History and Education
- Kristen fell in love with the violin at the age of 8 when her mother took her to see violin virtuoso Midori perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Klienhans Music Hall. She began playing the following year, when music lessons were first offered in elementary school.
- At the age of 11, she furthered the study of her instrument through private lessons with concert violinist Frances Kaye of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
- After five years of apprenticeship and performing on stage in several recitals, Kristen took great pride and concern in mentoring her own students as they advanced in their study of the violin.
- Kristen’s violin was made in the early 1900s, it has an exquisite tone and is the most cherished gift her parents have ever given her.
Experience and Accomplishments
- More than 15 years of experience creating beautiful violin music for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, private parties and other special events in Buffalo
- 17-year member of the Cheektowaga Community Symphony Orchestra
- Performs with local pianist Mark Mazur throughout the Buffalo area
- Accompanies organist Frank Scinta at St. Louis Chuch in Buffalo
- Honored with the Louiseanne Keating Voelker Music Award and scholarship, 1997
- Accepted as a student member into The Chromatic Club, Buffalo’s oldest music club, where she performed at various community venues, 1998