Gaelynn Lea – Redefining what it is to be a fiddler.
Gaelynn Lea was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that causes complications in the development of bones and limbs.
Lea became impassioned by classical music from an early age, and in fifth grade a teacher took notice and encouraged Lea to pursue music after she had the class’s only perfect score on a music listening test.[2] Lea developed a technique for violin which involved holding the bow “like a baseball bat” with the body of the instrument placed in front of her, like a cello, and attached to her foot so it wouldn’t slip when she played.[3]
Lea attended Macalester College, where she majored in political science; prior to her music career, she had planned to pursue a career as a lawyer and disability rights advocate.[2]
Read more about Gaelynn Lea here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-violinist-gaelynn-lea-is-redefining-who-can-be-a-musician