Anja Smith wanted to learn the violin from an early age, having watched her grandfather play. She began her studies with the inspirational teacher, Mary Trewin, and went on to lead the Somerset Youth Orchestra, and win a place in the National Children's Orchestra, performing in prestigious venues such as York Minster, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. She gained a music degree at Cardiff University, where she took a particular interest in chamber music, studying under Professor Robin Stowell.

Her playing has taken her all over the world, performing in Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Prague, and more recently tours to China and Tuscany. She is in demand as a chamber musician, and plays with the London based Orchestra of St Paul's, Lincolnshire Chamber Orchestra, Boston Sinfonia and Stamford Chamber Orchestra. Anja is a founding member and leader of the Esterházy Quartet, performing recitals regularly in the local area. She enjoys a busy and diverse professional life as Head of Music at Brooke Priory in Oakham, and teaching classroom music and private violin lessons at The King’s School and other schools in the area.