Ann Marie Calhoun

"Acoustically, The RV5Pro has a very round sound (not like my other acoustic-electric violins that sounded tinny and thin) and I am so impressed with the balance of the low C string. I love how it feels so familiar right out of the case, and I'm tickled by little design details like the antiqued finish, the cleverly placed input jack, and the wood volume knob."

"When The Realist Violin goes electric, I love how responsive, and natural the violin tone is. I also enjoy hearing the blend of the acoustic violin under my ear as well."

Ann Marie Calhoun is an internationally acclaimed rock violinist and a master of her instrument in many diverse genres of music. Her extensive experience as a rock violinist includes a world tour with the legendary Jethro Tull as a featured guest and a world tour with virtuosic guitar player Steve Vai as a member of his String Theories band. Ann Marie's violin playing has also been featured in tours with Ringo Starr and Dave Stewart (Euythmics). She performed at the 2008 Grammy's as a soloist with the Foo Fighters. Additionally, she has performed/worked with Mick Jagger, Jon Bon Jovi, The Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, Damien Marley, Switchfoot, Colbie Callait, Joss Stone, and many other acclaimed artists.

Ann Marie's unique background and training has made her one of the most sought-after violinists in the industry. Her classical technique and discipline are balanced with a rare ability to improvise and groove in other genres of music.

She began her formal studies of classical violin at the age of three, and earned a fellowship with the National Symphony Orchestra while she was still in high school. While Ann Marie was winning prestigious awards in the classical community, she was also branching out in improvisational styles of music, including bluegrass fiddle, jazz violin, and rock violin. She also studied world music through a tour with "Kantara" (an Arab-Appalachain fusion band), and by being a featured soloist with "Yanni" during his live Acapulco performances to be aired by PBS in spring of 2009.

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