For any fiddlers, advanced beginners and up, who would like to learn a Scottish tune or two!

Matthew Christian has established himself as one of New York City’s most dynamic young trad musicians. Matthew has become a force in regional Irish, Scottish, and contra music, and teaches the next generation of self-directed learners the deep connections between formal technique, classical repertoire, biomechanics, and traditional music.

Originally from North Bennington, Vermont, Matthew was classically trained on violin, but early encountered traditional music through family contra dances in New Hampshire. Among a range of styles and rhythms influencing New England contra, Matthew was particularly captivated by the music of Scotland and the Maritimes. His study of the Highland bagpipes led him to place in the under-18 World Pipe Band Championships, while Lowland pipe playing made a lasting impact on his fiddle approach to Scottish and Cape Breton tunes.

Since moving to New York City in 2011, Matthew has focused closely on both the Irish and Scottish scenes, leading regularly at the Iona Scottish Session and now hosting a weekly session at Sutton Bar Room, which on a given evening, bends Irish, Scottish, and beyond.