Marina Alexandra

Marina Alexandra has established herself as a dynamic performer with a powerful stage presence. FingerStyle Guitar Magazine described her as an “amazing player that commands the guitar with world-class technique and musicianship that is uncommon.” Marina Alexandra is a name that resonates with the essence of musical virtuosity. Hailing from Ukraine, this exceptional classical guitarist has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide through her unparalleled talent, dedication, and artistry.

Marina’s journey into the world of music began at a tender age, just six years old, when she first picked up a guitar. Her innate passion and relentless pursuit of perfection set the stage for a remarkable career. In 1996, Marina and her family made the life-altering decision to immigrate to the United States. Little did they know that this move would be the catalyst for her rise to musical stardom.

In 1998, Marina’s dedication bore fruit when she was awarded a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina, where she embarked on her quest for a Master of Music degree. It was during her time at the university that the world began to take notice of her exceptional talent. Her performances were showered with accolades, and she received awards in multiple national guitar competitions. Classical Guitar Magazine (UK) praised her with the following words: “She is of the elite class of musicians where technical assuredness is just taken for granted, and the listener hears and listens to the music, not the technique required to produce it.”

Marina’s artistry transcends borders and resonates with diverse audiences. Her performances have graced the airwaves of National Public Radio stations and have been featured at national and international music festivals throughout the USA. Her presence on the famous TEDTalk stage went viral, captivating nearly 3 million viewers and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Beyond her remarkable performances, Marina is also a prolific recording artist. She has released two solo albums, “Timeless Enchantment,” featuring a diverse range of music from Baroque to Latin-American, and “A Moment of Magic,” highlighting modern guitar compositions by Nikita Koshkin. In 2015, she joined forces with flutist Teri Forscher-Milter to release the captivating album “Americas from North to South.” Her albums have garnered high praise from prestigious music publications such as Soundboard, Classical Guitar (UK), FingerStyle Guitar Magazine, and the American Record Guide.

Marina’s passion for sharing her knowledge and nurturing young talents has led her to teach at esteemed institutions, including the University of South Carolina, Furman University (SC), Wingate University (NC), and Columbia College (SC). Her influence extends well beyond the classroom, as she is regularly invited to conduct Artist in Residency programs for schools in states such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.

Her dedication to fostering the next generation of musicians is further exemplified through her role as the Founding Director of the Southern Guitar Festival and Competition. Under her leadership, this event has become a prestigious platform for aspiring guitarists to showcase their talents and connect with the world of classical guitar.

Marina’s students have achieved remarkable success, being accepted into prestigious music schools such as the Peabody Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and the University of Southern California, among others. Her impact on the future of classical guitar is immeasurable.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to music education and the arts, Marina Alexandra has received multiple educational awards from the South Carolina Arts Council and creative grants from the SC Arts Commission, SC Humanities, NC Humanities, and NC Arts and Science Council. These accolades reflect her unwavering commitment to the world of music and her dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists.

Marina Alexandra’s life is a testament to the power of passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to the world of classical guitar. Her artistry has touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals, and her legacy continues to inspire both aspiring musicians and music lovers worldwide.