“It is my hope that music will find its way to the center of people’s lives as they realize they are part of a beautiful living tradition.”
Gretchen Koehler & her son, Sylvain.
KOEHLER'S School of Traditional FIDDLing
Gretchen has taught hundreds of students to play the fiddle, through her public school teaching, clinics and private lessons. At her studio in Potsdam, NY, her fiddlers range from pre-schoolers to grandparents and play the standard repertoire enjoyed throughout the “North Country.” She delights in passing on the tradition as it was passed on to her; by exchanging tunes in a living room with a neighbor when she was in elementary school. She teaches by “ear” and by note, has her students write tunes, learn about folk history, styles, sound equipment, and jam. Gretchen is available for private lessons in her home studio in Potsdam, New York.
“Grove. Ornamentation. Bowing. History. Purpose. Joy.
These are the things I try to nurture in my students.”
The Madstop Fiddlers under the direction of Gretchen Koehler (Photo Jonathan Brown)
“Gretchen inspires all ages to carry the region’s musical heritage to future generations.”
“Enthusiastic. Motivational. Inspirational.”
“Gretchen is my new Goddess! She is the BEST! Just outstanding!”
“Gretchen is a tremendous asset for the cultural and educational institutions in our region.”
the madstop fiddlers
Students of Gretchen Koehler aka THE MADSTOP FIDDLERS (2018)
The Madstop Fiddlers of Potsdam, New York (Potsdam spelled backwards) is a multi-generational fiddle ensemble of fiddlers who are enthusiastic about sharing Old Time, Celtic, Quebec and Nordic fiddle music. Under the direction of their teacher, Gretchen Koehler, small bands can be heard playing tunes for New England contra dances, Quebec Sugaring Off parties, farmers' markets, cafes, historical societies, places of worship and Old Time jam sessions to the delight of audiences around the North Country of Northern New York.
“The Madstop Fiddlers are a true gem in our North Country.”