Violinist

Clare Mactaggart

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About Clare

Experienced and versatile violinist with range of musical styles gypsy jazz, classical, country, folk and pop. Solo and band work.
Violinist
Bristol
Public liability insurance of £10 million

I’ve worked on a great many exciting projects with some superb artists both live and in the studio. My work has taken me around the world to a number of exciting locations which has been a very exciting way to spend the last 25 years. I'm very comfortable in a broad range of styles, improvised or reading, including gypsy jazz, bluegrass, country, folk, blues, classical and pop. I can play solo for your wedding or function with professional backing tracks in whatever style you choose, gypsy jazz being my favourite! If you want a bigger group with violin featured, just ask, I work with a number of other fantastic musicians and can put together whatever act you need for your event whether jazz, rock, folk or a string quartet. I’m a competent and inventive improviser, composing parts on the fly should that be required. If you're after the the lush rich sound of real strings on your recording or event do get in touch. I can also do backing vocals, simple mandolin and tenor banjo parts if you need those. I love to sing... If you'd like to work with me, just ask and let's have a chat about your needs!

Clare
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5 out of 5
3 verified reviews

Clare's Reviews

From customers:

NF
Natalie F
6 months ago, for a Recording session in Beethoven St
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5 out of 5

Clare is a brilliant and intuitive musician, she brought energy and skill to the session, as well as playing the set pieces perfectly on the day without having seen them! I definitely recommend her for any violin needs your project has! Plus she’s a joy to work with, which is a lovely bonus!

LL
Louisa L
9 months ago, for a Recording session in Bonville Rd
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5 out of 5

I needed violin on a few of my songs for my second album and am so glad I found Clare. She was so professional and an absolute world class violinist who intuitively just knew what each song needed. Can’t recommend her more highly!! She’s sooooo good, (and also lovely to work with),

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Encore badges
8th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 8 years

Clare's Song list

This is an absolute snippet – ask me and I will play it for you, Classical, Jazz, Country, Irish, Bluegrass, Old time, whatever you need.
Gypsy Jazz/Jazz
Tears
Dark Eyes
Swing 42
Swing 39
There Will Never Be Another You
Out Of Nowhere
For Sephora
Autumn Leaves
Claire De Lune
Sunny Side Of The Street
Come Fly With Me
Fly Me To The Moon
Mack the knife
Summertime
Nuages
Black Orpheus
All Of Me
How Insensitive
Minor Swing
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
Bossa Dorado
Aint Misbehaving
Exactly Like You
When You're Smiling
Night And Day
Im Confessing
Out Of Nowhere
Claire De Lune
Desvairada
Indifference
If I Had You
Bei Dir War Es Immer Du Schon
Pop:
Norwegian Wood
Sunny
Any Others At Your Request
Western Swing:
Jesse Polka
Corrine Corrine
Wednesday Night Waltz
Faded Love
Jethros Tune
It's A Sin To Tell A Lie
Folk/American:
Maidens Prayer
Classical:
Pachelbel's Canon in D

Clare's Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£93.75
Up to 1 hour£156.25
Up to 2 hours£250
Up to 3 hours£312.50
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

The creativity, the sound, my warm and engaging way with people.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Zenith Paris, Shepherds Bush Empire, Ronnie Scotts, Later with Joolz Holland, The Late Late Show, The Bristol Beacon, Somerset House, The Royal Festival Hall, Glastonbury Festival, Hull Adelphi, Academy Bristol, Nice Jazz Festival, TIM Brazil, Various International Festivals and venues.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Later with Joolz Holland

Do you have different line-up options?

Yes! I can work solo to backing tracks, I have several duos or trios in different srtyles, I can also provide a string quartet - whatever you need in whatever style as long as it includes a violin, I can do it for you.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

No problem - get in touch and we can work things out, there is often flexibility.

How much time do you need to set up?

That depends on the event, minimum time would be 15 minutes but usually 30 minutes plus if I am working with other musicians. That said, if time is tight, we'll get everything prepped off site and set up in record time for you.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

Yes of course you can. And not only that, you can also choose your own special songs for me to play at the event. As long as I have the list in advance, it can be done. My list is a very loose guide, there are many more and I am happy to learn others of your choosing.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes I do, unless you advise me that there is a suitable PA already present at the venue.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Absolutely I can, with enough notice, I am happy to do so. There may be an additional fee if there are a lot of additional songs to learn.
Musicianship
Genres:
Jazz, Classical, Film / TV music, Folk, Bluegrass, Ceilidh, Country, Folk rock, Traditional Irish folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Traditional English folk, Blues, Swing, Gypsy jazz, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Latin jazz, Modern jazz, Easy listening, Experimental, Pop, Acoustic, Ambient pop, Americana, Disco, Covers, Karaoke, Soul, Bossa nova, Jewish music, Klezmer, Scottish music, Rock, Classic rock, Rock 'n' Roll
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Recording session, Wedding, Virtual event, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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Other skills:
Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching, Community music worker
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