Ali officially began their musical journey at the age of eight when they followed in their aunt’s footsteps and picked up the flute.  All of the musicians in their family were either vocalists or band musicians but Ali broke the mold by choosing to play the violin in the 5th grade.  At age 13, they switched to the cello and moved to San Diego.  Down in San Diego, they worked under an enjoyable and high-achieving orchestra director.  They participated in the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and attended music camps where they were able to study under accomplished string players. 

After graduating high school, Ali went on to double major in behavioral science and music.  After earning their degree in both fields, Ali went on to the graduate’s program.  They obtained their Master’s degree in Cello Performance in 2018.  Some of their favorite college experiences included collaborations with the university’s dance studio, performing famous works such as Swan Lake and West Side Story.  Ali loves playing a wide variety of music; they have studied and performed classical pieces, church music, musicals, contemporary styles, film scores and Bollywood music.  Two of their favorite composers are Brahms and Tchaikovsky and one of their favorite pastimes is improvising with friends.  Ali is an active performing musician, they play weddings, funerals, private events, recitals and small concerts.

Ali has been a music educator for ten years.  They have taught privately for various music stores and been a strings coach for the Fresno, Clovis and Central Unified school districts.  For the last few years, they have served as a strings instructor to 5+ elementary schools.  Ali describes their approach to teaching as holistic, focusing on healthy and proper playing to ensure longevity for musicians of all ages.  “Music should be helping a student to feel better.  The better a student feels, the better the music sounds.” (Ali)

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