Charlene Adzima

Charlene Adzima began studying violin in 1992 with Susan Sommerville at the Capital University Suzuki school in Columbus, Ohio. She was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by masterful teachers, such as Ginny Christopherson, Roger and Linda Stieg, and Doug and Susan Locke. In 1994, she was inspired to delve into the world of Traditional Irish music and by 2005 she won the senior Irish fiddle competition at the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil (Irish music competition) and has competed in Ireland at the world championships twice. Charlene kept up her classical playing through high school and college, studying with Dr. Thomas Wood and Lin He at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio and playing all 4 years with the Wooster Symphony Orchestra. Always up for a challenge, Charlene has also dabbled in diverse genres such as bluegrass, old-time, Americana rock, folk-rock and Swedish when the opportunities arose. Charlene is in demand as an Irish fiddler all over the United States, playing concerts, festivals, Irish dance competitions, and giving workshops. She currently lives in the Madison, Wisconsin area and teaches violin and viola through her private studio. All teaching is currently done through Zoom at the moment, but when face-to-face interactions are prudent again, she has a studio on the west side of Madison and out of her home in Stoughton. Focusing on composition, performance skills, and musicality, Charlene also teaches alternative violin styles in tandem with Suzuki repertoire, believing it makes for a well-rounded musician.