Alice Silva

Professional Violinist, Data Engineer

Education:
Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance, UNC Charlotte (2011)
Master of Music, Ohio University (2016)

Hometown: Fortaleza, Brazil

While at UNC Charlotte, Alice Silva studied under Distinguished Professor of Violin David Russell, who helped develop her playing in all aspects: technique, playing chamber music, and recital and audition preparation. Most importantly, she says, he taught her the crucial skill of  artistic collaboration.  

That collaborative training has played an important role in her recent musical activities in Charlotte, where she has joined the violin section of the Charlotte Symphony as a yearlong substitute, played in the pit orchestra for Opera Carolina’s production of I Dream, is a member of the Charlotte Strings Collective, and participated in new local genre-bending initiatives such as WDAV 89.9 FM radio’s Noteworthy Concert Series and the Love Revolution Project, a groundbreaking project involving UNC Charlotte alum Elizabeth Kowlaski’s Your Neighborhood Orchestra (YNO), other local original artists, a DJ, and The Nouveau Sud Circus Project. 

As a transfer student  to UNC Charlotte, Alice could dedicate most of her time to her violin. All the while, she formed special memories. Her experience playing chamber music, coached by Professor Russell and Dr. Mira Frisch, stands out in particular. 

“I was in the scholarship string quartet. We had great comradery that helped me establish Charlotte as a home for me,” she says.

Dr. John Allemeier, former composition professor at UNC Charlotte,  also played an essential part in Alice’s education at UNC Charlotte: “I took every theory class that he offered, including counterpoint, orchestration and arranging.”

Alice offers current students a few pieces of advice. “Practice hard. Take advantage of all the performance opportunities offered. Don’t forget that faculty members are very supportive and take advantage of what they are offering you.”