The award is given annually by the Berklee College of Music in Boston
Violinist Brittany Haas has been announced as the 2025 recipient of the Eisenson Family Prize for American Roots Music. Bestowed annually by the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, US, the prize enables an exceptional roots musician to visit the college and work with the students.
‘Brittany is the voice of what fiddling has become and where it’s going, an artist who floats seamlessly and naturally and humbly between styles, while embracing and amplifying everything that’s beautiful about the instrument,’ said fiddler Bruce Molsky, a visiting scholar for the college’s American Roots Music Program. ‘We’re thrilled to welcome her to Berklee!’
Originally from California, Haas is currently based in Nashville and is a member of three bands: Crooked Still, Punch Brothers, and Hawktail. She is a graduate of Princeton University, studying Evolutionary Biology with a minor in music, and released her debut album at the age of 17. She has collaborated with numerous artists, including Chris Thile, Bela Fleck, Alasdair Fraser, and her sister cellist Natalie Haas. She has also appeared on Saturday Night Live and Late Night With David Letterman as a member of actor Steve Martin’s bluegrass band.
‘I am extremely honoured to be receiving the Eisenson Family Prize,’ said Haas. ‘So many of my favourite musicians have taught at or attended Berklee College of Music, so it is a delight to get to visit those hallowed halls. I can’t wait to hear what the students are up to.’
Haas’s first engagement is scheduled for 14 –15 April, where she will offer private and public masterclasses and ensemble coaching.
Read: An intro to Bluegrass: violinist Jeremy Garrett from the Infamous Stringdusters
The number one source for playing and teaching books, guides, CDs, calendars and back issues of the magazine.
In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.
The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
No comments yet