Mercedes Stratton is a cellist studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music under the tutelage of Richard Aaron. Her previous teachers include Monica Swisher, Ken Freudigman and Leo Singer. 
Mercedes has attended several summer music festivals, including the Sphinx Performance Academy at Juilliard, the Philadelphia International Music Festival, Interlochen Arts Camp, the Ascent Cello Festival, The Complete Cellist, Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival, and, most recently, Center Stage Strings at the University of Michigan. In addition to summer programs, Mercedes participated in the Cuban-American Youth Orchestra in Havana in October 2023, mentored by Dr. Melissa Kraut. 
In 2022, Mercedes was the runner-up in her age division at the Philadelphia International Music Festival Concerto Competition. In 2023, Mercedes won the Outstanding Soloist Award at the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition. 
Mercedes has performed in masterclasses for Johannes Moser, Tommy Mesa, Sterling Elliott, and the Jupiter String Quartet. Now in her second year at SFCM, Mercedes performs in the SFCM orchestra, SFCM opera orchestra, and in solo recitals. Most recently, she began learning how to play the viola da gamba.