Adrina Marie
Professional Violinist & Music Educator | SAG-AFTRA
Professional Summary
Professional violinist and music educator with 20+ years of performance and teaching experience. Grammy-nominated session musician with credits on multi-platinum albums including The Killers' "Sam's Town." SAG-AFTRA member. Founder of First Chair LLC, a comprehensive K-12 music education platform. Expert in string pedagogy, curriculum development, and ensemble direction.
Music Education Experience
Founder & Lead Instructor
June 2025 – Present
First Chair LLC
- Founded comprehensive K-12 music education platform for homeschool families
- Developed 36-week curriculum aligned with National Core Arts Standards
- Created instructional materials covering violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, and music theory
- Designed interactive learning tools and assessment frameworks for student progress tracking
- Integrated modern music technology (DAWs, notation software) into curriculum
Private Music Instructor
2005 – Present
1st Chair Strings, Maryland
- Provide private instruction in violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, and mandolin
- Teach students from beginner through advanced levels, ages 5 through adult
- Prepare students for auditions, competitions, and college music programs
- Develop individualized lesson plans tailored to each student's goals and learning style
- Conduct group classes and chamber music coaching
String Instructor & Ensemble Director
2008 – 2015
Various Schools, Utah & Maryland
- Directed youth orchestras and string ensembles for students grades 4-12
- Taught group violin, viola, and cello classes in school settings
- Prepared students for regional and state honor orchestra auditions
- Organized and conducted concert performances and recitals
- Collaborated with school administrators and parents on program development
Performance Experience
Session Musician
2005 – Present
Recording Studios, Various Locations
- Violin on Grammy-nominated album "Sam's Town" by The Killers (multi-platinum)
- String section work on numerous studio albums and film scores
- Live performance work with touring artists and local ensembles
- SAG-AFTRA member with professional union standing
Orchestral & Chamber Musician
2003 – Present
Various Ensembles
- Section and principal violinist with community and professional orchestras
- Chamber music performances in string quartets and mixed ensembles
- Wedding and event performances as soloist and in string ensembles
- Collaborative pianist and accompanist for recitals and competitions
Teaching Specialties
Instruments
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Guitar
Mandolin
Piano
Music Theory & Composition
Music Theory
Ear Training
Sight Reading
Composition
Improvisation
Music History
Teaching Methods
Suzuki Method
Traditional Method
Ensemble Coaching
Audition Preparation
Performance Skills
Curriculum Development
Technology & Tools
Digital Audio Workstations
Music Notation Software
Online Teaching
Recording & Production
Educational Technology
Education
Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
Art Institute of Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 2008-2010
Undergraduate Studies in Graphic Design
Art Institute of Las Vegas | Las Vegas, Nevada | 2006-2008
Undergraduate Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, Nevada | 2003-2005
- Awarded the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship as a 2003 high school graduate in Las Vegas, Nevada, for maintaining a strong academic record, including a qualifying GPA and completion of the Nevada college preparatory curriculum
- Received UNLV Music Department scholarships as an orchestral violinist during undergraduate studies
- Participated in UNLV orchestra as violinist
- Completed Guitar 101 and Music Theory coursework
Professional Affiliations
- SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists)
- National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
- American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
Notable Achievements
- Grammy-nominated recording credits on The Killers' "Sam's Town" album
- Multi-platinum album contributions as session violinist
- Founded First Chair LLC music education platform with comprehensive K-12 curriculum
- 20+ years of successful private instruction with students accepted into major music programs
- Developed innovative music curriculum aligned with National Core Arts Standards