Callie Brennan

Teaches: Violin, Fiddle, Knock-knock jokes.

Pronouns: She/Her

Teaching Philosophy: Playing music is supposed to be fun - and if you learn something along the way, so much the better.

Music Influences: Fleetwood Mac, Brahms, Watchhouse, Jungle

When I’m not making music: I'm out for a run, gardening, mom-ing, heading to the beach.

Favorite Place in Maine: I have to choose?!

Callie Brennan was raised in Maine, where she spent her childhood writing short stories, practicing fiddle tunes, and tracking mud all through the house. At twelve years old she began studying with Ronald Lantz, who is to thank for her constant cracking of jokes.

Callie received a Bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she studied with Lina Bahn and Harumi Rhodes. In her third year she traveled abroad to Sydney, Australia, studying under the tutelage of Ole Bohn at the Sydney Conservatorium. In 2016 she moved to London where she completed two Master’s degrees in music and violin performance at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and indulged in far too much tea.

During her time abroad Callie performed alongside the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, collaborated with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and recorded a film soundtrack at Abbey Road Studios. She was invited to play in Scotland, Spain, Italy, and France, in venues such as The Barbican Stage, Royal Festival Hall, and the Sydney Opera House; more recently, Red Rocks Amphitheater and Boettcher Hall in Denver. She has appeared on stage with artists such as Bela Fleck, the Wu Tang Clan, Kristin Chenoweth, Father John Misty, Amos Lee, The Indigo Girls, Leslie Odom Jr., and many others.

Back in the States, she held title positions with the Spartanburg Philharmonic (Concertmaster), the West Virginia Symphony (principal 2nd), and the Fort Collins Symphony (principal 1st), and section positions in the Colorado Ballet and Colorado Music Festival. Also appearing regularly with the Colorado Symphony and Colorado Opera, she (unfortunately) never did find the time to ski the Rockies - a reality she’ll never be able to live down.

Callie has an extensive background in chamber music and has trained with ensembles such as the Portland String Quartet, Takács Quartet, Heath Quartet, Endellion Quartet, Chilingarian Quartet, and the Zodiac Trio. She has enjoyed several solo appearances with orchestra, performing the Walton Violin Concerto in Waterloo, London, and more recently, Mozart’s third concerto for violin with the Spartanburg Philharmonic, a concert sponsored by the Habisreutinger Stradivari Foundation.

Having recently moved back to Maine, Callie now holds a position with the Portland Symphony Orchestra and has fulfilled her long-time dream of joining the Portland String Quartet. When not practicing or dashing off to rehearsal, she spends her time trail running, beach walking, and eating alarming amounts of chocolate.