Sophie Wellington is a Boston-based musician. From old time fiddle tunes to jazz singing, from flat-picking guitar arrangements to Appalachian flatfooting, Sophie brings a unique and spontaneous approach to making music.

 

Growing up in Staunton, VA, Sophie's love of music was  encouraged by their parents, concert pianist Lynne Mackey and old time musician and dance caller Bill Wellington. Sophie was brought up in music and community via contra and square dances, choirs, music festivals and dance camps. These communities offered them the opportunity to make powerful connections between music and dance. Sophie's approach to performing, teaching, and learning has been heavily influenced by having a foot in the world of dance and music (pun intended!)

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In 2021, Sophie earned their bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music. Sophie majored in Professional Music with concentrations in vocal jazz performance (specifically in vocalese writing and improvisation) and the American Roots Music Program, led by Matt Glaser and taught by Bruce Molsky, Darol Anger, Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, Jeremy Kittel.

 

Since graduating, Sophie recorded and released her debut solo record Roving Jewel. This collection of various genres and instrumental settings offers a review of her influences, arranged with her signature and inspired sound. These old time fiddle tunes, percussive dance duets, and vocal jazz standards mimic the eclectic energy reminiscent of the many festive gatherings Sophie grew up attending, where every room hosts a session of a different genre. Improvisation and expressive musical intuition are at the heart of Sophie's approach to playing. By using this spontaneous element to interpret rhythm, harmony, and melody, Sophie engages the listener – and the music itself – in a conversation.

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"Sophie Wellington's dancing reveals a deep knowledge and love of Appalachian music and spot on rhythmic sensibilities, enhanced by a jazz education. Her singular approach to percussive dance opens new possibilities where we thought there were none left!" -Nic Gareiss

 

Sophie works now as an instructor and performer. They teach music theory and dance classes regularly through Club Passim's School of Music, both of which are offered in person and online. Sophie is passionate about teaching and offers a perspective on music learning that is based on building awareness through movement and self reflection. Sophie is looking forward to the 2026 festival and camp calendar where she will be working on staff at Trans Trad in Olympia WA June 5-7, West Marin Fiddle Camp in Bolinas, CA July 20-24, and Wildwood School of Music's Tunes Intensive in Steelville, MO August 9-13.

 

Since 2021, Sophie has been on faculty at a wide variety of festivals and camps including the Acadia Festival of Traditional Music and Dance, the Blue Ridge Old Time Music Week at Mars Hill University, Earful of Fiddle in Rodney MI, Augusta Heritage Center's Old Time Music Week and Fall Old Time Retreat in historic Cass, WV, Oly Old Time Gathering in Olympia, WA, CDSS camps including Harmony of Song and Dance, Family Week, and Cascade of Music and Dance. 

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Sophie is a passionate performer with an innate sense for movement and play. As a solo performer, their program incorporates old time fiddle tunes in a variety of settings, including fiddle and dance duets, ballad singing, and flat-pick arrangements of fiddle tunes. Sophie also plays in songwriter and contemporary bard Willi Carlisle's band. Since 2023, Sophie has toured extensively with him for his albums Welcome to Critterland (2024) and Winged Victory (2025). Sophie also plays guitar and sings with Boston-based country band The Talking Hearts, and Sophie fiddles in old time super group Dumpster Debbie.

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