"Working with Katherine and her team at Melodious Strings was wonderful! We were a bit tricky being an international couple and having to reschedule due to restrictions but Katherine was so understanding of everything. The process was really enjoyable, easy, and their repertoire list is incredible. It was the most beautiful soundtrack to our day with music during welcome drinks, before/during/after the ceremony, and all through cocktail hour. The music for the ceremony had everyone feeling all the good emotions - it was so perfect. A truly professional, incredibly talented team that went above and beyond for us!"
-Sarah Tappen, bride at the Marsh Estate in Bealeton, Virginia
Photo credit for image above: Katie Stoops Photography at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.
Melodious Strings' Musicians
We are a string quartet originally founded in the Shenandoah Valley (and now located throughout Virginia)-The Melodious Strings Quartet. Along with our string quartet, the Melodious Strings company provides a wide array of string ensemble types, including soloists, duets, trios, quartets, and quintets! We provide high quality string ensemble music and custom plans and packages for weddings and other special events. We are known for our great flexibility, and for performing a very expansive repertoire list that includes genres such as classical, pop, and rock, and more. Our musicians are extremely reliable, rigorously trained, and professional musicians who do this on a regular basis. In addition, we arrange any pieces that you love (pop, rock, new age, Celtic, movies, etc.) for our string quartet and our other string ensembles for your event.
Our company has also been approved and added to multiple preferred vendors lists at a variety of venues, including:
Our clients love and hire us for these and more great benefits.
Heather Chipps Photography at the Virginia House.
Our company has also been approved and added to multiple preferred vendors lists at a variety of venues, including:
- Pippin Hill & Vineyards in North Garden, Virginia
- Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, Virginia
- Upper Shirley Vineyards in Charles City, Virginia
- The historic Black Horse Inn in Warrenton, Virginia
- Eastwood Retreat in Warrenton, Virginia
- the Oatlands Historic House & Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia
- Lee Chapel at Washington & Lee University
- The beautiful historic home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Our clients love and hire us for these and more great benefits.
Heather Chipps Photography at the Virginia House.
Kate Hummel, violinist
Kate Hummel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition & Music Theory from James Madison University, with a violin concentration. She is a violinist, violist, composer, arranger, music instructor, and founder of Melodious Strings Quartet and Professional Ensembles and Melodious Strings Studios.
Her diverse performing styles range from Celtic, to Classical, to Pop. She has placed in Irish and Scottish fiddling competitions up and down the East Coast; performed at numerous venues including the National Presbyterian Church in D.C. with the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra during their "Carmina Burana" tour, performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, and released an EP album, "As the Crow Flies", which is available on amazon and itunes. Kate has also held a number of free public concerts with other musicians to teach kids about music.
She currently performs for weddings and professional events weekly, is writing her next album, and teaches violin, fiddle, viola, music theory & composition, and piano in Fredericksburg, Virginia. When not immersed in one music activity or another, you can find Kate trying out a new cooking or baking recipe, playing with her three dogs Pickle, Daisy, & Zen, or adding yet another plant to her ever-expanding garden.
Her diverse performing styles range from Celtic, to Classical, to Pop. She has placed in Irish and Scottish fiddling competitions up and down the East Coast; performed at numerous venues including the National Presbyterian Church in D.C. with the James Madison University Symphony Orchestra during their "Carmina Burana" tour, performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, and released an EP album, "As the Crow Flies", which is available on amazon and itunes. Kate has also held a number of free public concerts with other musicians to teach kids about music.
She currently performs for weddings and professional events weekly, is writing her next album, and teaches violin, fiddle, viola, music theory & composition, and piano in Fredericksburg, Virginia. When not immersed in one music activity or another, you can find Kate trying out a new cooking or baking recipe, playing with her three dogs Pickle, Daisy, & Zen, or adding yet another plant to her ever-expanding garden.
Kir2ben Photography at Dover Hall.
Michael Andree, violinist
Michael Andree holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, with a concentration in strings from the James Madison University School of Music. He is a violinist, violist, strings and music educator, and co-founder and member of the Melodious Strings Quartet and Professional Ensembles. Michael has performed with the Melodious Strings Quartet at a variety of venues all over Virginia, including the Patrick Henry Ballroom, Montpelier, Montalto, and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and he has also performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra.
As a teacher, Michael’s dedication and passion for music and strings education has led him to train at rigorous summer string education workshops such as Bay View Music Festival and the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and he has assisted with several strings workshops for children's music education.
