About
Hi, I'm M’Gilvry. I am a musician and producer from California, and now from Oregon.
I am, first and foremost, a fiddler - I started playing when I was 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 straw bale and earth plaster music studio on a piece of land in Southern Oregon with community support and local materials. Since then I've been slowly learning carpentry, natural plaster, water systems, and land stewardship. I'm interested in collaborating with others who are building this way - whether that's consulting on a project, teaching workshops, or just trading knowledge. See building projects →
Besides this, the work I love most is as a producer. I've been creating in Ableton Live for 12 years. I try to approach recording as though tending a beloved piece of land - carefully fashioned rhythmic structures, mad layers of harmony, steady rivers of signal flow. Aspects that I prioritize and regard highly: depth, restraint, symmetry, weight, confidence, tension, 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.
Services
- Production–I work fast and go deep. Beats, arrangements, recording, mixing & mastering. Remote or in-studio in Southern Oregon or the Bay Area.
- Session work–Fiddle, harmony vocals, guitar, bass. I'll learn your song and send you something worth keeping.
- Live music–Solo looping sets, DJ sets, soundscapes. Weddings, parties, private events, rituals.
- Commissions–Original scores for film, dance, and theater. Custom arrangements for ensembles.
- Lessons–Fiddle, production, guitar, voice (all levels, joy-centered)