Levine Music is pleased to welcome Levine alumna Ari O’Neal, acclaimed guitarist, recording artist, and touring musician, to its Council of Advisors.
Ari is best known for her work as a guitarist touring with Beyoncé, performing at Beychella and on the On the Run Tour II after being discovered by Beyoncé’s music director, Derek Dixie. These landmark performances launched Ari onto the global stage and led to additional touring and performance opportunities with artists including Fantasia, Normani, Lizzo, and SZA. Her performance credits also include appearances on Austin City Limits with Jon Batiste, CMT specials with Nelly, the Grammy Awards, the Oscars, and a Democratic National Convention performance alongside John Legend and Sheila E.
Ari began her musical journey at a young age and joined Levine as a teenager, where she developed her artistry as a guitarist and performed throughout the Washington, DC region. Her experience as a Levine student played a formative role in her musical development and her commitment to community engagement. She later remained connected to Levine through work on campus staff, strengthening her understanding of the organization’s mission and impact from multiple perspectives.
In addition to her work as a touring musician, Ari is an active recording artist and collaborator. Her credits include contributions to Raheem DeVaughn’s “Ooh Wee,” and her band, LA’DY, currently has music featured on SiriusXM. She is also developing a solo project that reflects her continued evolution as a guitarist, performer, and creative voice.
Beyond the stage and studio, Ari is the founder of Off the Record: One Big Karaoke Party, a live-band karaoke experience designed to invite joyful, accessible participation and build community through music. Hosted at venues across the DC region, the project reflects her belief in music as a powerful tool for connection.
As a Levine alumna and proud member of the DMV music community, Ari brings a valuable perspective shaped by her experiences as a student, staff member, and professional artist. Her artistic leadership and commitment to mentorship will be an asset to Levine Music as the organization continues to expand access to meaningful musical experiences.