Violinist and fiddler Madelyn Morrell hails from the “wilds of Maine” where diverse traditions and styles of music meet. Beginning violin at age five, she quickly gained a love for the music of the cultures that surrounded her. Through playing at sessions, contra dances, and festivals at a young age, she was instilled with the value of music as an intergenerational and cross-cultural bridge. Madelyn embraces music’s potential to bring community together and has hosted many musical gatherings in her home. Her “Hope” project in 2020 brought both virtual and in-person music to people in isolation.

Madelyn seeks to both contribute to the evolving traditions and honor the wisdom of the past.  She has explored the solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire of violin as well as various traditional fiddle styles, specializing in Irish traditional music. Madelyn has studied with internationally renowned Irish fiddlers Brian Conway and Winifred Horan and is now a sought-after violin and fiddle teacher, teaching and performing regularly throughout New England. Madelyn is certified in the Suzuki method of teaching, which emphasizes aural learning and the belief that all people have the ability learn the violin. She also holds the teacher’s certificate, Teastas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tíre (Certificate in Folk Music Teaching) from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, an international organization for the promotion of Irish traditional arts. She holds a B.M. in Performance (violin) from Gordon College. madelynmorrell.com

“I am trained in the Suzuki method of teaching and believe that each student has a unique tone, which we begin working on as soon as the violin and bow are introduced. As the student progresses, I will begin supplementing Suzuki materials with outside resources such as rhythmic training, scale, and etude books. A core principle of the Suzuki method is the belief that anyone has the ability to play the violin. It is not a skill one is born with but can be acquired through practice and community support. Whatever the student’s needs are, I will meet them where they are so we can take the next steps together.”