Renee Vaughan plays traditional Scandinavian music on the nyckelharpa, an instrument that has been around in one form or another for over 700 years. She effortlessly captures the rustic charm and ethereal essence of the Nordic tradition.Awarded a prestigious fellowship from the American Scandinavian Foundation in 2022, she studied extensively under master nyckelharpist Cajsa Ekstav.Renee's performances at venues like the American Swedish Institute and Norsk Høstfest showcase her dedication to aimed at fostering interest, participation and ultimately connection to Scandinavian folk music. A versatile collaborator, Renee lends her talent to a diverse array of musical projects ranging from intercultural and intergenerational bands to educational presentations and storytelling performances.
During her Musician-in-Residence at the UW-Madison, Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures, (Spring 2024) Renee will focus her research on uncovering the contributions of previously unknown first-generation Swedish immigrant musicians (1885-1910) to Minnesota. Another project will be to trace the journey of the nyckelharpa from its Swedish roots to the Upper Midwest. Finally, Renee has a keen interest in creating an online catalogue of Upper Midwest Scandinavian Allspel tunes to facilitate learning and preservation of this rich musical tradition.