She has played violin and mandolin in the Nashville Symphony, Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Kentucky (Concertmaster & Principal 2nd), Paducah Symphony Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and in string sections for Dionne Warwick, Rod Stewart, Ray Charles, Red Skelton, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Moody Blues, Yanni, Bernadette Peters, Ann Jillian, Henry Mancini, Roberta Flack, Linda Ronstadt, Al Jarreau, and Smokey Robinson.
She is co-owner / founder of Essential Music LLC and Sandpiper Records with husband and colleague, Carlos R Martinez. Together they have composed, recorded and produced over 50 works for classical violin, piano and orchestra.
Born in 1970, this Alaskan native grew up in the beautiful desert state of Arizona. By age 16 she became a nationally honored fiddle champion recognized at the Fiddler’s Hall of Fame, and as a youth accumulated 100 first prize championships in contest fiddling. She received honors as Arizona’s first lady of the fiddle as well as youngest Arizona State Champion, along with the title of the Nation’s Fanciest Fiddler. Julianna has been featured in Fiddler Magazine and her books have received rave reviews by numerous musicians and such magazines as Bluegrass Unlimited.
She has toured with such artists as Brenda Lee, Sara Evans, Lee Ann Womack, Matt King, Steve Holy, Shedaisies, and the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble. Julianna has appeared in music videos for Vince Gill, Anita Cochran, and the Mavericks. She also played violin / mandolin for theater productions including the touring Broadway Show Civil War, as well as the Tennessee Repertory Theater’s Camelot and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
She has appeared on numerous recordings including Clint Black’s album, Nothin’ but the Taillights. Her early releases include Daybreak (a collection of Southwestern styles of music featuring Cowboy Joe Baer), Energy Rising (contemporary instrumental), and Bonaparte’s Retreat. Her student fiddling group the Red River Fiddlers recently released their fifth production, the 2021 Homestyle video concert in addition to the 2019 – Wild West Tour – The Living Room Session. Earlier releases include debut Red River Fiddlers Live, Red River Fiddlers Live at the Kentucky Opry, and The Squirrel Hunters. Her proteges have become acclaimed professional violinists / fiddlers, State & National Champions, music educators, and touring artists.
Currently, Julianna shares her passion for string education and chamber music ensembles with students at Essential Music LLC in Alvaton, Kentucky. As composer / performers, she and husband Carlos continue their intense focus on writing and publishing new music for violin, piano, orchestra and other ensembles.