Bryan and Emma McDowell

	Bryan, 16, having grown up with a musical family heritage, developed his love for music at an early age. Using his God-given talents and patience in learning, he quickly became a multi-instrumentalist. He first began on fiddle, and then branched out to guitar, mandolin, banjo, and bass. Possessing extreme drive, focus, love of performing, and crisp, clean playing, he continuously leaves the listener thirsting for more. His lead and harmony singing with his sister, Emma, create a rare find and an incomparable blend. Bryan also writes and co-writes music with Emma, and he has won and placed in many competitions. His musicianship far exceeds his age, and his musical interests include bluegrass, jazz, classical, folk, Americana, Celtic, and gospel, to name a few. Some of Bryan’s musical influences include: Arvil Freeman, Mark O’Connor, Stuart Duncan, Ron Stewart, Jim VanCleve, Michael Cleveland, Kenny Baker, Bobby Hicks, Aubrey Haynie, Stephen Grappelli, Bryan Sutton, Ron Block, Tony Rice, David Grier, Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, Chris Thile, Adam Steffey, Sam Bush, Dan Tyminski, Bela Fleck, Miles Davis, Jerry Douglas, Ronnie Bowman, Josh Turner, and Steve Gulley. His favorite bands include: Alison Krauss and Union Station, New Grass Revival, the Tony Rice Unit, Strength in Numbers, the Bluegrass Album Band, Nickel Creek, the Flecktones, Mountain Heart, the Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, Reno and Smiley, and the Infamous Stringdusters. Bryan is currently completing high school studies, performing, and recording. He plans to do more studio work in his upcoming schedule. In addition to music, Bryan enjoys other activities including music, music, and….more music.
Emma, 19, has been playing fiddle since the age of eight, and has since picked up the mandolin, bass, and guitar. She grew up going to Canton's "Pickin' in the Park" and Asheville's "Shindig on the Green" on a regular basis, where she was introduced to and influenced by the traditional mountain music of the area. She has placed and won at several contests in the southeast, including the Georgia Mountain State Fair Fiddler's Convention in Hiawasee, GA, the NC Mountain State Fair, Union Grove, Stecoah Valley, and many others. She joined her family in the making of their first two CDs, "Precious Memories," (2002), and "Old Traditions, New Faces," (2005). Emma enjoys many genres of music, and her influences include Alison Krauss + Union Station, Dale Ann Bradley, Sonya Isaacs, Aubrey Haynie, Stuart Duncan, Ron Stewart, Adam Steffey, Kenny Baker, Chris Thile/Nickel Creek, Norah Jones, James Taylor, Ron Block, Ronnie Bowman, Eileen Ivers, Liz Carroll, and Natalie MacMaster. Emma is currently taking a college course in equestrian studies, and will continue performing, recording, and teaching music. In addition to music, she enjoys several other activities, including drawing, writing, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and yard work.
*Live Acoustic Music for:* Private Weddings, Receptions, Anniversaries, Reunions, and Private Parties Corporate Corporate Functions Clubs and Organizations i.e. Golf and Country Clubs, Horse Parks, Auto Clubs, etc. Tourist Venues Resorts, Inns, and Estates Music Venues Theatres, Ranches, Music Barns, and Bluegrass Festivals Community Community "Special Events", Festivals, State Fairs, Family Theme Parks * We are currently booking a limited number of performance dates for 2008. For Booking Information: Call or send an email from our "Contact Us" page on this site. Donna McDowell P. O. Box 1511 Canton, NC 28716 (828)235-8649 Private Music Instruction: Emma and Bryan also teach private music lessons, and have openings for new students from time to time. If you are interested in learning fiddle, mandolin, or guitar, please contact them via the "Contact Us" page of this site. Studio Musician Services:** Bryan and Emma can be scheduled for studio musician work both on and off site. For more information, please send an email to them via the "Contact Us" page of this site. Please include your name, address, and phone number. Let us know if you are an individual, or if you are affiliated with a band or studio. And then give us a brief description of your recording needs.