Mag McDermott 2335 Cole Avenue Southeast Minneapolis MN 55414 (612) 378-3729 magpiemcd@gmail.com

Mag McDermott Irish, Celtic fiddle Mag McDermott has an extensive background in Irish fiddle, including both performance and teaching. Her repertoire spans old and new, from incendiary reels to soulful airs. She is devoted to educating youth in playing proficiency, confidence in performance, and musical group camaraderie on the violin and viola. She uses a wide range of musical material and has developed a unique instructional approach for groups and individuals. Her playing can be heard on a number of recordings, and she delights in performance, from concert settings to ceili dance, illuminating the range of Irish fiddle. She performs solo or will arrange a group as desired. Available: Anytime; no mileage restrictions Space: At least 4 by 4 ft. for solo performance, variable with group Fee: Negotiable

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Mag McDermott, Minneapolis
Irish and Celtic Fiddle

Mag McDermott plays traditional Irish/Celtic fiddle music.

At the age of 10, Mag McDermott began studying both fiddle and classical playing styles. From her father, who moved to the United States from Ireland when he was in his 20s, Mag learned many of the slow airs and songs that she plays today. Mag moved to the Twin Cities in 1981, and soon became actively involved in the local session community. Sessions are gatherings of musicians, often held at a pub, in which performers with varying degrees of skill play tunes that they all know. Besides being great fun, sessions also provide a chance to bring new players into a community, help strengthen the skill of the musicians, and offer a good chance to listen in and learn new tunes. Through the local sessions that Mag attended, she met many local performers and got to know quite a few traveling musicians.

Today, Mag is a skilled fiddler who plays solo and with groups in venues throughout the upper Midwest. She has traveled several times to Wexford County, Dublin, Galway, and other parts of Ireland, as well as Irish music venues in London, bringing back traditional fiddle material from each area. Her style and repertoire are not limited to any particular Irish region, but draw on traditions from many places. Mag is an extremely versatile performer. She has played large concerts, private parties, festivals, and in quiet settings. She conducts workshops on traditional Irish music, and has taught in community and private settings. If appropriate, she can adapt her performances for family audiences and offer background information about the history of Ireland and its music.