Fresh off of two performances at this year’s Grammy Awards with Sabrina Carpenter and RAYE, SD Alumna Sarena Hsu visited campus this week to lead current Virtuoso Program students in a dynamic rehearsal, followed by an open Q & A session in the Carol Franc Buck Hall of the Arts. An enthralled and slightly starstruck audience was treated to behind-the-scenes storytelling of what it’s like to carry the SD VP training out into the world as a professional musician. 

During the Q & A, Sarena shared her insights on breaking into the music industry and building a sustainable career as a musician. “Don’t underestimate the power of networking, being nice to everyone you meet, and sticking with your passions to see where they take you. Also, learn to sight read! Having good sight reading skills is crucial as a studio musician in the Hollywood music scene.” 

Sarena has been featured on several major Hollywood soundtrack recordings, including “Twisters,” “Transformers One,” and the television series “1923.” She has also performed with many notable recording artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus, Halsey, Kygo, Bjork, 21 Pilots, Laufey, and more.

In addition to her studio work, Sarena currently serves as the Assistant Principal Second Violinist at the California Symphony. ​​She earned her Master of Music in Violin Performance degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Wei He, and her Bachelor of Music degree from California State University of Sacramento, where she studied with Ian Swensen. 

We thank Sarena for generously spending time with our VP students and audience, and wish her continued good luck in all her musical endeavors!