"For as long as I can remember, music has taken me to other worlds, and has helped me to understand this one better. Music is a universal language. It is a tool for understanding and expression. I believe that it is through ignorance and fear that hatred is born and it is through understanding, knowledge, and empathy that love can grow and flourish. It is a truly healing experience and a privilege to play music in a group where an Israeli and a Palestinian, a Greek and a Turk, an American and an Afghani, or just two people who otherwise don’t have much in common can express themselves freely and create something beautiful together.

I feel it is my responsibility and purpose to enhance my own understanding of other cultures by playing different types of music. Each time I learn a different piece of music from a different part of the world, that music and a part of its culture becomes a part of me. Therefore, each time I share a part of myself with an audience I can feel that I am contributing something toward a world where love and understanding can reign." - Lila

Lila Sklar has been playing the violin since she was four years old. As a child and young adult she studied for many years with assistant to Jascha Heifetz, Sherry Kloss and performed in many solo competitions, orchestras, and theatre productions. At home, she would "jam" with her dad who plays guitar and taught her how to improvise. Lila became fascinated with the music of the Middle East and the Balkans in her early 20s and participated in a nationwide tour playing Turkish Sufi music with vocalist Latif Bolat. Around that time, Lila also began playing and singing in several bands. In addition to recording on many film and television productions, Lila has toured and performed extensively throughout the US, Japan, Europe, and the Middle East playing with such groups as Bauhaus, Joanna Newsom, The Quarta Dolce Quartet, Gypsy Caravan, Sherefe, The Toids, and members of Cirque Du Soleil. She has performed in many venues and festivals including The Green Man Festival (UK), The Bumpershoot Festival in Seattle, Britt Festivals, The Carmel World Music Festival, The Royal Albert Hall, Disney Concert Hall, Knitting Factory New York, Knitting Factory Los Angeles, Yoshis Jazz Club, and The Fillmore.

Currently Lila lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, and earns her living teaching, recording, touring, and performing. You can see her regularly in numerous bands including Joanna Newsom ,Zaatar, Rosin Coven, and Divahn.