Meet the Instructors

Fernando and Emily Martins, the founders of Strings Success, are a dedicated husband and wife team committed to nurturing young musicians. With a shared passion for music and education, they created a welcoming environment where students can discover their potential and develop their skills. Their combined expertise and enthusiasm inspire creativity and foster a love for music, making Strings Success a thriving community for aspiring artists.

  • Conductor, Private Lesson Instructor

    Fernando Martins is an accomplished violinist and educator, holding an undergraduate degree in violin performance from DePaul University and a master’s degree in violin performance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he also served as a teaching assistant. Currently completing his doctorate in music education from Liberty University, Fernando brings a deep knowledge of string pedagogy and a standard for excellence that is rare to find. 

    What sets Fernando apart is his ability to combine this pursuit of excellence with a sense of humor that transforms rehearsals into an enjoyable, rewarding process. His ensembles are known for their rich sound and deeply musical interpretations, with an engaging and fun process. 

    In addition to his work as an educator, Fernando has rich performing experience, having played as an orchestral musician in both the United States and Brazil, where he gained invaluable insight into professional performance and ensemble leadership. 

    Before his current role, Fernando taught a thriving orchestra program in Texas with nearly 300 students, leading them to success in various competitions. Now, as the music department chair at Weimar University, he teaches music theory, aural training, violin, and music education courses, continuing to inspire and lead with both rigor and joy.

  • Private Lesson Teacher

    Emily Martins is a versatile and accomplished violist and educator with Suzuki training, a bachelor's degree in music education from SUNY Fredonia and a master's in viola performance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she served as a teaching assistant. Her teaching career spans an impressive range of environments, from her first role as orchestra director at the Manhattan Academy for Arts and Language, an inner-city public school in Manhattan,  to elite private schools in Houston, Texas. 

    Emily’s string orchestras have performed internationally, showcasing their talents in Germany, Austria, and Hungary. As a seasoned orchestral musician, she has performed in over 15 countries and has made a lasting impact through her work with underprivileged children in Haiti as part of a music education project. With 15 years of experience in teaching private violin and viola lessons, as well as college courses in music education, she brings her wealth of knowledge and passion for music education to students of all ages.