About

Hi, I'm M’Gilvry. I am a musician and producer from California, and now from Oregon.

I am, before anything else, a fiddler - I started playing at age four, and my relationship with that instrument is as deep a part of me as any language. I've studied with many teachers and in many traditions, but I'm currently drinking deeply from the waters of Old Time, Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian fiddle musics. My main influences on the fiddle are Alasdair Fraser, Bruce Molsky, Liz Carroll, Martin Hayes, and Brittany Haas.

In 2019 I built a strawbale cabin on a piece of land in rural Oregon. Natural building has now become part of my work and one of my great joys. Much of my music also comes from this place - the intersection of land stewardship, climate resilience, ancient practice, hard work, and being in community with the more than human world.

Besides this, the work I love most is as a producer. I've been creating in Ableton Live for 15 years, and I try to approach recording as though tending a beloved piece of land - carefully fashioned rhythmic structures, layers of harmony covering the ground, forking rivers of signal flow. Aspects that I prioritize and regard highly: depth, weight, symmetry, restraint, confidence, tension, and homecoming.

A playlist of some of my work is here.

As a solo entertainer I use a looper and a variety of instruments to bring music into being. This can take shape as a set of originals, songs or tunes, an improvised soundscape, a DJ set, or something new.

As a teacher I strive to meet students wherever they're at and bring mind, heart & body together in the learning. I believe that every person is capable of making great music.

If you're interested in working together, see what I offer →