Calley, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University,[1] gained mass exposure and notoriety through the creation of viral covers of contemporary music performed on her harp.
Calley has been highlighted as a pioneer in reforming classical musicianship in Vogue,[2] Rolling Stone,[3] The New York Times,[4] Grammy Awards[5] and Business Insider.
[8]She first began harp lessons at the Washington DC Youth Orchestra before switching to private instruction under the late Jeanne Chalifoux.
[5] Calley leaned on influences from artists such as Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Beyonce, Sade, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu throughout her youth.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Calley also began her journey of mentorship by taking on a group of students of all demographics, hoping to make harp education more accessible and to instill a sense of enthusiasm for the classical instrument that she was unable to feel as a youth.
The article highlight the ways in which Calley has dismantled barriers as a woman of color at a time when less than five percent of orchestral musicians in the U.S. are BIPOC.
The article discussed Calley's social entrepreneurship, award show performances, and her initiative to make a more inclusive ecosystem for musicians.
Calley also released an original 30 minute meditation piece titled "Just A Thought" for Calm App's estimated 4.5 million monthly listeners.
The film stars Whoopi Goldberg, Cedric the Entertainer, Mario Van Peebles, Neal McDonough, John Carroll Lynch, and more.
During the filming of Outlaw Posse, Calley was invited to perform with singer-songwriter Maxwell at Rihanna's 4th annual Savage x Fenty Show.
[2] As mentioned in her interview with Vogue, Calley is not attempting to veer away from classical tradition, but is instead working to expand the world's overall perception of a harpist and harp music.