I am a conservatory trained violinist with two decades of experience playing for all kinds of events.
Examples of some of the projects I have worked on:
Orchestral playing, recording sessions, concert series, chamber music, corporate events, weddings, baby showers, marriage proposals, funerals, church services, private parties, ect...
Live string music at your event adds a special charm and flair! I am committed to giving your event an aura of something truly special, with elegant, live violin music.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, if you would like to learn more, or for performance samples.
8 reviews
Jordan P.
April 20, 2026James was everything I could have hoped for and more. The final touch on a proposal that took months to plan. Super easy to communicate with, adaptable, and went the extra mile.
A great choice for any of your needs, but especially if you want to make a special moment even more special
Hired as: Violinist
James Keene - Violinist
Thanks so much for your review. I enjoyed so much being a part of your beautiful proposal. Everything came together perfectly!
Tri A.
February 20, 2026He was so kind gentle sweet I Hella am going to get him for my sweet date. And I recommend him. He was on time and waited for date before he started so thoughtful.
Hired as: Violinist
James Keene - Violinist
Thanks so much Tri, I appreciate it! I loved playing for you guys. It was such a beautiful day and and you guys were great! Thank you!
Phil S.
December 15, 2025James Keene was absolutely phenomenal from start to finish. His talent, professionalism, and warm presence made our event truly unforgettable. The music was beautifully performed, perfectly timed, and tailored to the atmosphere we wanted. Guests were consistently commenting on how impressive and elegant the violin performance was, and it added a special touch that set our event apart.
James was easy to communicate with, punctual, and incredibly polished. Whether performing featured pieces or moving seamlessly through the space as a strolling violinist, he brought energy, class, and emotion to every moment. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a top-tier violinist for weddings, corporate events, or special occasions. Truly outstanding!
Hired as: Violinist
James Keene - Violinist
Thank you so much for your review, Phil!
I really appreciate it, and it was a great pleasure to provide music for your beautiful birthday party! Thank you.
Tracy D.
December 7, 2025James Keene brought such soothing audio color to Shannon Evette’s Meditate with Me album. His tone is warm, expressive, and effortlessly complements both the vocals and the track. James was on time, professional, and a pleasure to work with. His musical sensitivity and beautiful blend added a calming depth that truly elevated the project.
Hired as: Violinist
James Keene - Violinist
Thank you so much for hiring me for your project and your kind review! I loved working with you all, and I can't wait to hear the finished product!
Kimberly P.
November 10, 2025He was kind, respectful and early to the special event I hosted. He takes requests and that was a plus. Would definitely recommend & rehire him!
Hired as: Violinist
James Keene - Violinist
Thank you for taking time to leave me a review, Kimberly! I thoroughly enjoyed providing music for your service.
Price range: $300 and up
Languages: English, Spanish
Unions: AFM
Customizable, flexible, easy, quick live violin music for your event, whether that be a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or anything in between.
James Keene is a versatile soloist, chamber musician, and music pedagogue.
Originally from the Caribbean, at age 14 James’s family moved to the Philadelphia, PA area where he quickly joined the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and was immediately promoted to Co-Concertmaster during the first rehearsal by the conductor, Joseph Primavera.
In 2004 James was admitted as a scholarship recipient at Interlochen Arts Academy. There, he studied with Hal Grossman and was first violinist in the arts high school’s flagship string quartet, the Hemingway String Quartet. As a member of this ensemble, James performed numerous concerts throughout the Midwest, including in Chicago, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. The quartet also performed a live, televised performance on ABC Chicago’s Good Morning America.
James then attended Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where he studied with Todd Phillips, Catherine Cho, and Lenuta Ciulei. As a scholarship student at Mason Gross, James traveled to Spain with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops and served as co-concertmaster.
James later received the Presidential Scholarship from San Francisco Conservatory, where he studied with Wei-He. During this time, he served as violinist in the Reno Philharmonic, the Merced Symphony, and the Mendocino Music Festival.
In the present, James appears regularly with the New Haven Symphony in Connecticut, the Philly Pops, the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, and is known in the New York and LA metropolitan areas as a performer and teacher. Throughout his career he has played solo, chamber, and orchestral performances for audiences throughout China, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and the USA. He is an active festival musician, and appears regularly with the Trinity Alps Chamber Music Festival, the Pikes Falls Chamber Music Festival, and the Colour of Music Festival, where he has served as concertmaster. As co-founder of the Southwest Chamber Music Festival, which will be entering its 5th season in 2026, he also performs regularly in New Mexico. He was the recipient of the 1st place award at the Russel Johnson Strings Competition in Philadelphia, PA and has shared the Carnegie Hall stage with Dionne Warwick. He has also engaged in live and recorded collaborations with Jay-Z, Vanessa Williams, The Who, and Andrea Bocelli.
No amplification necessary.
I have a nearly unlimited repertoire of classical and popular music to perform at your event. Inquire and we can discuss your needs!
Violinist
