Reilley Vegh ’17
Reilley Vegh ’17 is a violinist, violist, fiddler, composer, and teacher based in the Bay Area.
Originally from California, Vegh moved to New York to study at Purchase, with teachers such as Du Yun (2017 Pulitzer Prize Winner), Brian Conway (1986 All Ireland Fiddle Champion), and Danielle Farina and Anna Kruger (Former violists of the acclaimed LARK quartet).
Before relocating to the west coast, Reilley was an active performer in NYC, sitting in with a variety of bands, ensembles, and traditional music sessions in the Tri-state area.
They were also the full-time fiddler for three NYC bands; Irish punk group The Narrowbacks, queer country band Paisley Fields, and Americana Trio Sunshine Nights.
The Narrowbacks had opened for the Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and Skinny Lister among others. In March 2018, the band’s St Patrick’s tour was sponsored by Magners, and concluded with a sold-out show at Bowery Ballroom.
Vegh has recorded on two Paisley Fields albums and toured extensively with the band in the midwest, south, and west coast. A song from the album Glitter and Sawdust was recognized by Wide Open Country as one of the best songs of 2018, an honor shared with major country artists including Kacey Musgraves and Joshua Hedley. Paisley Fields has also performed extensively with the legendary Lavender Country, the first ever queer country band to release an album in the 1970s.
Since relocating to California, Vegh has performed for a variety of outdoor, socially distanced proposals, weddings, and special occasions. As shutdowns are lifted and live music returns, Reilley looks forward to continued performances for live events on the west coast.
In addition to fiddle and pop/rock/classical violin, Vegh also performs as an electric violinist, working with DJs and event planners to give high-energy performances for private parties, wedding receptions, and nightclub events. They also contract ensembles, organizing string duos, trios, and quartets for weddings and events.
Vegh is also an active teacher with eight years of teaching experience. Vegh believes that music lessons should be fun, exciting, and personal, with a teaching method that is tailored to each individual student.