Two sisters, Ella (age 10) and Grace (7) White are the latest recipients of the Helen Schneyer Memorial Scholarship for private lessons in violin.

Their interest in folk fiddling was sparked by attending the Sugar Maple Music Festival in the summer of 2023. There they saw MadFiddle perform, and Grace immediately said “I want to do that” and Ella said “Me too!” And just like that, their mother Katy White reports, “Two fiddlers were born.”

They consulted with MadFiddle director Shauncey Ali to learn the requirements to join, and get recommendations for private lesson teachers in the area, settling on Maria-Rosa Germain, with whom they began studying in October of 2023.

Ella started MadFiddle in 2024, and Grace joined in the fall of 2025, and according to their mother,

“absolutely LOVE it.” They have gone on the Mad Fiddle camping trip each year, and love to play folk music around the campfire. Since joining, they have played in all the concerts, attend weekly rehearsals, and practice daily at home.

They report that private lessons “teach you how to play violin… In MadFiddle, you have to already know how to play, and when you have the basics, you can explore other styles of music. Private lessons give you a base.”

The Helen Schneyer Memorial Scholarship was started by the Madison Folk Music Society with memorial contributions given to Mona Wasow, sister of the late folk singer Helen Schneyer. The scholarship is designed to provide an opportunity for applicants of any age to increase their appreciation for and performance of folk music.

Since Mona Wasow’s initial contribution, the scholarship fund has been supplemented by donations made at MadFolk concerts to the fretless guitar, and direct contributions from new and renewing MadFolk members. Donations and applications are always welcome, consult the madfolk.org website for details.

Congratulations Ella and Grace!

Reprinted from MadFolk newsletter with permission from author Meg Skinner