Meet your directors

Kimberly Zielnicki is a local musician out of Austin, Texas, with a degree in Music Studies from the University of Texas at Austin where she studied violin with Professor William Fedkenheuer, and also took classes and private lessons within the UT Jazz department, and performed in a Jazz Combo.

At 8 years old she began classical Suzuki violin lessons and fiddle instruction. She grew up playing in orchestra while simultaneously performing gigs with various folk bands in the Austin area. She has been showcased at festivals such as the Kerrville Folk Festival, Folk Alliance International, Old Settlers Music Festival and SXSW.

When she is not teaching, she enjoys attending string and fiddle camps focused in classical, fiddle, jazz and world music. As well as performing in various ensembles in the Austin area.

She most enjoys teaching the joy of non-traditional music to other students, and she aspires to have a studio of fiddlers that can creatively learn and grow together as a group.

Anna Laldin grew up in Acworth, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, and graduated from The Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in music education and a special studies certificate in viola performance. During her time at FSU, Ms. Laldin performed with multiple orchestras and chamber groups and went on tour with the University Symphony Orchestra to multiple cities in Florida and the Dominican Republic. She has also performed with professional orchestras in Panama City and Destin, Florida on both viola and violin. Since moving to Texas in December of 2023, she enjoys performing with her church band and plans to join an orchestra in the area. She also teaches private lessons for violists and violinists of all ability levels. 

Ms. Laldin's journey with music began in the 6th grade when she joined her middle school orchestra and learned how to play the viola. She developed a great love for music and hasn't stopped playing since. Music has brought so much joy to her life, and it is her goal to share that joy with her students and show them how music can change lives. 

In her free time, Ms. Laldin enjoys spending time with friends and family, serving her church community, spending time outside, and taking care of her pets. She has 4 cats and a dog that she shares with her sister and brothers.