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Photograph of Sean Heely

Sean Heely Adjunct Instructor Performing Arts

Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from University of South Carolina

Bio
Multi-Genre violinist/fiddler Seán Heely is one of the most creatively versatile and captivating young artists of his generation. He is a US National Scottish Fiddle Champion as well as an award-winning Irish Fiddler.  Seán is also fluent in a large variety of musical genres which include: Classical, Scottish, Irish, Bluegrass, and Gypsy Swing. Seán holds a degree from University of South Carolina in Classical Violin Performance. He is a 2019 Artist in Residence at Strathmore Music Center in Maryland where he will present concerts and educational workshops in May 2019. A educator in demand, Seán is currently an Adjunct Instructor at American University, he has also been on the faculty at several summer camps such as Acadia Trad School and Upper Potomac Fiddle Retreat. He was selected to compete in the prestigious Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann All-Ireland Senior Fiddle competition in Aug 2017. 

Seán has performed with traditional music icons such as Irish fiddle legend Liz Carroll, acclaimed Scottish fiddler Pete Clark, cellist virtuoso Natalie Haas, and uilleann piper Paddy Keenan...

Along with his accolades in Traditional Music, Seán made his Classical solo debut with the Virginia Symphony in 2012 performing Mozart's 5th Violin Concerto. A composer and arranger, Seán has won national awards including the 2016 Scottish Fiddling Revival’s Tune writing competition.  In April 2017, Seán was a featured soloist with the Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk, VA.

Currently based in Washington DC, Seán performs locally with the band Skylark and is a regular performer for the British Embassy Scottish Affairs Office and the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington. He also frequently travels abroad as a solo artist, and maintains a private teaching studio in Falls Church, VA.
Seán has performed with traditional music icons such as Irish fiddle legend Liz Carroll, acclaimed Scottish fiddler Pete Clark, cellist virtuoso Natalie Haas, and uilleann piper Paddy Keenan...

Along with his accolades in Traditional Music, Seán made his Classical solo debut with the Virginia Symphony in 2012 performing Mozart's 5th Violin Concerto. A composer and arranger, Seán has won national awards including the 2016 Scottish Fiddling Revival’s Tune writing competition. In April 2017, Seán was a featured soloist with the Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk, VA.

Currently based in Washington DC, Seán performs locally with the band Skylark and is a regular performer for the British Embassy Scottish Affairs Office and the St. Andrew’s Society of Washington. He also frequently travels abroad as a solo artist, and maintains a private teaching studio in Falls Church, VA.
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

Teaching

Fall 2024

  • MUS-021 Private Instrument Study: Fiddle/Violin

  • MUS-022 Private Instrument Study: Fiddle/Violin

  • MUS-121 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Fiddle/Violin

  • MUS-122 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Fiddle/Violin

Spring 2025

  • MUS-021 Private Instrument Study: Fiddle/Violin

  • MUS-022 Private Instrument Study: Fiddle/Violin

  • MUS-121 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Fiddle/ Violin

  • MUS-122 Private Instrument/Vocal Study: Fiddle/Violin