When not performing or teaching music, Michael likes to build custom computers, learn about new tech, and tend to his three Australian Shepherd "dog kids", Pickle, Daisy, & Zen.
As a teacher, Michael’s dedication and passion for music and strings education has led him to train at rigorous summer string education workshops such as Bay View Music Festival and the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and he has assisted with several strings workshops for children's music education.
When not performing or teaching music, Michael likes to build custom computers, learn about new tech, and tend to his three Australian Shepherd "dog kids", Pickle, Daisy, & Zen.
Photography by Samantha Brooke
Mary Beth Logan, violist
Mary Beth Logan is a violist and violinist from James Madison University, and a member of the Melodious Strings Quartet & Professional Ensembles.
Mary Beth has performed with the James Madison University Symphony and the university’s Opera Orchestra every year during her undergraduate career, stemming from her passion for performing for musicals in high school. Throughout each semester, she has also had the privilege of appearing on stage with a diverse variety of ensembles, including but not limited to multiple chamber orchestras, vocalists, and small string ensembles.
In Mary Beth's pursuit of advancing her musicianship, she has attended various music workshops and summer programs, including the Hot Springs Music Festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the Swannanoa Chamber Music Workshop in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
Mary Beth performs professionally for weddings and special events weekly, as well as with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra directed by Peter Wilson, and with the Bedford Community Orchestra. When not attached to her viola, she can be found lost in the great adventures of an English novel or tending to her two bunnies, Merlin and Aberforth.
Mary Beth has performed with the James Madison University Symphony and the university’s Opera Orchestra every year during her undergraduate career, stemming from her passion for performing for musicals in high school. Throughout each semester, she has also had the privilege of appearing on stage with a diverse variety of ensembles, including but not limited to multiple chamber orchestras, vocalists, and small string ensembles.
In Mary Beth's pursuit of advancing her musicianship, she has attended various music workshops and summer programs, including the Hot Springs Music Festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the Swannanoa Chamber Music Workshop in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
Mary Beth performs professionally for weddings and special events weekly, as well as with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra directed by Peter Wilson, and with the Bedford Community Orchestra. When not attached to her viola, she can be found lost in the great adventures of an English novel or tending to her two bunnies, Merlin and Aberforth.
Photography by Samantha Brooke
Jamie Stanley, violinist
Acclaimed for “playing with the heart and soul of a virtuoso,” Jamie Stanley is an experienced performer who is skilled in bringing to life differing repertoire genres (classical, pop, Celtic, etc). Jamie received the bulk of her musical training from lessons/masterclasses from accomplished artists who graduated from Yale, Julliard, and the Curtis Institute of Music and has enjoyed performing in venues ranging from the historical Bruton Parish, as a featured soloist in the Candlelight Concert Series, to the renowned Sandler Center of Performing Arts, as an accomplished 1st violinist. She has also served as Concertmaster for several orchestras (SPS, CMI, etc.), was the first recipient of the Edwin S. Johonnott V. Memorial Music Scholarship (through the Virginia String Teacher’s Association, VASTA), and has frequently advocated the importance of music education while performing for conventions such as the Virginia Music Educator’s Conference. She has also performed with various metropolitan and community orchestras, including (but not limited to) the Richmond Philharmonic, Symphonicity (the Official Orchestra of Virginia Beach), the Tidewater Intergenerational Orchestra, the James Madison Symphony and Opera Orchestras, and the Rising Stars Orchestra. Her most recent wedding performed with Melodious Strings was featured in the “Knot’s 2020 Summer/Spring Edition.”
Outside of playing, she enjoys catching sunsets with the love of her life, writing, cooking, being both physically and mentally active, and dissecting a jar or two of peanut butter while watching old movies. As a violin teacher, she also enjoys creating new methods to help students play out their passions healthily. Her Institutional Review Board approved research into music students’ wellness/performance has been published on the JMU Scholarly Commons website.
Outside of playing, she enjoys catching sunsets with the love of her life, writing, cooking, being both physically and mentally active, and dissecting a jar or two of peanut butter while watching old movies. As a violin teacher, she also enjoys creating new methods to help students play out their passions healthily. Her Institutional Review Board approved research into music students’ wellness/performance has been published on the JMU Scholarly Commons website.
Photo by Echard Wheeler
Greg Childress, violist & violinist
Versatile violist and violinist, Gregory Childress, earned his viola performance Bachelor's degree at James Madison University. While at JMU, he studied viola with Dr. Diane Phoenix-Neal and violin with Dr. Wanchi Huang.
