The Turning Stile

An active dance and concert band since 2008, The Turning Stile is based in Montpelier, Vermont and is made up  of me on fiddle and dance and multi-instrumentalist and dancer Aaron Marcus. We love to play. That is, play music and musically play. From driving traditional dance tunes to modern compositions, Aaron and I communicate rhythm, stories, feelings and fun. It's true, we wander, but we're not usually lost.

For some dances and shows, we become The Turning Stile+ and perform as a three- or four-piece band. 

As ecologists (me) and botanists (Aaron), we're equally at home on the stage or in the woods, Perhaps you've seen us at Rockfire somewhere between the flaming quarry sculptures and the pond with the floating candles? Or maybe you caught one of our field walks at Pinewoods?

Visit the Gigs page to find out where to catch us next.

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Camp Instructor and Staff Musician

A summer camp instructor since 2010, I teach fiddle, fiddle accompaniment, violin basics, dance band, Scottish step dance, and Highland Dance. 

I've also served as staff musician at dance camps for children and adults. I play for contra, Scottish country, English, Scottish ceilidh, and the occasional feis.

And, as it turns out, I'm not too bad at Capture the Flag.

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Contra dance fiddler

I step on stage with favorite musicians to create tunes for contra dances both big and small. I work best when I meld the drive of the traditional Scottish fiddle with the groove of the New England Dance floor.

I also play for Scottish Country dances from time to time, including with Les Jouers de Bon Accord and Peter MacFarlane. I jump in the studio from time to time to record tunes and harmonies on friends' albums.

Here I am with Brendan Taaffe, a duo somehow now known as The Tartan Raiders. We're a little famous in some parts.

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Private Teacher

Through private or small group lessons in Montpelier, Vermont, I teach fiddle tunes, music theory, chordal accompaniment and Scottish music history. I also guide students in their work with other other stringed instruments, including viola, guitar, and cello. Although my work mostly focuses on learning tunes for the joy of learning tunes, my students have opportunities to  get on stage at a show or dance if that's what moves them.

I also teach workshops at music festivals or through music programs such as Young Tradition Vermont and the Summit School of Traditional Music & Culture.