Artichoke Community Music Teachers

Marilee Hord

Music Bio

I started playing violin at the ago of 9 and promptly fell in love. After a successful classical career in my youth, I realized that world wasn't for me.

Luckily, when I moved to Portland I met a swell bunch of folks who turned me into a fiddle player. The rest, as they say, is history. I began playing at the Laurelthirst with Jim Boyer and soon found myself playing alongside some of Portland's finest musicians. The differences in dynamics allowed me to develop in various styles of fiddling and to learn the nuances of each. In the last 9 years I've been in many bands including Golden Delicious, Mad Hattie, Little Sue, Fernando, and Casey Neill. My current project is the James Low Band. I've also done a lot of recording both for bands/artists as well as commercial work.

Because I've gone down a rather unusual road, musically speaking, I believe I have a unique perspective in regard to performing as well as teaching. I emphasize technique for a solid foundation so my students will have the confidence to play in whatever style they choose. Whether my student is a pure beginner or a seasoned player wanting to learn in a new genre, they will learn good technique to enhance their experience with music they want to embrace and play.

My teachers include Hollis Taylor, Zoya Lebin & Eddie Parente. I am well versed in Celtic/Irish, Bluegrass, Country and Rock genres and improvisation is my specialty. I am an active member of the American String Teachers Association.

My objective as a teacher is to make it a fun learning experience that the student can grow from with confidence and enjoyment.

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