About this Artist
ROBIN FAY MASSIE is a professional violist based in Atlanta, GA. She completed her education in Viola Performance after attending the following schools: The University of Maryland, College Park; New England Conservatory; and The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University.
She has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, as Assistant Principal Viola with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and as Principal Viola with the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra in Philadelphia. As a recording artist, she has appeared in concert, both live and on television, with notable artists such as: Jill Scott, Clay Aiken, Aretha Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Earth Wind & Fire, Ruben Studdard, Phillip Phillips, Maysa Leak, and Stevie Wonder. Recent backup performances include live appearances with Alfie Boe and Pete Townshend of The Who on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2017), with Eminem at the Firefly Music Festival (2018), Two Feet in his network television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2018), the late Mac Miller on NPR’s Tiny Desk summer concert series (2018), and Ms. Lauryn Hill at the Hollywood Bowl (2019). Additionally, Ms. Massie performed on the soundtrack to director Spike Lee’s eight-part docuseries, NYC Epicenters 9/11 – 2-21 ½ (2020), recorded in Nashville, TN.
With a heart for service, she founded Musicians of Mercy (MOM) in January 2010 – a collective of musicians and artists which produces benefit concerts to raise funds for humanitarian causes – and serves as its Executive Director. Also, an active chamber musician and soloist, Ms. Massie maintained a small private studio for area students.
As an interesting twist in her career, Ms. Massie also works nights as a Neonatal ICU nurse in Atlanta, GA. She served on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic as an emergency department registered nurse at a hospital in Baltimore, MD. She was recently featured in a short film by Aaron Dworkin – An American Prophecy – winner of a Michigan Emmy Award for its artistic depiction of the stories of frontline healthcare workers. In all areas, she strives to provide the highest level of joy, compassion, and artistry. This summer, Ms. Massie is grateful to join the esteemed string faculty for the YOLA National Festival!