Greg is an avid solo, chamber, and orchestral musician, and during his undergraduate career at JMU was principal viola of the JMU Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster of the JMU Chamber Orchestra. He also performed with the Monticello Strings and served as concertmaster of the JMU Opera Theatre Orchestra.
With a passion for education, he currently teaches Suzuki violin in Lynchburg City Schools, and has a private viola & violin studio. He is a member of the American String Teacher's Association (ASTA) and served as president of the JMU ASTA Chapter. Along with performing for weddings and events weekly, Greg also runs a very popular podcast, The Music Educator, providing tips, advice, and experienced words of wisdom for music teachers.
Outside of music, Greg enjoys vegan cooking, shopping at antique markets, spending time with his dog, Roxy, and traveling with his instruments in hand.
Greg is an avid solo, chamber, and orchestral musician, and during his undergraduate career at JMU was principal viola of the JMU Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster of the JMU Chamber Orchestra. He also performed with the Monticello Strings and served as concertmaster of the JMU Opera Theatre Orchestra.
With a passion for education, he currently teaches Suzuki violin in Lynchburg City Schools, and has a private viola & violin studio. He is a member of the American String Teacher's Association (ASTA) and served as president of the JMU ASTA Chapter. Along with performing for weddings and events weekly, Greg also runs a very popular podcast, The Music Educator, providing tips, advice, and experienced words of wisdom for music teachers.
Outside of music, Greg enjoys vegan cooking, shopping at antique markets, spending time with his dog, Roxy, and traveling with his instruments in hand.
Photo by Kiersten May Photography
Anna Sammel, violinist
Anna Sammel began her violin and music studies at a young age. The nature of her father's profession provided her the opportunity to travel all over the world, which exposed and introduced to her many types and genres of music, greatly influencing Anna as a musician.
Anna holds a Bachelor of Music in violin performance from James Madison University, and a Masters in violin performance at George Mason University. She has studied with Dr. Wanchi Huang, Dr. Dina Nesterenko, and Professor June Huang. In addition to performing professionally for weddings and other special events regularly, Anna enjoys being an active member of the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra in Fredericksburg, is a member of the pit orchestra at the Riverside Dinner Theater in Fredericksburg, and is a member of the Pan Am Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C. Anna and her husband currently reside in Fredericksburg, where she provides private instruction in violin and viola. When not teaching or performing, Anna loves enjoying all things Disney, cuddling her cat, Calypso, and experiencing Escape Room adventures with her husband. Photography by Ashley Vanley |
Madeline Southall, cellist
Madeline Southall holds a Bachelors degree in cello performance from Liberty University and a Masters degree in cello performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory. She has studied under both David Feldman of the Roanoke Symphony and Neil Cary of the Richmond Symphony and has sat as principle cellist for the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Liberty University Symphony Orchestra, and Randolph College Orchestra. She has performed with a variety of ensembles in Virginia including the James Chamber Orchestra, Danville Symphony Orchestra, the Liberty University Scholarship String Quartet, and the Virginia Cello Ensembles.
Madeline is an active freelance musician and regularly performs for weddings and events both as a solo performer and as a cellist for the Melodious Strings Quartet. She has over four years of private teaching experience in Roanoke, Virginia, and two years of experience as the Head Resident Advisor for the Heifetz International Summer Music Institute's "Program for the Exceptionally Gifted" in Staunton, Virginia. She enjoys playing for Musical Theatre and has performed for many theatre companies in the Lynchburg and Charlottesville areas including the Lynchburg Academy Center of the Arts, Alluvion Stage Company, and the Charlottesville Ballet. Madeline currently teaches at three music studios, including Melodious Music Studios in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
When not teaching or playing the cello, Madeline can be found hiking in the mountains, walking her border collie (Freya), pulling shots of espresso, or chasing cows on her trusty Quarter horse mare, Miss Sue.
Madeline is an active freelance musician and regularly performs for weddings and events both as a solo performer and as a cellist for the Melodious Strings Quartet. She has over four years of private teaching experience in Roanoke, Virginia, and two years of experience as the Head Resident Advisor for the Heifetz International Summer Music Institute's "Program for the Exceptionally Gifted" in Staunton, Virginia. She enjoys playing for Musical Theatre and has performed for many theatre companies in the Lynchburg and Charlottesville areas including the Lynchburg Academy Center of the Arts, Alluvion Stage Company, and the Charlottesville Ballet. Madeline currently teaches at three music studios, including Melodious Music Studios in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
When not teaching or playing the cello, Madeline can be found hiking in the mountains, walking her border collie (Freya), pulling shots of espresso, or chasing cows on her trusty Quarter horse mare, Miss Sue.
