Annika Amstutz

Annika Amstutz is a fiddler and music educator living in Northampton, Massachusetts. In 2017, the nationally renowned New England fiddler and dance educator David Kaynor invited Annika to be his Associate Director with the newly formed community-based Fiddle Orchestra of Western Massachusetts. After two wonderful years working together, David passed the reins to Annika to lead the orchestra. As the Music Director of the Fiddle Orchestra of Western Massachusetts, Annika continues the mission to help members of all ages expand their musical abilities as they learn new music, develop their skills, and prepare for performances that share the joy of music with the greater community. In Annika's private teaching practice with fiddle students from age 5 to 75, she particularly enjoys working closely with young students and their families to help them learn about themselves as learners through their musical studies. As a fiddler player, Annika can be seen performing with a variety of bands and musical groups across the Pioneer Valley and throughout New England. Her fiddle playing in Bluegrass, Irish, and New England styles can be heard on the recordings of many local musicians as well as her recent duo CD, Old Favorites, recorded with cellist Daniel Plane. She is an active advocate of community music and loves playing fiddle with other musicians wherever she goes.