Serena McKinney is a highly acclaimed classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a violinist. Born on August 18, 1992, in Santa Monica, California, Serena grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, Robert McKinney, is a renowned percussionist and conductor, while her mother, Anne McKinney, is a cellist. Serena's parents played a significant role in nurturing her love for music from a young age. Serena began playing the violin at the age of three, and by the time she was six, she had already performed in public. She attended the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where she studied under the tutelage of Robert Lipsett. She later went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she was mentored by Ida Kavafian. Serena's talent as a violinist was evident from a young age, and she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional skills. In 2006, at the age of 14, she won the Grand Prize at the Sphinx Competition, which is a national competition for young black and Latino string players. This win helped to launch her career and opened up many doors for her. Over the years, Serena has performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She has also collaborated with many esteemed conductors, such as Gustavo Dudamel, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Michael Tilson Thomas. One of Serena's most notable performances was at the 2016 Grammy Awards, where she played alongside the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra. She was also featured in the soundtrack for the movie "La La Land," which won six Oscars in 2017. Serena's performance on the soundtrack was praised for its emotional depth and technical precision. In addition to her work as a soloist, Serena is also a dedicated chamber musician. She has performed with many esteemed ensembles, including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Colburn Chamber Music Society. She is also a member of the renowned Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, which is based in Los Angeles. Serena has received many awards and accolades throughout her career. In addition to her win at the Sphinx Competition, she was also a recipient of the Davidson Fellowship in 2010. This fellowship is awarded to young people who have demonstrated exceptional talent in their field. Serena was also named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts in 2010, which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a young artist in the United States. Serena's dedication to her craft and her exceptional talent have made her one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation. She continues to inspire audiences around the world with her performances, and her passion for music is evident in everything she does.

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