About

Violist Drew Alexander Forde, known online as ThatViolaKid, has a reputation not only as an accomplished performer but also as one of classical music’s most recognizable personalities. Profiled in outlets like Thrillist, WNYC, the Detroit Free Press, and Strings Magazine, he was named “one of the titans of Classical Music Instagram” by National Sawdust Log and was called “the future of our field” by Sphinx Organization president Afa Dworkin. As the creator of hip-hop string quartet, wholesoul, Forde aims to expand the limits of string playing.

Highly sought after in popular music, Drew has shared the stage with A-List stars like Adele, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, Giveon, JoJo, Kanye West, Earth Wind and Fire, and Roddy Ricch, among others. Forde also performed for Danny Elfman’s iconic performances at Coachella and Hollywood Bowl in 2022.

Recording viola for The Beatles’ final song, “Now and Then,” is the crowning achievement of Drew’s budding recording career. Notwithstanding, his performance for John Legend’s Grammy-Award-winning album, “Bigger Love” is another salient accomplishment. Some of his additional credits include music with the late Mac Miller, Hozier, Sabrina Claudio, Phony Ppl, Tobe Nwigwe, Kota The Friend, Moby, Susanna Hoffs, and Vitamin String Quartet.

Drew’s viola playing has also appeared on several prominent motion picture soundtracks including: “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “Transformers 7,” “Creed III,” “Praise This,” and “The Color Purple” with music by Kris Bowers.” Also recording for TV/Streaming, Drew has recorded for Stargirl, Fargo, Star Trek: Lower Decks, The Orville, and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Other recent projects include: Lovecraft Country, “Senior Year,” “Peter Pan and Wendy,” “You People,” and Encanto: Live at the Hollywood Bowl.

When not on the concert stage or in the recording studio, Drew shares his entrepreneurial experiences with students from institutions like Harvard, MIT, the Haag Conservatory, Carnegie Hall, Cleveland Institute of Music, Columbia University, and The Juilliard School. His expertise is sought out as a consultant and presenter for a range of organizations from local non-for-profits to Fortune 500 companies. As an influencer and content creator with over 150K followers across all platforms, Drew has collaborated with brands like, Meta, Marriott Hotels, Google, and Frito Lay.