Erin Flynn, cellist
Erin Flynn holds a B.A. in Music with a concentration in cello performance from Kutztown University. She studied cello under Dr. Mari-Aline Cadieux, and chamber music under Maria Asteriadou of Manhattan School of Music, Kurt Nikannen, concertmaster of the New York Ballet, and Dr. Mary Ogletree, each at Kutztown University. Erin has performed with Pocono Live Arts, Genesius Theater in Reading, PA, Waynesboro Symphony and Charlottesville Opera.
Erin provides private cello instruction and coaches chamber music in Charlottesville. She has also taken her cello on a Celtic tour through Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Erin volunteers with the Pleasant View Worship Team, a choir and bell choir made up of differently abled adults whose mission is to share faith and receive acceptance, and with the LifeTeen Band at St. Thomas Aquinas in Charlottesville.
When Erin is without her cello, she can be found at the gym, under a tree with a library book, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or sipping on Virginia wine.
Erin provides private cello instruction and coaches chamber music in Charlottesville. She has also taken her cello on a Celtic tour through Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Erin volunteers with the Pleasant View Worship Team, a choir and bell choir made up of differently abled adults whose mission is to share faith and receive acceptance, and with the LifeTeen Band at St. Thomas Aquinas in Charlottesville.
When Erin is without her cello, she can be found at the gym, under a tree with a library book, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or sipping on Virginia wine.
Ethan Wagner, cellist
Cellist Ethan Wagner performs as a chamber musician in the DC, Baltimore, and central Virginia areas. He has toured nationally and internationally with the Reba Ensemble and Amit Peled’s Peabody Cello Gang. His trio was the first chamber ensemble selected to perform for the late Leon Fleisher’s acclaimed series of masterclasses. As an orchestral musician, Ethan has performed as a member of the Huntington and Waynesboro symphonies, and has served as principal cellist for the Peabody Chamber Orchestra, Blue Hills Chamber Orchestra, James Madison Symphony, and University of Tennessee Symphony. Ethan earned his Masters degree in cello performance and a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, under the primary instruction of Amit Peled, while also studying Baroque cello with John Moran and orchestral repertoire with Alan Stepansky.
Stanley Beckwith, violist |
Wedding at Early Mountain Vineyards. Photography by Natalie Jayne Photography.
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Stanley Beckwith is a full-time violist and teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia. Stanley is the principal violist of the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra; additionally, he has worked with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles, including such groups as the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington, the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Chamber Orchestra and the Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra. He is also the violist of the Triforce Quartet, a string quartet that performs video game music for audiences both nationally and internationally. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Stanley has studied with teachers George Taylor and Helen Fall.
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Augie Fairchild, cellist
Augie Fairchild holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in cello. Augie has been playing the cello for 25 years, and teaching for the last 15 of them.
Augie's teachers include Audrey Simons of Moravian College and Linda Jennings of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has played with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania university orchestra, the Main Line Symphony, and the Richmond Philharmonic. He also enjoys playing in pit orchestras, and his experience ranges from performing Tristan und Isolde with the Capitol Opera in Harrisburg to Live Arts' production of Fun Home here in Charlottesville. He currently plays with the Blue Ridge Chamber Orchestra (or will, when they can all be in the same room again!)
Augie teaches private cello and Irish flute lessons at his studio in Charlottesville, as well as on Skype and Zoom. He also teaches group classes and co-directs the Trad Ensemble at the Blue Ridge Irish Music School.
Augie's teachers include Audrey Simons of Moravian College and Linda Jennings of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has played with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania university orchestra, the Main Line Symphony, and the Richmond Philharmonic. He also enjoys playing in pit orchestras, and his experience ranges from performing Tristan und Isolde with the Capitol Opera in Harrisburg to Live Arts' production of Fun Home here in Charlottesville. He currently plays with the Blue Ridge Chamber Orchestra (or will, when they can all be in the same room again!)
Augie teaches private cello and Irish flute lessons at his studio in Charlottesville, as well as on Skype and Zoom. He also teaches group classes and co-directs the Trad Ensemble at the Blue Ridge Irish Music School.
