biography
Sophie Wellington is a Boston based old time fiddler, flatpick guitarist, percussive dancer, and jazz vocalist. Originally from Staunton, VA, Sophie grew up immersed in music and was brought up by dance caller, musician, and storyteller Bill Wellington and concert pianist Lynne Mackey. Sophie parents dedicate their lives to music professionally and through their community with gatherings, dances, and festivals. Sophie studied music from a young age in choirs and concert bands alongside her love for social dancing and Irish step dancing. 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.
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.
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.
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.
“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, percussive dance innovator
"Sophie Wellington moves the needle to 10 out of 10 with her fresh interpretations of old time music on fiddle, guitar, vocal and dance."
-Cathy Fink, GRAMMY Award Winner
videos
recordings
Sophie's debut album, Roving Jewel (2022), is a review of her musical influences: jazz voice, old time fiddle tunes, and rhythmic duets between percussive dance and banjo. This album lays the foreground for an inspired and unique approach to melody and interpretation, both at the heart of Sophie's unique sound evident in this record.
credits:
Engineered and Mixed by Mike Harmon
Recorded at The Record Co., Boston MA
Mixed at Wachusett Recording Co. Princeton, MA
Mastered by Dave Locke, JP Masters
Photography by Andrea Pelto, Servidone Studios
Design & Artwork by Lily Pisano
Old Time Band: tracks 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 14
Victor Furtado: banjo, featured track 2, 10
Zach Meyer: mandolin, guitar track 9
Ethan Hawkins: guitar, bass track 9
Dan Klingsberg: bass, fiddle track 9
Jazz Trio: 4, 8, 13
Nikolai Mishchenko: piano
Stefano Battaglia: bass
Yair Amster: drums
Sophie: fiddle, dance, vocals, tenor guitar
high resolution photos
