Aja has been playing the violin since she was 4 years old. She received her Bachelor's of Music from the University of Minnesota in 2011 under the tutelage of Mark Bjork, and her Master's of Music from Louisiana State University in 2013 studying with Espen Lilleslatten. Since then she has performed with many regional orchestras and currently serves as principal second violin with the Buffalo Community Orchestra. Her orchestral experiences have given her the opportunity to share the stage with performers like Leila Josefowicz, Audra McDonald, and Gil Shaham. Stemming from a desire to perform orchestral music more frequently in the Twin Cities, Aja is the founder and CEO of the Twin Cities Symphony.

Growing up as a Suzuki student, Aja has become a passionate teacher of the method. Music making is a powerful tool to help young children become caring, driven, and hardworking adults. Shortly after moving back to the Twin Cities in 2014 Aja became curious about the cello and started taking lessons. She has completed her teacher training for Suzuki Books 1-3 for the cello, and Books 1-4 for viola and violin, and loves learning and sharing ideas with other teachers. Seeing a young child light up with enthusiasm for music, or understanding of a new concept is the best reward for a teacher. Follow the link for more information about the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Orchestral playing is the focus of her career but Aja has also performed with 2 Cellos, Foreigner, Harry Connick, Jr., Kygo, the Transiberian Orchestra and the Latin jazz group Charanga Tropical. In June 2015 she traveled to Havana, Cuba with the group to become the first band from the United States to participate in the International Danzon Festival. 

If she is not making music you can find Aja with her two cats, Dexter and Cindy Lou Who, cooking vegetarian and vegan meals, and attempting to keep her plants alive.