Eli Howells
Violin
Fiddler, violinist, and educator rooted in the traditions of Ireland and Scotland and shaped by a lifetime of classical and contemporary music. Available for private lessons, recording sessions, and live performances
Current Services
Violin and Fiddle lessons for all ages and experience levels! I teach out of my private home studio in Graham NC and I use a customized version of the Suzuki method to meet players goals and encourage long term learning.
Specializing in Classical, Irish, Scottish, American Fiddle, and Rock
Need a violinist on an emotional track you’re putting together? Need a fiddle player to add a little Irish twang? I’m your man.
From weddings to private events to foot stomping parties, who doesn’t love an enthusiastic fiddle player?
Available for solo performances and ensemble work through Lagomorph Quartet, contact me for more information.
About Me
I'm Eli Howells, a fiddler, violinist, and educator from Burke County, North Carolina. I started playing violin when I was eight years old and quickly fell in love with Irish traditional music, beginning a lifelong journey that has taken me from classical violin to the fiddle traditions of Ireland and Scotland.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to study with remarkable musicians including Jane MacMorran, Martin Hayes, and Liz Carroll. My classical teachers also repeatedly encouraged me to "slow down and stop moving," advice that I have taken under careful consideration.
My musical life has taken me in a lot of different directions. I've toured and performed with indie bands, choirs, traditional ensembles, and since 2016, the Celtic-punk rabble-rousers Tan and Sober Gentlemen. With the band, I've performed throughout the United States and Ireland at festivals including MerleFest, Blue Ox Festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, FloydFest, Electric Picnic, and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest celebration of Irish traditional music.
When I'm not on the road with Tan and Sober Gentlemen, you can usually find me playing for dancers with the Lagomorph Quartet or collaborating with other ensembles and musicians. I also work as a recording and session musician, bringing violin and fiddle to projects across a variety of styles.
Teaching is an important part of my musical life. I maintain a private teaching studio in Graham, North Carolina, where I work with students of different ages, experience levels, and musical interests. Whether you're picking up a violin for the first time, looking to build your classical technique, or wanting to dive into Irish, Scottish, or American fiddle, I believe learning music should be challenging, rewarding, and above all, enjoyable.
Whether you're looking for a teacher, a fiddler for your next recording, or a musician for a live performance, I'd love to hear what you're working on.
I've technically appeared on the Country Music Channel, my left elbow was featured in The New York Times, and I continue to avoid making deals at lonely crossroads around midnight.