986. While studying at the University of Texas, she was a member of the Austin Symphony, the Laredo Philharmonic, the Victoria Bach Festival, and was a leader of numerous University ensembles from Classical and Baroque to 20th Century studies. She also studied at Indiana University. Her teachers have included Stephen Clapp, Leonard Posner and James Buswell.

Kerri performs as a full-time member with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra and Santa Fe Pro Musica. She also plays with the Santa Fe Symphony. Her career as an orchestral Violinist and chamber musician has led to performances with the San Francisco and San Jose Symphonies, Serenata of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Zia Singers, St. Francis Cathedral, Theaterworks, the National Dance Institute and many more professional organizations throughout the United States.

Ms. Lay is married to Paul Wikstrom, 20 year Veteran Firefighter for the City of Santa Fe and has an 8 year old son, Bo. Kerri has also taught Violin Performance at New Mexico Highlands University, the Armand Hammer United World College and the Santa Fe Waldorf School. Currently she teaches private lessons from her home studio.

She is the founder of Bellissima, a Music Contracting service specializing in Classical ensembles for Weddings and other Special Events.