Instructor: Rachel Meirs

Rachel Meirs is a fiddler, sometimes violist, and occasionally a cellist, who specializes in intercontinental string-band music of the 20s and 30s, country blues, and really loves a jam-buster. Originally a classically trained violist, an injury cost her the use of her left hand for many years. Relearning how to play as an adult has made her appreciate working with students to find ways of playing that feel physically and emotionally good, whatever they want to play, however they want to get there.

She cut her teeth busking in New Orleans and Asheville, has toured across the US, recorded on albums with Mashed Potato Records and Jalopy Records, and spent years teaching children in Jalopy Junior’s music program. She still performs with long-time collaborators Ali Kafka (Old Scratch Sallies), Van Burchfield (Vaiano's Paisanos), and Brody Hunt (Carolina Cud Chewers). Her band Vaiano’s Paisanos debut album is set to be released through Jalopy Records in May 2026.

Rachel moved to Louisville in 2023 and is excited to join the Folk School.