Bayley Ginnaty Mickolio was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. It was through the public school system where Mickolio found the viola and fell in love. Bayley received a Bachelors degree in Viola Performance from the University of Montana, where she was principal violist of the University of Montana Symphony Orchestra and studied with Dr. Margaret Baldridge.

Bayley completed her graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, NY, where she graduated with a Masters of Music in Viola Performance and Literature, under the tutelage of George Taylor, and a Masters of Music in Music Education. Mickolio served as a Teaching Assistant for both the Viola and Music Education Departments throughout her studies. Additionally, Mickolio was a teaching artist for viola and violin at Fret & Bow Music Academy, located in Penfield, New York.

Currently, Bayley performs with many of the symphonies around the state of Montana, including the Helena Symphony Orchestra, Missoula Symphony Orchestra, Glacier Symphony Orchestra, and the String Orchestra of the Rockies. Mickolio will serve as a fellow for the 2026 Montana Youth Symphony season and continues to teach viola and violin lessons through her private studio. Additionally, Bayley teaches a variety of group viola classes through Grow Music Missoula, a community music school rooted in youth development and collaboration. Outside of music, Bayley enjoys cooking, gardening, cross stitching, and moseying through farmers markets.