Lina was born in Kuwait, and lived there until she was 9 years of age. The first language she learned to read, write and speak is Arabic. Lina is the youngest of four children and sweet baby sister to three brothers, who are also musical.
Lina picked up the accordion at age 7, in Kuwait while she was attending the only private Catholic School in the city. This instrument was part of the school curriculum, and one of very few instruments offered.
A few months after her 9th birthday, Lina came to the United States. She attended public school and barely spoke English. Her universal language was music, so she started fiddling with a violin, which was also part of the school’s curriculum.