Hillary Klug on Fiddling, Education, and Thomastik-Infeld DOMINANT Strings
At StringOvation, we believe that every artist's journey begins with inspiration, passion, and a foundation in music education. That’s why we bring you exclusive conversations with musicians whose stories illuminate not only their artistry, but also the mentors, teachers, and pivotal moments that shaped their path.
Today we’re thrilled to feature Hillary Klug — a world-renowned fiddler, dancer, and educator whose musical story embodies perseverance, community, and joy. In this interview, Hillary shares her unconventional journey into music, her commitment to lifelong learning, and why she chooses Thomastik-Infeld DOMINANT strings to express her sound.
INTRODUCING HILLARY KLUG – VIOLIN
Early Musical Beginnings
Can you tell us about your musical background and how you first got started in music?
I started fiddle lessons at age 13, and I took fiddle lessons for 15 years.
Musical Education and Training
What was your formal music education path like? Did you attend a music school or conservatory?
No, I didn't study music in school. I didn't know if I was good enough to play music professionally because I had a late start at age 13, and so I studied English at a University where I earned a Bachelor's Degree.
How did your music education shape your style and approach to music?
I actually started on classical violin. My first instructor taught violin, and we did not work well together, and so I had to find another instructor after a few months. We couldn't find another violin instructor around the area where I grew up, but we found a fiddle teacher, and he was incredible. We worked very well together, and now I'm a fiddler.
I grew up in an area with many opportunities to support fiddlers including square dances, bluegrass festivals, and jam sessions. There was even a Fiddle Orchestra. I don't think there would have been much support locally if I had stuck with violin.
The Role of Formal Music Education
How important do you think formal music education is for aspiring musicians?
I think formal training is an essential part of a well-balanced musical education, along with practice and practical application (finding an outlet to play music with peers either in the community, church, or school).
Lifelong Growth and Learning
In what ways do you continue to further your musical education and skills today?
I practice technique and I learn new tunes mostly through transcriptions. I go to jam sessions to practice improvising and playing my new material.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
What advice would you give to young musicians who are considering pursuing a formal music education path?
Find an outlet for your music. Find peers to play music with you. Find a place to perform for an audience who wants to listen. It's fun and inspiring to learn with others, and it gives purpose to your practicing.
When I first started learning, I played with the band at church, and I performed at a local nursing home. I went to a local square dance to play music for the dancers. I constantly had new music to learn, and I was constantly performing. All my musical outlets gave me much momentum in my education, and I had fun learning.
Hillary Klug and DOMINANT Strings
What strings do you use today and why?
I use Thomastik-Infeld DOMINANT strings, and I love them for their dynamics, versatility, and durability! They project well when I play solo, and they blend well when I play in a band. They sound great from afar when I perform acoustically, and they sound great up close when I play into a microphone. The strings endure my crosstunings without compromising the longevity of the strings. I'm constantly changing the pitch by a whole step, and they hold each new tuning well.
Discover the Sound of DOMINANT Strings
Hillary Klug’s musical voice is powered by Thomastik-Infeld DOMINANT strings. Whether you perform on stage, in the studio, or at local sessions, DOMINANT strings deliver consistent tone and reliable performance through every tune.
Join the free StringOvation program for exclusive perks, classroom tools, and seasonal savings — made for teachers and performers alike.
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