MEET MARTHA

Martha Hotz, classical violinist and Celtic fiddler, resides in St. Augustine. Martha has studied violin all her life, including during her undergraduate years at Stanford University, where she also studied mathematics. While living in Northern Virginia, Martha studied Suzuki Method violin pedagogy and opened her own Suzuki violin studio. Martha also earned her MBA in finance there and went to work for the government as an actuary and later a financial analyst. During her years of government service, Martha continued to play in several orchestras and was a member of a professional string quartet.

Since moving to Florida with her husband Peter in 2008, Martha has received accreditation in the Mark O’Connor Violin Method, which incorporates the American folk traditions as well as classical. In 2010, Martha was offered a wonderful opportunity to expand her folk music performance: she was invited to be the fiddler for the Celtic contra dance band Meridian.  With Meridian, Martha performs regularly for the Jacksonville Contra Dances, at the twice-yearly Barberville Folk Festival, and annually at the Ormond Beach Celtic Festival. Meridian has also performed several Christmas concerts in Northern Florida, and is available for weddings and special events. Martha keeps her hand in classical performance through her association with the Palm Coast Chamber Players. She loves to play classical chamber music with friends.

Martha takes every opportunity to further her education in Celtic and other international styles of music through summer seminars at the Swannanoa Gathering (Asheville, NC) and other venues.

“Miss Martha is a good teacher, and she’s really nice. I like playing violin with her and my friends in group.”

— June Clair, age 6