Every October, National Arts & Humanities Month celebrates how the arts and humanities bring communities together across differences. Violinist, entertainer, and music educator Leanne “L-Stringz” Holmes is part of that connection—introducing audiences to the violin through contemporary music and performances that invite people to experience the instrument in a new way.
She is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and now based in Baltimore, Maryland: Her path to the violin began after she heard someone playing at a new school. Curious, she asked what the instrument was. That day, she asked her mother to buy her one. Her mother agreed to rent one, with the understanding that she would play it for a year. All these years later, she has never put it down.
L-Stringz began performing professionally at 16 and later studied Music Performance at Hampton University. Private lessons gave her a strong foundation in reading music, while a relationship with violinist Ashanti Floyd, known as “The Mad Violinist,” helped her learn to play by ear and explore Hip-Hop and R&B. Bringing those influences together helped shape her versatile style, which spans genres including classical, R&B, go-go, and Hip-Hop.
At Hampton, she performed as a solo artist and for the university at events such as the HBCU Awards, MEAC and CIAA competitions, and Honda Battle of the Bands. Her career has since included performances and appearances connected to the Apollo Theater’s 90th Anniversary Celebration, Governor Wes Moore’s Black History Day, Def Jam, the 85 South Show, FOX 5 DC, Married to Medicine, and STAR on FOX.
Her appearance on STAR remains a standout moment. Performing in a quartet during the season finale was her first experience recording for a scripted television series and an opportunity to meet Queen Latifah.
After moving to Maryland in 2022, L-Stringz expanded her performance vision by forming her live band, The Gentlemen, in winter 2023. The band began as part of her annual Valentine’s Day show and scholarship fundraiser. Moving from primarily performing solo to working with three other musicians brought new challenges, she says, but the music keeps the group connected and focused. Since its formation, The Gentlemen have performed at events including Artscape, AFRAM, and the Carlisle Hope Station Gala.
Through her “New Music Experience,” L-Stringz aims to challenge assumptions about who plays the violin and where it belongs. People often assume a violinist performs in a symphony, she says, until they see her electronic press kit or social media and recognize her as a solo artist. Her goal is for violinists and other instrumentalists to be valued alongside singers, rappers, and other entertainers.
That vision is closely tied to her commitment to arts education. As both a musician and educator, L-Stringz has seen how the arts can give students an outlet and a reason to engage with school. She believes music education can support confidence, leadership, study habits, and follow-through, while the ongoing relationship with a trusted music teacher can provide stability throughout a student’s education.
“I believe access to the arts should never be a privilege reserved for a select few,” L-Stringz says. “For me, accessibility has always meant more than making arts education available—it means making people feel that they belong in the experience.” Through her performances and advocacy, she hopes young people will see the violin and recognize that it can be for them, too.
Audiences can follow L-Stringz on Instagram at @L.Stringz and on TikTok and other social platforms at @LStringz. For bookings and additional information, visit www.lstringz.com.
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