Elsie Gawler

Elsie Gawler is a multi-instrumental performer and cello teacher based in mid-coast Maine. With over 25 years of cello playing under her fingers and over 15 years of teaching experience, she has a lot to offer. Her approach to teaching is that of positive encouragement and feedback, offering a safe space for learning and growth for all ages, and above all, finding joy in playing music!

Elsie grew up in a Suzuki household with her mother teaching violin out of their house since Elsie was born. She started Suzuki violin when she was 3 and then switched to the cello at the age of 9. While classical music was the primary area of study growing up, Elsie is also part of a folk music family and has been playing fiddle tunes and on cello for as long as she’s been playing classical. With her family band, the Gawler Family, she is carrying on the folk traditions of New England through music, song, and dance. She is also part of a growing wave of cellists in the folk music world which is collectively finding creative ways to weave the cello’s unique voice into a world of music that is mostly occupied by fiddles. Currently, Elsie has multiple folk music projects and performs far and wide on cello, fiddle, banjo, and voice with a variety of different people including her entire family band to this day.

Along side her performing, she has a teaching studio in her home town of Hope, ME and teaches a variety of students (kiddos, adults, beginners, advanced players, etc..) in a variety of ways. Since the Suzuki method was foundational in Elsie’s playing, she uses that method to establish a solid foundation with students before opening the door to folk cello, depending on the student’s wishes.

Feel free to visit her website for more information and please don’t hesitate to reach out to her directly with any questions. ElsieGawler.com