Valentina Pulido Pardo

Violin and Viola Faculty

Born in Ibagué, Colombia, Valentina began her musical career in 2007 at the Ibagué Conservatory. She started playing the violin under the guidance of Maestro Jorge Almonacid, but in 2011, she switched to the viola, receiving instruction from Professor Jairo Guarín. In 2014, she began her university studies at the National University of Colombia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in viola performance under the guidance of Professor Sandra Arango.

Valentina has had the opportunity to participate in various international activities and festivals. In 2015, she took part in the IX International Music Festival of Cartagena and was a member of the Youth Philharmonic of Colombia for six consecutive years. She also participated in Britt Music Festival and Kent Blossom Music Festival.


In 2019, Valentina received a scholarship to study in the United States with the Gabo Quartet and pursue a master’s degree in chamber music at Kent State University in Ohio. During her time at the university, she was presented with an honorable mention in the orchestra competition in her first year and first place during her second year, performing the Romanza by Max Bruch with the university orchestra.
Additionally, in 2021, Valentina won the Leopold Sipe Memorial Award for Musical Excellence. During her time at Kent State University, she received teachings from distinguished mentors such as Keith Robinson, Cathy Robinson, Si- Yan Li, and Joanna Patterson Zakany.


Since 2022, Valentina has been residing in Boston, where she pursued her second master’s degree in viola performance at Boston University under the guidance of Professor Michelle LaCourse. During her time at the university, Valentina was one of the winners of the Carnegie Hall Competition and performed at the prestigious hall in January 2024. In 2023, she began teaching violin and viola at Boston String Academy. Valentina is currently a doctoral candidate at Boston University, also under the guidance of Professor Michelle LaCourse.