Aleksandra (Ola) Holowka was born in Krakow, Poland. She began studying violin with her mother at age seven and switched to viola when she was 16. In 1990 Aleksandra entered the Chopin Performing Arts High School in Krakow. After graduating she came to the United States to study with Eric Shumsky and Igor Fedotov at Western Michigan University. She earned her master's degree at Rice University under the tutelage of James Dunham. Since coming to the United States Aleksandra has been a member of several regional orchestras and has served as principal violist of Battle Creek Symphony and Austin Lyric Opera. She enjoys hiking in the mountains, camping, swimming and biking. She lives with her husband Don, an orchestra teacher in Fort Worth Independent School District.