Hi, I’m Sophie!
I am a Nashville violinist and fiddler with experience playing Celtic, country, old-time, classical, bluegrass, and church music. As a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with degrees in Visual Arts and Music, I am currently teaching private lessons and performing as a professional violinist in the Middle Tennessee area.
I have played the violin/fiddle for over fourteen years and play regularly at weddings, churches, contra dances, farmers markets, and studio sessions around Middle Tennessee. My most recent album is The Butterfly, a collection of my favorite old-time and Celtic fiddle tunes.
As a Christian, I strive to encourage, delight, and inspire others and glorify God through my work. On my blog you’ll find art, fiddle videos, recipes, wildflowers, poems, and more!
When did you start fiddling? I began playing the violin/fiddle in church when I was nine years old. My teachers include Inge Wood, Jim Wood, Dr. Andrea Dawson, and Stephan Dudash. Over the years I have taken up other instruments as well, including viola, guitar, mandolin, cello, voice, and bodhrán.
Where have you performed? I gained experience playing at local contra dances, churches, and events around Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama. In high school, I played with an old-time string band, a Bluegrass band, and a Celtic-Americana band. I have played on Alabama Public Television and the Just Plain Living Show. In 2020, I recorded my first album, The Butterfly, a collection of my favorite old-time and Celtic fiddle tunes. In high school I taught beginning and intermediate fiddle lessons at the Huntsville Strings Shop.
Where do you currently perform? I play regularly at weddings, contra dances, farmers markets, and events around Middle Tennessee. For bookings, lessons, or questions, please email sophiebuckmusic@gmail.com.
Where did your journey begin as an artist? I have loved drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. My mom often read aloud to us as kids, and some of my favorite children’s books were the Beatrix Potter stories. As I got older, I developed my skills by making art for the Lincoln County Fair. In high school I was commissioned to paint a city mural for my hometown of Fayetteville, Tennessee. My artwork has received awards in The Tennessee Magazine and the Junior Duck Stamp Contest. My photography has also been featured in Birds and Blooms magazine.
How did you learn to draw? I learned to draw mostly through observation and practice. In college, I got degrees in Graphic Design Print and Visual Arts at Middle Tennessee State University while taking supplemental courses at Watkins College of Art at Belmont University. After graduating, I taught virtual art lessons to students across America.
Where do you find your inspiration? I am most inspired by the natural beauty found in creation. Wildflowers, birds, and butterflies are some of my favorite subjects to observe and paint. As a child, I found endless entertainment in wandering through the woods and fields near our house in the country. I strive to reflect the beauty of the Creator in all my work.
What is your favorite medium? I primarily use watercolor and colored pencil to achieve soft, light-filled illustrations. I love charcoal and pastels for portraits and acrylic paint for flowers. Recently I have been exploring ways to combine traditional and digital art.
What are your plans as an artist? I am actively pursuing my dream of illustrating children’s books. I plan to develop my brand through licensing, publishing, and selling my work in Nashville galleries and beyond.
