James Zabawa-Martínez

 

Instrument: Violin

 

Studies:

University of Minnesota, BM

 

Biography:

 

James Zabawa-Martinez was born in Austin, Texas and had a strong desire to play the violin since early childhood. He began studies at age 11 in his middle school orchestra. When James was 14 he met with violinist Jennifer Bourianoff from the Austin Symphony through her tutoring at his school and began to study with her, with whom he met Sally O’Reilly. He then moved to Faribault, Minnesota to attended Shattuck-St. Mary’s Conservatory on a full scholarship to continue to study with Sally O’Reilly, and studied with her throughout his Bachelor’s at the University of Minnesota. James has performed in various masterclasses for many teachers including Joseph Silverstein, Pamela Frank, Ani Kavafian, Angie Fuller, Yair Kless, Jonathan Magness, Vijay Gupta, Bruce Coppock, and many more. James has performed throughout Europe and North America as a soloist and chamber musician, and has participated in national level competitions such as the Sphinx Competition, Saint Paul Chamber Competition, MTNA, and more. He a passion for meeting like minded musicians and traveling. James is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree at University of Texas at Austin with Professor Brian Lewis, and maintains a full teaching studio at Orpheus Academy of Music.