PAST AND PRESENT CLINICIANS

  • Gerry O’Connor is a renowned Irish fiddler from Dundalk, County Louth, celebrated for his virtuosic playing and deep connection to the music of the Oriel region. Raised in a musical family, he was heavily influenced by the rich fiddle traditions of his mother, Rose O’Connor, and the legacy of legendary local musicians. With a distinctive, fluid style and masterful bowing technique, O’Connor has become one of the most respected fiddlers in the Irish traditional music scene.

    Over the years, he has performed and recorded with iconic groups such as Lá Lugh, Skylark, and The Irish Rovers, as well as collaborating with artists like The Chieftains and Michael McGoldrick. His solo albums, including Journeyman and Last Night’s Joy, showcase his dynamic interpretations of traditional tunes alongside original compositions. In addition to performing, O’Connor is a dedicated teacher and has helped preserve and pass on the unique fiddle styles of his region.

    For the past four years, Gerry has traveled to Covington to work with our students for the entire week of fiddle camp, and we are honored that he enjoys returning year after year. His mentorship is an invaluable gift to our students, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a masterful musician. We look forward to welcoming him back again this year!

    gerryoconnor.net

  • Harry Hardin is a versatile violinist and fiddler from New Orleans, known for his expertise across multiple genres, including classical, jazz, and bluegrass. He is the founder of the Electric Yat Quartet, a dynamic string ensemble that blends classical technique with the rich musical traditions of New Orleans. A skilled performer and educator, Harry has been a fixture in the city’s music scene for years, playing with ensembles ranging from symphony orchestras to roots and folk bands. As the director of New Orleans Suzuki Forum and an experienced fiddle instructor, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation of musicians.

    We are excited to welcome Harry back as a clinician at Northshore Strings Fiddle Camp, where he will introduce our students to the energetic and expressive world of bluegrass fiddling. With his engaging teaching style and deep musical insight, we know our campers will love learning from him!

  • Award winning violinist, Temperance Babcock, has been playing the violin since she was four. She began her formal studies under Jennifer Porterfield in her home town of Ardmore, Oklahoma. At age eleven, Temperance began studying under graduate students at the University of Oklahoma and by fourteen was accepted into the studio of the head violin professor, Felicia Moye. Felicia graduated from the Julliard School of Music and studied under world renowned teacher, Ivan Galamian. Moye also founded the Miami String Quartet.

    At nineteen, Temperance began to take an interest in bluegrass fiddle which resulted in a move to Nashville, TN, in August of 2003 where she studied and performed with Grand Ole Opry fiddle players Hoot Hester, Kenny Sears and Carl Franklin. Temperance has recorded with members of Kentucky Thunder and has performed with Mac McAnally, Paul Overstreet, Casting Crowns, Dove Award winner, Christy Southerland , and jazz singer, Cassandra Wilson. Babcock has also opened for Ricky Skaggs, Sunny Sweeney, Jake Owens, Restless Heart and Sawyer Brown.

    Temperance recently played in a televised tribute for the world renowned song writer, Ben Peters, where she performed with Charlie Pride and Grand Ole Opry performer Jimmy Fortune.

    Temperance’s dynamic trio with MPB’s Grassroots host, Bill Ellison and Jeff Perkins has been featured on radio shows such as the Thacker Mountain Radio Show, the Sucarnochee Revue and MPB’s Mississippi Arts Hour.

    You will also see Babcock in the PBS children’s show, Lomax the Hound of Music, as a fiddling bear and cowgirl.


  • Anya Burgess is a highly respected Cajun fiddler and luthier based in Louisiana. A longtime member of the Grammy-nominated band Bonsoir, Catin, she is known for her expressive, driving fiddle style that brings the rich traditions of Cajun music to life. In addition to performing, Anya is a skilled violin maker and restorer, operating Sola Violins in Lafayette, where she crafts and repairs instruments for musicians across the region.

    Anya’s deep knowledge of Cajun music and warm, engaging teaching style have made her a beloved instructor at Northshore Strings Fiddle Camp. Our campers adored her workshop, where she shared not only the rhythms and techniques of Cajun fiddling but also the stories and cultural history behind the music. We were thrilled to have her join us, and we look forward to learning from her again this year!

    Sola Violins

  • Tom Morley is a highly respected fiddler, educator, and composer based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With expertise spanning Celtic, bluegrass, and swing styles, he has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists and is well known for his engaging teaching style. As the host of an online fiddle session and the publisher of numerous fiddle tune collections, Tom has been an invaluable resource for fiddlers in our area, helping to keep the tradition alive and thriving.

    During COVID, Tom generously worked with our students via Zoom, providing mentorship and inspiration from afar. His tunes have always been camp favorites, bringing joy and excitement to our sessions year after year. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions to our fiddle community!

  • Matt Rhody is a renowned jazz fiddler, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist based in New Orleans. With a rich, soulful style deeply influenced by the city’s vibrant musical traditions, he is a sought-after performer in jazz, swing, and traditional string music. As the leader of The New Orleans Swinging Gypsies and a longtime member of numerous local ensembles, Matt brings energy and authenticity to every performance.

    In addition to his work on stage, Matt is a dedicated educator, sharing his passion for jazz improvisation and swing fiddling with students of all ages. His deep knowledge of the genre and engaging teaching style make him an inspiring mentor for aspiring musicians.

  • Gina Forsyth is a powerhouse fiddler, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, celebrated for her fiery playing, rich vocals, and deep-rooted connection to Louisiana’s musical traditions. Based in New Orleans, she is a sought-after performer in Cajun, Creole, folk, and Americana circles, bringing authenticity and soul to every note she plays. Whether tearing through a two-step with Bruce Daigrepont’s Cajun Band, performing with her own band Midcity Aces, or captivating audiences with her original songs, Gina’s musicianship is nothing short of extraordinary.

    We are grateful for Gina’s involvement at our fiddle camp, where her enthusiasm for traditional music has introduced the students to the distinctive sounds of Louisiana. Her ability to share the tunes and stories of this vibrant musical heritage has been a valuable addition to our camp experience. With a career spanning decades and a reputation as one of Louisiana’s finest fiddlers, Gina Forsyth is truly one of a kind!