A visionary educator and thought leader, Kiana uses her skills and experience to break down traditional barriers to music education. Integrating traditional and modern approaches, Kiana fosters technical mastery alongside creativity, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. Her methods have reached students all over the world and inspired the creation of multiple string programs, new bands, and many successful careers. As a clinician, educator, and director she builds forward-thinking programs that inspire artistic excellence, innovation, and social impact.
Kiana as a PEFORMER
As a professional in the field Kiana is known for breaking the mold of what strings can do.
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.
Watch Kiana teach
As an engaging and dynamic educator, Kiana lights up kids in the classroom.
My MissioN & Vision for Music Education:
“In today’s evolving cultural landscape, music education must transcend traditional models to foster not only artistic excellence but also social impact. Inequity, over-scheduling, diminished attention spans, loss of funding, and AI all create threats to the powerful learning that happens in the music classroom, learning that can transcend traditional barriers. My vision is to create dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking programs that inspire the next generation of musicians and global citizens.”
Deanne, Orchestra Teacher - WI
“Kiana goes above and beyond to genuinely help students reach out goals. I am constantly inspired and continue to use the strategies I have learned from her in my own orchestra teaching.”
Joshua, Texas
“Kiana Allows music and teaching to build personal relationships over cultural differences.”
What my sTudents’ Sound Like:
Don’t take my word for it. Listen to some of my students perform.
Sample Lesson Plans
I love creating detailed lesson plans that cater to a variety of learners. In my classroom you will see students supported with a variety of visual aides, themed slide shows, listening examples, worksheets, modeling, peer learning and continuous formal and informal assessment. Click on some of the examples below for more!
EQUITY IN MUSIC EDUCATION
Equity is part of everything I do, shaping the future of music education and musical experience. I founded Fiddle Club, an online music academy that bridges access gaps in music education. I ensured that the program was affordable and provided scholarships to underserved communities. The curriculum combines an emphasis on musical excellence with wellness practices, and diverse music, to support students’ physical and mental health. As Director of the Adrian Symphony Youth Orchestra, I have implemented initiatives to recruit a diverse student population, created inclusive programming, and fostered a sense of belonging for all participants.
Interested in learning more? Considering using strategies to be inclusive to players of diverse skill levels and backgrounds?
Let’s work together
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