At the age of 7, Sandy Herrault started her classical violin education in the Philadelphia public schools.  She studied with the renowned violinist, Edgar Ortenberg, and performed in numerous school and city-wide orchestras, including adult civic and string orchestras.  Sandy continued her education by attending West Virginia University as a violin performance major on a full scholarship.

All her life she has been teaching and performing in bands, solo, and duos.  Regardless of her occupation, which was mainly refugee work, she maintained her passion for the violin.

From the popularity of Riverdance, Sandy fell in love with Celtic fiddling, and began writing and arranging Celtic-based music. She studied Irish fiddle with James Kelly and co-founded the band, Celtic Soul, gaining acclaim for her original fiddle parts.  Herrault has recorded two CD’s, Takin’ Down the Half-door, and Wee Blue Man with the band Celtic Soul.  She has also recorded for other projects, including a track for a ride at Six Flagg’s Theme Park. For several years, she performed with a Dave Matthews cover band.

She currently performs with two bands, The Merrows and Pegleg Joe. More info can be found at www.myspace.com/themerrowsband and www.myspace.com/peglegjoemusic

The book trilogy, the Smart Violin Method, was born from Herrault's creative expression through writing fiddle solos, blending styles from which she loves, and desiring to help students feel the wide open possibilities of the instrument. Herrault currently teaches
full-time and lives and performs in the Charlotte, NC area.

www.archermusic.synthasite.com - Jerald Archer music and resources
www.GelRest.com - A product that makes chinrests more comfortable
www.allstringsattached.net - A Mooresville, NC, based violin store