Cellist Ellen Gira blends the rich traditions of Scottish, Irish, and Old-Time music with her classical training. A native of the DC area, she spent seven years in Glasgow, Scotland, performing, teaching, and earning a PhD and master's in Scottish music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She has toured as part of the acclaimed duo Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, whose debut album, All It Brings, won Traditional Album of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Highlights include appearances at Celtic Connections and Celtic Colours International Festival as well as performances for BBC Radio and HRH King Charles III. Ellen also performs with The Nightjars, an American roots duo with guitarist Gabriel Furtado, and with Scottish fiddler Seán Heely. She is currently an Artist in Residence at Strathmore Music Center.

As a teacher, Ellen brings her passion for traditional music and collaboration into the studio. She has taught Scottish Trad Cello at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and now works with cellists and traditional musicians in the DC area. She currently teaches privately and at the School of Musical Traditions, where she runs a monthly Intro to Celtic Repertoire Workshop and Slow Session, introducing this music to new learners.

‍