Hey There!
my name is Kiana
A small-town girl with a passion for music and panache for business that has taken me all over the world. I took years of classical training and taught myself to fiddle to create a career I never thought possible!
Very into: teaching, killer folk music, effective practice strategies, fruit pies, and coffee.
I NEVER THOUGHT I’D DO THIS:
PERFORM TO 50 MILLION PEOPLE ON LIVE TV
RECORD FOUR #1 ALBUMS
TOUR THE WORLD PLAYING TO SOLD OUT HALLS
FOUND A COMPANY TO CHANGE THE FUTURE OF STRING EDUCATION
…but I did!
At age 19, I took a risk and drove to Chicago for an open call audition. It seemed like a long shot, but I knew I was unhappy in my classical degree. I was lost. I wanted a life in music doing something else besides playing violin in an orchestra. So I followed my passion. That risk turned out to be the biggest and best decision of my life. Today you will find me performing all over the world, playing music I love the fuel my soul, and teaching others to do the same.
THE PERFORMER
THE EDUCATOR
The Artist BIO
Kiana has been touring professionally since age 19
CLASSICALLY TRAINED - FIDDLE FUELED
A once in a generation musician and public figure who combines her classical training with her love for American and Irish folk music.
Kiana graduated early with a BM in violin performance from the University of Michigan SMTD, and gave the commencement speech to her graduating class. At only 19, she was scouted by the violin troupe Barrage and toured internationally for three years. In 2012 she made a splash as the fiddler player in Celtic music’s favorite band, Gaelic Storm, with whom she recorded 4 Billboard world No.1 albums. In 2017 she left the band to pursue her own career and toured as a special guest with Grammy award-winning artist, Carlos Nunez. In 2018 she originated the role of fiddle on the First National tour of Broadway’s hit Come From Away.
Kiana is an educator par excellence, with a unique pedagogic philosophy that yields measurable success in all learning styles. She founded her own company to further contemporary violin education. American-born and living in the West of Ireland, Kiana tours internationally much of the year and enjoys openly sharing her experience.
TEACHING & FIDDLE CLUB
Curious human and full time dork
My Educational Philosophy
As a teacher, my passion lies in bridging the gap between different musical styles. I firmly believe that every technique, be it folk, classical, or jazz, can be dissected into manageable steps that are accessible to all players. This, in my opinion, is the future of the violin!
In our lessons, my goal is to support you in reaching your aspirations. Together, we will explore various pathways to unlock your creative freedom and cultivate a solid technique that will empower you to navigate any musical direction you desire. I am eagerly looking forward to collaborating with you on this exciting journey!
Arts Leadership & Entrepreneurship
After 15 years as an entrepreneur in the arts, Kiana has taken her love of business, design, and marketing to the next level. Under the mentorship of Aaron Dworkin and Mike Barger, Kiana received a graduate degree from the esteemed Univerisity of Michigan under a brand new program combining the Ross School of Business withe the School of Music Theatre and Dance.
Innovative, data-driven, and creative, Kiana uses her unique skills working with clients in the music, entertainment, and creative sectors to make dreams happen. A rare blend of design, marketing, and strategy meets years of lived experience working with arts organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in building successful and sustainable ventures.
