Michelle Edwards
Keynote Speaker & Concert Violinist

Makin' a Joyful Noise!

(with a little old piece of wood)

Michelle Edwards has a BM in classical violin performance—and that little piece of wood under her chin has taken her places. From symphony halls to honky-tonks, her violin has been her passport to the world. She began her professional career in classical symphonies but hung up her black concert dress when Wayne Newton (yes, that Wayne Newton), came calling. At just 22, she became the youngest tour member ever hired.

Life on the road led to 13 music-packed years in Nashville, where she played with country stars, jazz legends, and Christian artists—mostly on Music Row. Her journey has included performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Colorado’s own iconic Red Rocks.

Michelle is the founder and fearless fiddler of WireWood Station, where her band brothers keep her busy writing songs, arranging music, and booking gigs. But most of all, she loves connecting with audiences and delivering a foot-stompin’, heart-thumpin’ good time! This eclectic bunch of professional pickers and strummers have  been strumming their way into hearts across the Rockies. They’re proud to be the reigning champs of “Best Acoustic Band in Colorado” from the Rocky Mountain Music Festival, finalists at the iconic Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and multi-year winners of “Best Band” in Colorado Springs—an honor voted on by readers of The Gazette (and not just their cousins).

Over the years, WWS has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of country music’s biggest names—including the late, great Charlie Daniels, Randy Travis, Sawyer Brown, Mark Chesnutt, Phil Vassar, Billy Dean, Blackhawk, The Marshall Tucker Band, Josh Ward, and Dwight Yoakam... just to name a few.

More recently, Michelle added “author” to her resume with the Amazon best-selling book How to Break into the Local Music Scene (and Make Money!)—a survival guide for musicians who’d prefer to get paid in cash instead of pizza. She’s also penned five picture books, including Cheers to Hot Flashes and Friendship,  Where Love Always Lives and four rhyming children’s books: Great Big Goals, The Treasure of the Old Violin, Eli's Extra Mile and The Little Drummer’s Christmas Gift. Links to her book on amazon:https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DK4XCNQJ/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=57c27b40-68ff-4e84-a0fa-e80c31d3cbae&ccs_id=a2e1afa6-8a7d-4e45-bea3-4dcc24b97116

A big thank-you to the readers of the Gazette, who voted her Gold for “Best Musician”—she’s still blushing.  In addition to her musical career, she is a sought-after music educator, podcast guest, and speaker, always eager to connect with audiences to share a joyful noise with others!

Stories Behind the Songs

The Power of Helping Others: How Collaboration Leads to Success in the Music Industry

 

Iyanla Vanzant’s words, "The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first," capture an essential truth about the music business and, indeed, life itself. Many artists, especially those new to the…

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The Difference Between Practice and Rehearsal: Making Your Band Shine

If you’ve ever been in a band, you've probably heard a bandmate ask, “What time is practice this week?” While it may seem like a reasonable question, it actually highlights a common misconception about music preparation. The truth is, practice…

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Choosing the Right Band: Building More Than Just a Group of Musicians

Choosing the Right Band: Building More Than Just a Group of Musicians

In the world of music, a band is much more than a collection of talented individuals playing together. It’s a unique and dynamic unit, often compared to a…

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Who you are as a musician

Who Are You as a Musician? Embrace Your Unique Artistic Identity

For many aspiring musicians, there's a common hope that if they are talented enough, someone will eventually "discover" them. The stories of instant success, like Justin Bieber's rise to…

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Unveiling the Lyrics: The Heartbreak and Betrayal in "Replacing Me" by Michelle Edwards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqlTre09GQI

 

Songs often capture the raw, unfiltered emotions we struggle to express in words. "Replacing Me" is a haunting ballad that delves deep into the feelings of betrayal, heartbreak, and the torment of being replaced by someone else in the…

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The Profound Beauty of Love in the Lyrics of "Seal My Love" by Michelle Edwards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmwlnIZmJQs

The Profound Beauty of Love in the Lyrics of "Seal My Love"

The lyrics of "Seal My Love" delve deeply into the timeless connections between love, art, and music, painting a vivid picture of how love intertwines with creativity…

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The Story Behind "Family Tree" – A Song That Resonates Through Time by Michelle Edwards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh91bpU0DIk

Music has a unique way of capturing our hearts and minds, often telling stories that transcend time and space. One such story is woven into the lyrics of my song "Family Tree." This song is more than just a…

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