Mikaela Holland, 14, began her violin studies at the age of 4. She is a private student of University of Washington professor, Ronald Patterson, who was a student of Jascha Heifetz. At age 10, Mikaela made her solo orchestral debut, performing the 3rd movement of Mozart’s “Turkish” Concerto in A Major with Seattle Youth Symphony’s Classical Orchestra, led by Alexei Girsh, and later that year, the entire Mozart concerto with the professional Northwest Sinfonietta, conducted by Christophe Chagnard. In May 2004, she was a featured soloist performing with the Seattle Symphony to a sold-out audience at Benaroya Hall for a Discover Music series concert, and with the Bellevue Philharmonic. In March of 2005, she performed with both the Coeur d’Alene and the Eastside Symphonies, and is delighted to have been invited to return for a performance in 2006 with the Eastside Symphony of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

Since her first competition at the age of 6, Mikaela has proven her musical gifts and growth in the technical command of her instrument by winning competitions in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, British Columbia, and nationally. In April 2005, she was awarded 2nd Place in the National Finals of the Music Teachers National Association competition, as well as 1st Place awards in both the Washington State and Northwest Division levels. She has enjoyed performing in numerous recitals, master classes, concerts, and live radio broadcasts where she has impressed her audiences with her “beautiful old world sound”, “depth of expression”, “poise”, and “light and fluid technique”. Her first live solo radio performance was on KING FM at age 8. She has studied the last 3 summers at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she worked most closely with Dr. Won-Bin Yim. In addition to solo violin, Mikaela enjoys playing in a piano trio, and is Assistant Concertmistress of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. Mikaela is a sophomore in the National Honor Society at Chrysalis School in Woodinville, WA and attends the Seattle Conservatory of Music. She has a 17 year old brother and a happy little Havanese dog, her frequent companion.