"You have such a beautiful instrument and such control over it... 

please don't ever stop singing." 

- Brenda Vaccaro, actress.

Marina is a vibrant, NYC-based artist whose music defies boundaries. A classically trained violinist and rising jazz vocalist, she blends the precision of classical music with the spontaneity of jazz, all while drawing inspiration from her Spanish heritage. This unique fusion fuels her artistry, creating a dynamic sound that captivates listeners across genres.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude from the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2024, Marina earned a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance with a minor in Jazz Studies. During her time at IU, she had the privilege of studying under jazz greats like Sachal Vasandani, Rachel Caswell, and Wayne Wallace, developing a distinctive voice both as a violinist and vocalist.

Her vocal style, rooted in the greats, is shaped by the timeless influence of jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, and Betty Carter, as well as the soul and funk of Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bill Withers, and Stevie Wonder. Her deep love for Brazilian jazz is inspired by iconic figures such as Elis Regina, Caetano Veloso, and Doris Monteiro, whose emotive performances and sophisticated melodies have influenced her approach to bossa nova, samba, and other Brazilian genres. These diverse influences fuel Marina's artistry and inspire her to bring a fresh energy to a wide range of jazz styles, including Swing, Bebop, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian jazz. Marina is also a passionate advocate for modern, cross-genre fusion, regularly performing in indie, soul, folk, funk, and experimental jazz settings.

In Bloomington, Marina shone as the lead vocalist of the IU Latin Jazz Ensemble, led by Grammy-winning composer Wayne Wallace, for three years. She has also fronted indie-alternative jazz groups like Branches and Tate Sherman & The Big Push, a rapidly rising jazz sextet.

Since moving to NYC, Marina has quickly made her mark on the local scene, performing alongside talented artists such as Benny Bennack III and Tony Glausi. As she continues to build momentum, she is steadily securing more performances, with new shows and collaborations on the horizon.

Marina’s voice has graced some of the most exciting venues in NYC, including the Aman Hotel Jazz Club and So & So's, as well as respected stages like the Buskirk-Chumley Theater and Indiana University’s Musical Arts Center. Her talents have also been showcased with the Heifetz Ensemble on tour, performing throughout Washington DC, Rhode Island, and Maine.

As a violinist, Marina brings her improvisational skills to the stage, experimenting with jazz manouche, flamenco, free jazz, and more. She is also an innovative composer and arranger, pushing the boundaries of jazz and creating new sounds that reflect her diverse influences. She has shared stage with legendary musicians like Lenny White. She has also played with Aimee Nolte and Marco Pignataro.

Whether she’s weaving intricate violin lines or delivering soulful jazz vocals, Marina's artistry is always marked by a deep passion for musical exploration and a commitment to creating fresh, boundary-breaking sounds.