Performer, Teacher, Leader

Fiddler Ellen Carlson has a strong grasp on several musical genres. She has played with bluegrass, swing, western swing, country, Irish, blues, rock and square dance bands. Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine gave her a coveted highlight review for her solo album "People I Play With" as well as three excellent reviews for her band High Range, calling her "a talented musician." Fiddler Magazine raved about her new triple fiddle CD with fiddling pals Melissa Caron and Kathy Sommer saying, "Each one of the fiddlers is an accomplished musician demonstrating not only extreme discipline in an ensemble but also the ability to take a melody and run with exquisite improvisation."

With a Masters in Education and 15 years of teaching math, Ellen knows what it means to be accountable for people learning what is taught. Over 50 years of playing fiddle combined with this teaching experience make her a sought-after teacher for workshops and lessons. She has taught at Fiddle Hell in Massachusetts, Grey Fox in New York, Kaufman Kamp in Tennessee, Joe Val, Pemi Valley, and along with Pete and Joan Wernick at the Wernick Jam Camps. She has run her own camp for over 25 years, Fiddleheads Acoustic Jam Camp. Starting the NH Fiddle Ensemble in 2010 she has grown this "orchestra" from 20 to over 120 and is currently the Executive Director of this successful nonprofit along with Melissa Caron. She is a member of the NH State Council on the Arts Teaching Roster.

Ellen started and is the Executive Director of the NH Fiddle Ensemble (click here to see video featured on WMUR's Chronicle) with over 120 members, now assisted by Melissa Caron. This group partners with various nonprofits in the state of New Hampshire each year and puts on numerous concerts, with a number of sell outs each year. She has run her own jam camp, Fiddleheads Jam Camp, for over 25 years with her friends Kathy Sommer and Melissa Caron that has featured some world class musicians/teachers including Byron Berline, Tony Trischka, Andre Brunet, Bruce Molsky, Celia Woodsmith, Isa Burke, Darol Anger, and their "regulars" –  visit the "Links" page for websites and more information. Ellen is a member of the Leadership NH class of 2020.