Charlie McCarthy

Bio

Originally from Ireland, Charlie McCarthy is an Australian based violinist/fiddle player who has performed with symphony orchestras, Celtic dance bands, chamber ensembles, jazz combos, bluegrass and Irish bands as well as being a session musician/soloist for movie soundtracks, pit orchestras, studio recordings and everything in between. Charlie began learning the violin when he was two years old and comes from a classical family background. From an early start in the Suzuki system and humble beginnings playing viola in youth orchestras, busking and string quartet gigs at weddings he has gone on to perform as a professional orchestral musician, session recording player, live looper and band leader in folk and jazz ensembles.

Charlie has always preferred to work as an ensemble player and rarely as a soloist. Charlie has performed at most of the major music festivals and music venues in Australia with the bluegrass group The Seals, jazz quartet Belleville and presently with Hobart based ensembles The Harry Edwards Quartet and Django’s Tiger.

As an educator he has previously held the position of Head of Strings at Perth College in Western Australia and Head of Strings at St Michael’s Collegiate in Hobart. Charlie is currently a lecturer at the University of Tasmania in contemporary violin and also offers online violin lessons for players of all ages and styles. He presents Professional Development Seminars through the Australian String Teachers Association (AUSTA) and coordinates string workshops and camps throughout Australia. As an artist constantly developing and refining his own pedagogical philosophy his students benefit from his genuine love of music and his ability to kindle artistry as well as sequencing practical technique.

Current projects in include original jazz with the Harry Edwards Quartet (www.harryedwardsmusic.com), developing a new type of polyphonic violin bow (www.polycordebow.com) and also producing the Postclassical Violin method book series for the modern player.

Above all, Charlie McCarthy just loves playing the fiddle and having a great time sharing the joy of music with others.