Most people don’t think of the violin as a hip instrument, but it’s just because those people have probably never seen Lindsey Stirling perform. Against all odds, she has made the violin into a cool and contemporary instrument. Stirling composes incredible songs on her violin that are accompanied by choreographed dance routines. She’s become a YouTube star and experienced plenty of popularity throughout Europe. Stirling has been able to take her violin skills and those dance routines and translate them to the stage as a touring musician. Of course, playing violin amidst a sea of dancers isn’t the typical concert for most people, but that just makes Stirling’s performances one of the most unique shows that music lovers have ever seen.

In the Beginning

Stirling’s unusual career was launched when she was just 20 years old and started a YouTube channel that has since received billions of hits. A few years later, she found herself on America’s Got Talent, ultimately reaching the semifinals. Not only was she able to impress judges by blending classical violin music with modern pop and hip hop, but she also showed her ability to dance while playing the violin. While Stirling didn’t win the competition, it did put her on the road to success as one of the most unique acts in contemporary music.

Cover Girl

Her ability to blend dance and hip hop with her violin has garnered Stirling a lot of attention from her fellow musicians. She’s ended up collaborating on songs with a wide ranger of singers, including John Legend. Stirling also has a long list of cover songs that she’s recorded, putting a new twist on classic songs using her violin. Her list of cover songs includes “Party Rock Anthem,” “Radioactive,” “A Thousand Years,” “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “All of Me.” While her original songs are something special, Stirling’s original take on a wide range of cover songs also makes her stand out. There’s no telling what songs she’ll cover next or how her violin will make them distinct from the original, which is a huge part of what makes Stirling a special musician that music lovers will enjoy seeing in person.