Bio

Amanda began playing the cello at the age of eight.   At the age of ten she discovered the fiddle and its rich history of folk music.  She spent many years playing classical cello repertoire and fiddle repertoire separately before her “aha!” moment when she combined her knowledge of the two and hasn’t looked back.  

Amanda has been a member of many string quartets and chamber orchestras.  She has played cello and violin with several folk groups, including Fiddle Kids, Trapezium, Almost Seamus, and the Blue Bird Trio.  She can currently be seen performing cello and nyckelharpa in the Forget Me Knots, with violinist Charmian Stewart.  

Amanda is a graduate of the Fredonia State University of New York where she received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Education and studied cello under the tutelage of Nancy Anderson and Natasha Farny, violin under Cornelius Duffalo and conducting under David Rudge.  She is passionate about continuing education and has attended workshops and camps with the Chieftains, John Doyle, Liz Carroll, Natalie Haas, Alasdair Fraser, Jeremy Kittle, Mike Block and Jeremy Harman.  

She worked in New York as a youth orchestra director for ten years, conducting both elementary and high school orchestras.  After moving to the Bay Area in 2011, Amanda taught at the San Domenico Music Conservatory before taking some time off to be with her young children.   She now runs a private string studio and is a co-director of the Ross Valley String Ensemble. 

When not teaching Amanda enjoys spending time with her two little boys and gardening.  She will happily talk to you about plants.  

If you are interested in lessons, teacher mentorship or booking her for a performance please contact her below: