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Austin-based musician Kimberly Zielnicki brings a fresh and dynamic approach to the violin, blending classical technique with the raw energy of hip-hop, R&B, and jazz.

Austin-based musician Kimberly Zielnicki brings a fresh and dynamic approach to the violin, blending classical technique with the raw energy of hip-hop, R&B, and jazz. At the age of 8, she embarked on her musical journey with Suzuki violin training, swiftly expanding into fiddle by age 9. Growing up, she balanced orchestral performances with gigs across Austin’s vibrant live music scene, shaping her ability to move seamlessly between genres.

Kimberly has been featured at major festivals and venues, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, Folk Alliance International, Old Settlers Music Festival, SXSW, Paramount Stateside Theatre, ACL 3ten, Moody Amphitheater and Germania Insurance Amphitheater (Circuit of the Americas).

She refined her craft at the University of Texas at Austin, where she trained under Professor William Fedkenheuer in the string department while also diving into jazz, and improvisation under the mentorship of John Fremgen.

With a signature sound rooted in deep, soulful licks, Kimberly's violin style and voice establish her as a standout in contemporary music.

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Interview with kimbo

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work on a wide range of styles—from R&B and pop to country, jazz, and indie rock. My diverse musical upbringing allows me to adapt easily and authentically to different genres, whether I’m adding lush string layers, improvising solos, or crafting arrangements that elevate the overall sound.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I’d say my strongest skill is my ear. I can pick things up quickly—melodies, chord progressions, harmonic layers—and that helps me blend easily into a variety of musical settings. I also have a strong background in music theory and improvisation, which gives me the flexibility to create, arrange, and adapt in real time, whether I’m working in R&B, pop, jazz, or anything in between.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I specialize in writing, arranging, and recording custom violin parts for a wide range of musical projects. This includes everything from layered string arrangements for studio recordings to solo violin lines that enhance a song’s emotional impact. I work closely with artists, producers, and composers to ensure the violin complements their vision—whether it’s for pop, R&B, hip-hop, classical crossover, or cinematic styles. I record remotely using my home studio equipment, delivering high-quality tracks that are ready for mixing.