Introduction
Violinist Allison Smith finds her greatest inspiration in musical collaboration and in bringing music to audiences with limited access to the performing arts. Originally from Washington State, Allison has spent the last eight years fostering musical community in Pennsylvania. As a teacher, Allison serves as Adjunct Violin and Viola Faculty at Cairn University and is a member of the strings faculty at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Southwest Philadelphia. Allison frequently performs as a substitute musician with several regional orchestras and sits as the principal second violinist of the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra and a member of SPSO and the New Jersey Chamber Orchestra. Allison also enjoys frequent chamber music collaborations, including being a founding member of Ensemble Musica Deo. Allison received her M.M. in Violin Performance and Professional Performance Certificate from Penn State University, where she studied with James Lyon, was a recipient of the Creative Achievement Award, and worked as a graduate teaching assistant.
Education
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Penn State University
- 2023 M.M. in Music Performance
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Penn State University
- 2024 Professional Performance Certificate
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Grove City College
- 2021 B.M. in Music Education
Experience
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Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra
- 2025-present Section Violin
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Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra
- 2022-present Principal 2nd Violin
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New Jersey Chamber Orchestra
- 2024-present Section Violin
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Bay-Atlantic Symphony, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Riverside Symphonia, York Symphony Orchestra
- 2024-present Substitute Violinist
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Cornerstone Christian Academy
- 2025-present Strings Instructor
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Cairn University
- 2024-present Adjunct Violin and Viola Faculty
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Self-Employed
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2015-present
Freelancing Musician and Private Music Teacher
Teaching lessons on violin, viola, and piano; performing on violin and viola.
