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Irish Fiddler and Educator

Charlene
Adzima

"The best. Inspires me to play and keep learning." - Tom S., student

About Charlene

Suzuki-trained violinist

specializing in Irish fiddle and pedagogy

Ohio-born Charlene Adzima has been playing the fiddle for over 30 years, with a foundation in the Suzuki Method and a deep-rooted passion for Traditional Irish Music.

 

She holds a degree in geology and has completed Suzuki Teacher Training for Books 1–3. With over 25 years of creative teaching experience, she brings both technical expertise and a love of music to her students.

In 2005, Charlene won Senior Fiddle at the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil, a prestigious Irish music competition, and has twice represented the Midwest at the All-Ireland World Championships or the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Her experience also includes violin repair and maintenance, having worked at The Loft Violin Shop in Columbus, Ohio.

 

Currently, Charlene performs with The Lilies of the Midwest, an all-female Irish band, and teaches with MadFiddle, a dynamic youth fiddle ensemble.

Private Lessons

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, I offer both in-person and Zoom lessons, guiding students toward non-Classical styles, particularly Irish Traditional music.

School-age students are urged to join MadFiddle and compete at the Fleadh Cheoil rather than pursuing classical orchestras or concerto competitions.

Adult students are encouraged to join Irish sessions, recitals, and the Fleadh.

​All beginners start with the Suzuki Approach, building strong practice habits and foundational skills through both ear training and music reading.

 

Once ready, students gradually transition into traditional Irish tunes, developing musical fluency in both oral and written forms.

Bridge close up - DSC_7658aacopya.png

Group Classes

Stay tuned for the 2025-26 season of the  Irish Session Tune Class at MUSO!​

Join a community of Irish music learners in a facilitated, yet relaxed setting, in which to:
 

  • Review and retain old tunes

  • Experience and absorb new tunes

  • Connect socially with other musician peers, intergenerationally

  • Try out a tune in public in a low-stress environment

  • Practice group playing skills

Add your email address below to be notified about upcoming group classes

Listen

Charlene Adzima - Jimmy Carter's Conception Reel/Trip to Reykjavik
02:28
Charlene Adzima - The Longer Dinosaur/Smuggling Kittens
04:04
Day  64  -  Where’s the Cat & Eileen O’Riordan’s  - Fergal's Tune a day 2019
02:48
Charlene Adzima, Jeanna Schultz, and Rick Nelson - last set of reels DIF2019
04:48
The Lilies of the Midwest - Promotional video 2022
01:09
"Jeanne's Waltz" by C. Adzima, live at Friday Musicale, 2/13/2015
02:22
ANDREAS TRANSØ   Winter Broke Me
02:41

Get in Touch

6441 Enterprise Lane 

Suite 102

Madison, WI 53719

+1 614-507-7071

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