
Playing from the heart
Kathy Sommer is a violinist, fiddler and mandolinist known for her tasteful and polished style, her versatility, energetic stage presence, and for playing from the heart.
Upcoming Dates
Jul 6, 2025
NYS Old Tyme Fiddlers Hall of Fame
North American Fiddlers' Hall Of Fame and Museum, Redfield, NY
2pm
July 12, 2025
Scottish Festival 2025
Hammond Historical Museum, NY
TBD
July 29, 2025
Fiddlers Three at The Word Barn
The Word Barn, Exeter, NH
7pm
August 17, 2025
Fiddlers Three at The Yellow Barn
Hammond, NY
5pm
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely! I perform solo or with a band, depending on your needs. When playing with a band, we combine our musical expertise for the particular event. As a solo performer, I use my own backing tracks for accompaniment. My repertoire spans various genres and appeals to a wide range of tastes. I can confidently say that there has never been a time when people haven’t complimented and thanked me for providing wonderful music.
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Absolutely! I perform solo or with others, tailoring the music choices to match the venue’s style. Whether it’s upbeat, calm, romantic, etc I can cater to various genres like Irish, folk, jazz, classical, and more.
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No, but it's common for me to perform solo because I have supplied myself with backing track accompaniment. Whether solo or with a band depends on what someone is looking for. If they want piano and violin, I try to provide that. If they prefer a fiddle band, I might bring in "Fiddlers Three." For dances, I could be the fiddler alongside other musicians.
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My favorite styles to play are swing, fiddle tunes and romantic violin pieces because they fit so well with my personal violin technique and background. That being said, you’ll hear numerous styles in my repertoire. It’s difficult for me to settle on just one style because there is so much good music out there.
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I’m happy to travel, if the conditions and timing are favorable. Since I live in a rural area it is common for me to travel hours to perform. I lived in NH for many years and now live in NYS and still continue to travel to New England to rehearse and perform.
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Yes, I do. I taught violin at my own studio for many years, and now the trend is online. I can also teach in person in my local area. I was trained as a classical violinist and have widened my playing skills and styles for over 30 years.
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I do compose, though I am not prolific. I was a member of the band "The Buskers" for 23 years, and we wrote most of our songs. Check out my instrumental tunes “Whatever You Wish” and “Night of the Yellow Moon” here on this website. I listen intently to background music for movies and am trying to train myself to compose thematically.
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I’m happily busy and involved outside of music. I live in a very nice area to enjoy the woods and water so being outdoors and active is second nature to me. I’m constantly busy with various art projects, practical sewing projects, working with my husband on outdoor maintenance projects, and working on my Asian-themed garden. I read a lot, do plenty of yoga (and play my violin for sessions as well) and attend concerts and plays.