Ilana Zaks
Violinist. Speaker and Presenter. Collaborator. Educator.
Itzhak Perlman“An unusually gifted violinist who in addition to her artistry, brings her excellent technical facility to all she plays…[with] a great deal of temperament as well as sensitivity.”
Ani Kavafian, professor in the practice of violin at the Yale School of Music“More than just a terrific violinist; she is a thinker and an innovator.”
Colleague at Seattle Symphony and Opera“She [Ilana] is a great colleague, an inspirational musician and an idealist who is always well prepared and really loves music.”
Meet Ilana Zaks
Described as “fearless, refreshing, and commanding” by the Boston Music Intelligencer, American violinist Ilana Zaks is a fourth-generation musician and educator from Boston, now based in Central Florida. Most recently, she served as first violinist with the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera, a position she won at just 22. She maintains an active performance schedule encompassing orchestral, solo, and chamber music and teaches at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute and the Rollins Community School of Music. Ilana is also the creator of Sound Worlds, a multimedia solo violin project blending electronics, storytelling, film, and music.
Upcoming Events
Private Lessons with Ilana Zaks
Now accepting new students!
For violin & viola
In-person lessons offered near Orlando, FL
Virtual lessons available!
Programs & Services
Educational Programs
Group classes for music students at varying levels, including masterclasses, orchestra sectionals, and interdisciplinary workshops
Concerts & Seminars
Traditional and innovative performances — solo, chamber music, with orchestras, and creative lecture-recitals making music accessible and interactive for diverse audiences
Collaborations
Artistic collaborations across disciplines—from dancers, comedians, and visual artists to chefs, scientists, engineers, and more—especially in projects that feature underrepresented or living composers