Born and raised in Ashland OR, Shaina began classical violin studies at the age of 5 with Kendra Law, continuing with Russian master, Faina Podolnaya. Her early summers often included fiddling at bluegrass festivals and camps, frequently performing with her father's bands. At age 18, she moved to California to attend the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. There she studied under the tutelage of accomplished violinist, Mr. Wei He and earned her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance.
Upon graduating, and inspired by her generation's virtuosic force in the lively pulse of the San Francisco music scene, Shaina began branching out again stylistically. Currently in demand as a performer throughout the Bay Area, she plays everything from classical to country, hip-hop to charanga.
Recently named affiliates of the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music, DoubleTake (Shaina's violin duo with Natasha Makhijani) is dedicated to expanding upon the violin's preconceived musical assignments: think Bach remixes performed live on electric violins in a jazz club. As a founding member of the Ganesh String Quartet, Shaina and ensemble spent a month in France performing and teaching in the winter of 2008-2009. Currently the principal second violinist with the Jazz Mafia, she played the highly acclaimed world premier, and subsequent shows, of Brass, Bows & Beats, Adam Theis's hip-hop symphony. Shaina also plays regularly with the Jazz Mafia's Shotgun Wedding Hip-hop Symphony.
Shaina has worked with maestros Michael Tilson-Thomas, Andrew Mogralia, Donald Runnicles, Michael Morgan, and members of the Cavani, Turtle Island, and Avalon String Quartets. In addition, and on a slightly different note, she has shared the stage with David Grisman, Lyrics Born, Macy Gray, the Dodos, DJ Qbert, Liz Phair, and members of Zion-I, Crown City Rockers, and Jurassic 5. Highlights of her performance career include appearances at venues such as Carnegie Hall & Davies Symphony Hall, and featured sets at the Montreal & Playboy Jazz Festivals.
Shaina is currently on a four-month international tour with the fiddle group Barrage. Please click here for their performance and workshop schedule.