About Me

A Little about me…

Hello there! My name is Erin Esses and I'm a professional cellist with a passion for crossing genres and bringing people together through music. I love performing and making new lifelong friends with musicians from all backgrounds. Teaching music lovers of all ages and skills, from those who hold the bow for the first time to seasoned strummers, is another dedication of mine. Music isn't just my profession; it's my passion and the language through which I connect with others.

Originally from sunny Orange County, I now call the beautiful Pacific Northwest home in Bellingham, Washington. When I'm not teaching private lessons, leading cello sectionals, or joining in on a ripping fiddle session, you can find me performing with my bands Calaskan (fiddle and cello), Ladies Loe (double cello duo), and Stackhouse and the Garden (playing original folk tunes and songs). You can also find me at fiddle camps sharing tunes with players of all ages and instruments.

I feel so lucky to make music my life's work. Although classically trained, my heart truly lies with folk traditions from around the world - Celtic roots, Scandinavian fiddle tunes, American oldtime and bluegrass, the list is ever growing. Whether performing centuries-old masterworks, brand new originals,  I always strive to make the music inviting and approachable for all. A true and steady inspiration is getting to introduce new tunes with my duo Ladies Loe to our growing folk community. Ladies Loe hosts monthly workshops where we joyfully teach a tune and host a session; a monthly highlight for many.

Another ever present joy is composing new fiddle tunes and folk songs and sharing them with my bandmates, students, and fellow listeners. I am often playing with my loop pedals to work out a new musical masterpiece. In fact, live looping is regular performance feature in my solo eclectic gigs. Always up for playing, you can find me performing anywhere from dog bars to yoga studios, you name it!

I’m also a trained Music Together teacher, where I get to mix music and movement, delighting and educating children and their families. When I'm not playing music, you might find me crocheting, hiking with my dog Banksy, and enjoying precious moments with my husband Mike and our young son Ezra.

So if you're a lifelong classical buff or a total folk newbie, I invite you to join me in listening without boundaries and celebrating the stories behind the notes. The more voices, the merrier! Join me on this melodious journey, where every note plays a story and every rhythm invites you to dance. Let's make some music together!