Renee Vaughan shares the heart of traditional Swedish music through the resonant voice of the nyckelharpa. A painter first drawn to the music while studying Swedish folk art, Renee’s journey began with a borrowed CD from the library—and something clicked. The sound of the nyckelharpa was raw, rhythmic, and real.
Today, Renee is known for her ability to welcome others into this tradition, especially those who didn’t grow up with it. She teaches and performs across the Upper Midwest in places like the American Swedish Institute, Norsk Høstfest, and the Minnesota Orchestra’s Nordic Soundscapes Festival. She recently served as Musician-in-Residence at UW-Madison’s Nordic Folklife Department. During her residency, she explored the music of Swedish immigrants, launched an online collection called Nordic Newcomers. She’s also an Minnesota Public Radio "Class Notes" Teaching Artist, reaching thousands of students each year.
Whether in classrooms, libraries, festivals, or folk dances, Renee creates welcoming spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with Swedish folk music. She works with students who’ve never held an instrument, elders exploring their heritage, and curious listeners who are simply drawn to the rhythm, sound, and spirit of the tradition.
Today, Renee is known for her ability to welcome others into this tradition, especially those who didn’t grow up with it. She teaches and performs across the Upper Midwest in places like the American Swedish Institute, Norsk Høstfest, and the Minnesota Orchestra’s Nordic Soundscapes Festival. She recently served as Musician-in-Residence at UW-Madison’s Nordic Folklife Department. During her residency, she explored the music of Swedish immigrants, launched an online collection called Nordic Newcomers. She’s also an Minnesota Public Radio "Class Notes" Teaching Artist, reaching thousands of students each year.
Whether in classrooms, libraries, festivals, or folk dances, Renee creates welcoming spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with Swedish folk music. She works with students who’ve never held an instrument, elders exploring their heritage, and curious listeners who are simply drawn to the rhythm, sound, and spirit of the tradition.
American Craft Council (2025)
Exhibit Opener Salad Hilowye (2025)
Mpls. St. Paul International Film Fest (2025)
MN Orchestra: Nordic Soundscapes (2025)
Opening for Skye Consort (2025)
Opening for FRIGG (2025)
Midwinter Folk Festival at ASI (2025)
Minnesota State Fiddlers Association (2025)
Duluth Nordic Music Festival (2024)
Norsk Høstfest Festival (2024)
Vesterheim Norwegian Museum (2024)
Hjemkomst Festival (2024)
Folklore Village (2024)
Musician-in-Residence, UW-Madison (2024)
Exhibit Opener Salad Hilowye (2025)
Mpls. St. Paul International Film Fest (2025)
MN Orchestra: Nordic Soundscapes (2025)
Opening for Skye Consort (2025)
Opening for FRIGG (2025)
Midwinter Folk Festival at ASI (2025)
Minnesota State Fiddlers Association (2025)
Duluth Nordic Music Festival (2024)
Norsk Høstfest Festival (2024)
Vesterheim Norwegian Museum (2024)
Hjemkomst Festival (2024)
Folklore Village (2024)
Musician-in-Residence, UW-Madison (2024)