Liam Cawley began studying the violin at the age of five after being accepted to the Special Music School (SMS), a K–12 public school on Manhattan’s Upper West Side where music is taught as a core subject through a partnership with the Kaufman Music Center. In his early years, Liam studied violin with Jude Ziliak, and since second grade he has continued his studies with Matthew Reichert. Now an eighth grader, Liam performs regularly at SMS and studies music theory and music history while also singing in the school choir.

Outside of school, Liam is a first violinist in the Crescendo Orchestra of the New York Youth Symphony. In addition to performing at Merkin Hall and Carnegie Hall each season, in October 2025, he was selected to perform at the New York Youth Symphony’s 63rd Gala, and in June 2025, he participated in Carnegie Hall’s PlayUSA program at the Carnegie Hall Weill Educational Institute. His ensemble experience also includes participation in the Chamber Music Center of New York from 2021 to 2023, where he served as concertmaster of the Con Brio Orchestra and took part in chamber music programs and gala performances. During this period, Liam also performed in a Side-by-Side concert with Colin Jacobsen of The Knights as part of Make Music New York.

Liam has participated in several summer music programs both in the United States and abroad. Most recently, he attended the 2025 Summer Program at the Heifetz International Music Institute, where he studied solo repertoire with Rebecca Henry and chamber music with Luther Warren. He also attended Greenwood Music Camp in 2024 and 2025, performing in the junior orchestra and in chamber ensembles. In the summer of 2023, Liam participated in a short-term program organized by the Nagasaki Omura Chamber Ensemble in Japan, where he received guidance from professional orchestra musicians and distinguished Japanese artists, including Katsuya Matsubara, Gentaro Sakaguchi, and Kenji Nakagi.

In addition to his festival studies, Liam has participated in masterclasses and intensives through the Harmony Program. During the 2025 Midwinter Intensive, he received instruction from Nathan Meltzer and participated in a masterclass with Chloe Kiffer. He was also selected by invitation to receive a masterclass with Lun Li in April 2025.

Liam’s achievements include First Prize at the VIVO International Music Competition in 2024 and a semifinalist placement at the Music International Grand Prix in 2023. Among his most meaningful musical experiences are community outreach performances, including chamber music concerts at a senior housing facility and a local public school, as well as holiday performances at Moynihan Train Hall and the Bank of America Building with Chamber Music Center of New York.

Liam has performed at venues including Merkin Hall and Ann Goodman Recital Hall at Kaufman Music Center, Weill Recital Hall and Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Trinity Church, Riverside Church, Tribeca Rooftop, Sakura Hall in Japan, and Mary Baldwin University.

Outside of music, Liam is a member of the SMS Middle School Math Club and participates in math competitions. He is also a member of his school’s Spikeball Club and enjoys solving the Rubik’s Cube, competing in cubing competitions organized by the World Cube Association.