Brooke Mahanes, violinist & violist
Brooke Mahanes teaches private and group lessons (violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano) at her music studio in Crozet, Virginia, and she also teaches orchestra at the Village School in downtown Charlottesville, a private middle school for girls. She performs professionally on violin and viola in string quartets and trios, and in choral groups such as the Virginia Consort, and in the Roanoke Symphony.
Brooke has a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from James Madison University, an Artist Diploma in String Quartet studies from Shenandoah Conservatory, and a Master of Music in Violin Performance from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Additionally, Brooke is a passionate advocate for music as a healing force for humanity. No matter what season of life we find ourselves in, no matter our culture, the language we speak, or the part of the world we come from, we all seem to be able to relate to each other through music. When not performing or teaching, she and her husband love to travel, work on home DIY projects, bake, cook, have a good chat, and entertain guests.
Brooke has a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from James Madison University, an Artist Diploma in String Quartet studies from Shenandoah Conservatory, and a Master of Music in Violin Performance from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Additionally, Brooke is a passionate advocate for music as a healing force for humanity. No matter what season of life we find ourselves in, no matter our culture, the language we speak, or the part of the world we come from, we all seem to be able to relate to each other through music. When not performing or teaching, she and her husband love to travel, work on home DIY projects, bake, cook, have a good chat, and entertain guests.
Zachary Windsor, violinist
Zachary Windsor holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in violin performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory under the tutelage of Akemi Takayama and James Madison University School of Music under the tutelage of Wanchi Huang.
Zachary has served the performing arts community for 10+ years, providing private lessons through his business, called Windsor Melodies, as well as providing public group lessons through after school programs.
In addition, Zachary also teaches as an adjunct professor at Bridgewater College, and performs with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. Zachary has performed a wide variety of music genres for events such as orchestra performances with the Roanoke Symphony, New Orchestra of Washington, Waynesboro Symphony, and Charlottesville Symphony, and has performed for recording studio sessions, weddings, and many other special events across the Shenandoah Valley and Washington D.C. regions.
Zachary has served the performing arts community for 10+ years, providing private lessons through his business, called Windsor Melodies, as well as providing public group lessons through after school programs.
In addition, Zachary also teaches as an adjunct professor at Bridgewater College, and performs with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. Zachary has performed a wide variety of music genres for events such as orchestra performances with the Roanoke Symphony, New Orchestra of Washington, Waynesboro Symphony, and Charlottesville Symphony, and has performed for recording studio sessions, weddings, and many other special events across the Shenandoah Valley and Washington D.C. regions.
Photo by the Photo & Flower Girl
Michael Alan Pearce, violinist
Michael Alan Pearce is an award-winning performer based in Charlottesville, Virginia. While performing with orchestras, chamber ensembles, bands, and soloing, he also focuses on teaching music to the next generation of budding musicians. Michael Alan holds a Bachelor of Arts at University of North Carolina School of the Art and a Masters of Music at University of Alabama. He has performed with a great number of esteemed ensembles, including but not limited to the Aspen Festival Orchestra, the West Virginia Symphony, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke (Amici Musicorum), Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra, Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Western Piedmont Symphony, and the Meridian Symphony Orchestra.
Michael Alan is a member of both the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and Charlottesville Music Teachers Association (CMTA). He teaches both locally from his home studio in Charlottesville, as well as nationally via virtual lessons.
His career highlights include soloing at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and internationally in London, UK. He has held Concertmaster, Assistant Concertmaster, and Principal positions in multiple ensembles including Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke’s Amici Musicorum, Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra, and Music on the Corner at St. John’s Episcopal. He was also a music consultant at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.
When not immersed in music, Michael Alan enjoys being surrounded by nature in the form of hiking and other forms of nature adventuring (he has hiked the world's tallest swamp!) and he also loves studying philosophy.
Photo credit: Axtells Photography
Michael Alan is a member of both the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and Charlottesville Music Teachers Association (CMTA). He teaches both locally from his home studio in Charlottesville, as well as nationally via virtual lessons.
His career highlights include soloing at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and internationally in London, UK. He has held Concertmaster, Assistant Concertmaster, and Principal positions in multiple ensembles including Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke’s Amici Musicorum, Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra, and Music on the Corner at St. John’s Episcopal. He was also a music consultant at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.
When not immersed in music, Michael Alan enjoys being surrounded by nature in the form of hiking and other forms of nature adventuring (he has hiked the world's tallest swamp!) and he also loves studying philosophy.
Photo credit: Axtells Photography
Header Image:
Sarah Cramer Shields Photography in White Stone, Virginia
Sarah Cramer Shields Photography in White Stone, Virginia