Instruments:

• Cello (Beginner to Advanced)

• Singing/Songwriting

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts: Vassar College, 2021

Skills/Specialized Training:

• Classical, Folk, and Indie/Alternative styles

• Improvisational skills

• Musical Theory

• Ear Training

• Composition

Bio:

Claire is a classical & folk cellist and songwriter, with a passion for building community through music and using the cello as a vessel to explore a wide variety of genres and styles. Classically trained, she grew up playing in string quartets and symphonies through college. She was raised in a family that brought her along to bluegrass festivals from a young age, and has also always been deeply in love with folk music, avidly writing songs starting in high school. After spending a semester in Ireland studying Celtic music, she began exploring traditional Celtic and old-time music on the cello, attending fiddle camps around the country, and learning the incredible versatility of the cello as both a melody and accompaniment instrument in any genre. She’s attended camps and workshops with world renowned folk cellist Natalie Haas, where she mastered the art of the “chop:” a bowing method that creates percussive cello grooves and chordal accompaniment. Here in Bellingham, Claire is actively involved in the music scene and performs in local Celtic and old-time band “Dream Goats,” folk-rock band “The Living Arrows,” in several contra dance bands, in her own solo songwriter project “Claire Willow,” and with the Bellingham Symphony.

As an instructor, Claire loves working with beginning students of all ages, as well as helping intermediate students advance in the direction they're excited about. Whether this be focusing on traditional classical repertoire and technique, developing ensemble skills for chamber music or orchestra, working on ear training and improvisation, honing some “chopping” and accompaniment skills, or composing original pieces, she is excited to help students find their cello voice. A regularly performing singer-songwriter, she also loves to work with students interested in developing their own songwriting style, or who are eager to explore writing but unsure where to start.

When she’s not strumming a stringed instrument, Claire can be found reading Jane Austen, contra dancing, gardening, knitting a sweater, or cooking up a delicious soup.

Influences:

Natalie Haas, Tristan Clarridge, Jacqueline Du Pre, Liz Carroll, Gillian Welch, Aoife O’Donovan