Staff Bios
Miriana Giardina
Viola/Violin, Piano
Ciao a tutti! I’m originally from Italy and recently relocated to California, music and art have been the heartbeat of my life since I began performing in choirs and playing guitar and piano at age seven. My true journey began at age 11 when I played the open strings of a violin for the first time—an experience of connection I had never felt with any other instrument. That same year, I was selected to begin my path at the Conservatory (corsi preaccademici).
For over 16 years, I have dedicated myself to the violin and viola as both a performer and an educator. I specialize in guiding students through the transition from violin to viola, as well as teaching both instruments from beginner to advanced levels. My method ensures students achieve a beautiful, rich tone from day one, with a heavy emphasis on musicality—learning to "sing" the notes before playing them.
My pedagogical approach is deeply human-centered. I focus on independence and strong technical basics while always honoring your unique goals, background, and diversity. I am here to help passionate students nurture their love for music with consistency, dedication, and joy.
Biography
A native of Sicily, Miriana Giardina is an accomplished violist and music educator whose career bridges the elite traditions of European performance with modern American pedagogy. She holds a Master of Music in Viola from the Conservatory Vincenzo Bellini in Caltanissetta, Italy, where she completed 13 years of rigorous conservatory training. Her artistic foundation was shaped by years of intensive study and high-level examinations under the guidance of the esteemed Maestro Marco Traverso.
Miriana’s orchestral career includes high-profile performances across Italy’s historic teatro regina Margherita, Teatro Moncada and acoustically renowned venues like the cathedral of Modica and Caltanissetta. She has performed as both a violist soloist and a section member for the Vincenzo Bellini Orchestra, notably at the Pietra Rossa Bellini Music Festival, the Stagione Concertistica “Svelamenti” at the Teatro Regina Margherita. She collaborated closely with Maestro Leonardi for the world premiere and official recording of his composition “Natale al Redentore” at the Chiesa Madre in San Cataldo.
Currently based in Southern California, Miriana is the founder of the private music lessons “Strings with Miriana” and was recently featured as a “Rising Star” by VoyageLA Magazine (March 2026). Here the link of the full interview https://voyagela.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-miriana-of-norwalk/ In the same time She is also the co-founder of Partenope: a professional viola and guitar duo based here in California.
As an educator, Miriana specializes in the Bel Canto approach, bringing the lyrical “singing” quality of Italian vocal music to string playing. Her teaching is informed by advanced masterclasses with world-renowned maestros, including Luca Ranieri, Francesco Fiore, and Roberto Ranfaldi. Her unique expertise is further defined by her master’s thesis research, which created a pedagogical “bridge” between the Italian Conservatory system and American Music Education, involving collaborations with faculty at Sam Houston State University. Miriana is passionate about helping her students at the Huntington Beach School of Music develop a strong technical foundation and a unique artistic voice.
Hometown: Caltanissetta Italy
Musical Background: Master of Music (M.M.) in Viola – Conservatory Vincenzo Bellini (Italy)
• Principal Mentorship – Advanced Viola studies and examinations under the Maestro Marco Traverso.
• Pedagogical Researcher – Author of specialized thesis research bridging the Italian Conservatory system with American Music Education, featuring collaborations with Sam Houston State University.
• Founder – Strings with Miriana Music Studio.
• Co-Founder – Partenope Viola & Guitar string Duo
• Media Recognition – Recently featured in VoyageLA Magazine’s "Rising Stars" series (March 2026).
• Orchestral Experience – Section Viola & Soloist for the Vincenzo Bellini Orchestra; featured performances at the Pietra Rossa Festival, Teatro Regina Margherita, and historic venues in Modica.
• World Premiere Artist – Collaborative recording and premiere of Natale al Redentore with Maestro Leonardi.
• Advanced Masterclasses – Studied under international masters Luca Ranieri, Francesco Fiore, and Roberto Ranfaldi.
School: Conservatorio di Musica "V. Bellini" di Caltanissetta (Italy)
Years Teaching: 8+
Hobbies: Beyond the music studio, I am an avid traveler with a deep passion for discovering new cultures and cuisines. I am a multifaceted artist; I enjoy acrylic painting and have recently begun writing poems, finding my best inspiration by the sea on a sunny day with a coffee. I also love to sing and compose music with my electric guitar. At home, I am a passionate cook who believes there is nothing better than sharing good food with good company!
Message To You: I am currently accepting new students of all ages and levels! Whether we are preparing for an upcoming audition, rehearsals, working through a specific academic exam, or simply exploring the joy of a new hobby, my studio is a space for growth and discovery. I am excited to share the rich traditions of the Italian string school with the Huntington Beach community. I can’t wait to share it in our first trial lesson! See you soon!