A beautiful performance is not necessarily a perfect one – it is one that explores the boundaries between the seen and unseen. In her music, cellist Julia Kostraba endeavors to look deeper than what appears on the surface through the lateral study of literature, the visual arts, and other art forms. She is always seeking to broaden her perspective and increase her knowledge to inform her understanding of each individual piece. Of all musical knowledge, she enjoys exploring music theory the most, as it allows her to further analyze and inform her phrasing and practice. Additionally, she strives for excellence in technical expertise, as it exists to serve the music and is a necessary component of playing and performance.

In May 2025, Julia graduated from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland with a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance, studying with world-renowned cellist Amit Peled. In high school, she was a member of the Wabash Valley Youth Symphony in Indiana and has since soloed with them twice. She also soloed with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and won numerous awards in the Greater Lafayette Indiana area.

Julia is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a member of the Kostraba Family Trio with her pianist father and violinist sister, as well as the Arizona Pops Orchestra in Tempe. Julia’s previous teachers include Carmine Miranda, Austin Huntington, and Sara Wollan, and she has performed alongside various artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Trisha Yearwood, CeCe Winans, and Natalie Haas. When not performing, practicing, reading, sewing cloaks, or otherwise enjoying life, Julia happily teaches lessons on various string instruments to people of all ages. Having been trained in classical education, she utilizes a Socratic instructional approach, which empowers her students to grow in their wonder and love toward music and life.

Whether performing in orchestra, collaborating in chamber music, or teaching the next generation of performing artists, Julia loves what she does because it shows her that there is more than what appears on the surface. As a Christian, God is the inspiration for her music and work, and she has learned so much about His Love by collaborating with her fellow musicians. Music has always been an integral part of her life, and as she continues to look beyond and delve deeper, Julia hopes to bring joy to everyone she encounters.