The Joyful Fiddler, LLC

My name is Joyce Hastings and I have been a resident of Seneca, South Carolina since 1995 but will soon be moving to Bluffton, South Carolina.  Although music has always played a huge role in my life, I am a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to the violin.  I did not start playing the violin until later in life.  But I have been studying classical music onthe violin for nearly 30 years.  I have studied classical theory and performance under Dr. Jerrie Lucktenberg and Dr. Leslie Warlick as well as several other leading performers.

 I regularly perform with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra.  I am also the Principal Second violinist with the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra. My first classical performances were with the Kennesaw State College Symphony Orchestra.  I was also a member of the former Carolina Pops Orchestra. 

 I can be heard frequently performing in support of special events including the Foothills Chorale, St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Seneca, New Prospect Baptist Church in Anderson, as well as weddings and other community events with the Sedici String Quartet.

In addition to my classical training, I am also studying traditional Irish music under world class performer and teacher Liz Knowles.  I have found that the traditional  genres express the joy and hardships found in everyday life in ways that symphonic music simply cannot.  It is a joy to play as well as challenging.  The shared energy and excitement of a small jam session is an incredible experience.  

My passion is teaching students young and old in the hope that they will 'catch the bug' and find the inner joy that music can bring to one's life.  My primary goal when I perform is to share God's gift of music with others and, hopefully, encourage others to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.  It is very unlikely that any of us will ever master the violin.  But we can certainly have fun and enjoy the journey wherever it may take us.