

MADFIDDLE
GROWING A LOVE OF MUSIC

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AUDITION TODAY!
MADFIDDLE
RESILIENCE SCHOLARSHIP


ABOUT
MadFiddle is a youth violin ensemble that explores and performs folk music from around the world. With an emphasis on aural tradition, social-emotional learning and intergenerational performance, MadFiddle defines a new standard in youth music education.
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MadFiddle supports 6 ensembles and ages 6-18. The groups rehearse weekly and perform together with an adult backing band, Highway 151. In-person instruction is supplemented with an online learning platform that provides adaptability for different learning styles at home. Learning materials include video lessons, audio tutorials and other downloadable resources.
MadFiddle uses an original and evolving curriculum that visits an array of folk traditions - from bluegrass and the blues to old-time and ragtime to Scottish, swing, Scandinavian, South American and beyond.
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COMMUNITY & PERFORMANCE
MadFiddle's work in the community has included benefit concerts for Mujilla Falls Agricultural Center in Zambia Africa (2014-2019), the United Way for Dane County (2014-2019), UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (2015) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS).
Together, MadFiddle & Highway 151 have released five recordings and appeared at venues including Overture Center's Capital Theater, Stoughton Opera House, MYArts Starlight Theater, Barrymore Theater, Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival, Old Music Hall, High Noon Saloon, UW-Madison Science Festival, Willy Street Fair and more.
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COLLABORATION
Since 2021, MadFiddle has facilitated educational and collaborative opportunities for other local youth music programs including Music Makers, Music con Brio, Madison Cello Ensemble and Suzuki Strings. These opportunities include workshops and performances in partnership with the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival.
MADFIDDLE RESILIENCE SCHOLARSHIP
In 2021, the program launched the MadFiddle Resilience Scholarship to support families who face greater than average financial barriers. The scholarship supports families with costs related to tuition, concert admission and concert dress.
AN INTERGENERATIONAL EXPERIENCE
In addition to performances with Highway 151, MadFiddle has facilitated collaboration with internationally-touring musicians and other professional musicians. Showing our students that folk music extends beyond the bounds of age and ability has always been central to our mission. MadFiddle also facilitates listening opportunities that broaden the scope of culturally-based music appreciation.
HONORS
In 2020 MadFiddle was awarded "Youth Ensemble of the Year" by the Madison Area Music Association. In 2016, Shauncey Ali was awarded "Teacher of the Year" by the same organization.
TESTIMONIALS
"We love MadFiddle - the teaching, creativity & vision. We have experienced firsthand the joy MadFiddle brings to so many, and continue to watch our son enjoy and expand his learning of creative music with others."
"My child loves everything about MadFiddle. Thank you not only for teaching them how to play the fiddle, but how to be musicians."
"Madfiddle has been nothing short of medicinal...the community, atmosphere and melodies feed her soul and make the daily grind of life worth working hard at. What you do has sprinkled some magic into her school and home life too."
"Thank you for helping us raise our son."
"I was worried our daughter was going to give up music...now she picks up her violin to chill when she feels stressed or just to figure out a tune."
"I love fiddling. It makes my fingers feel like they can dance."







