“Clare’s playing is of a consistently high standard both live and in the studio, and I have no hesitation in recommending her.”

John Parish

About me

Some 30 years ago I was spotted busking and invited into a recording studio to help make an album which was a hugely exciting moment for me as a teenager desperate to break free from the limiting classical world I found myself in. Since then I’ve been fortunate enough to have been asked to contribute to some great projects with many superb artists both live and recorded. Each has been different from the last; I’m happy playing in whatever style suits the moment, and sometimes use electronic pedals to get even more out of the instrument.

A long term country and bluegrass fan, I’m currently studying jazz violin with Dutch virtuoso Tim Kliphuis taking inspiration from Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt’s Parisian gypsy jazz of the 1930s. I read music, but am equally happy playing by ear, and can learn parts very fast aurally for those artists that like to work without written notes.

I’m a competent and inventive improviser, and very comfortable composing parts on the fly should that be required. Actually I’m often asked to work in this way, with good results; I have a reputation for being able to improvise string harmonies quickly on first listen of a new piece, and am often hired specifically for this.

Though I sing very well in tune, I’m a distinctly average backing singer, and my mandolin playing skills are pretty poor. I’ve been known to play tenor banjo on a recording, and electric bass and guitar live. Don’t hire me for those. Hire me for my inspired and creative violin playing, and I’ll throw in the others as a bonus if you want something different.

I’m available for live gigs, depping, studio work, and violin lessons, which can be done online if location is an issue. If you need a fiddle or violin based band for an event, then please contact me, and we can discuss the specific sound and line-up you’re after.