Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Sullivan.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my musical journey as a child, studying both violin and piano, and quickly became immersed in the world of classical music. At the same time, I developed a deep appreciation for bluegrass and folk traditions through weekly jam sessions with my grandfather, which had a lasting influence on my musical identity.
I went on to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music performance, which laid a strong technical and artistic foundation. Professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to perform with several symphonies and in pit orchestras for theaters and Broadway tours, as well as performing with and recording for country and rock bands, gaining experience across a wide range of musical styles and settings. I also spent five years as an adjunct professor of violin and viola at a private college, which allowed me to share my knowledge and passion with the next generation of musicians. All of these experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded and open-minded performer with a deep love for both the classical tradition and the vibrant, community-driven spirit of folk, pop, and rock music.
One of the most significant challenges I faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was working full time with a theater company, and almost overnight, closures and safety restrictions drastically changed everything. The theater had to reduce operations significantly, and all positions were cut from full time to part time. On top of that, the orchestras and colleges faced steep budget cuts, smaller audiences, and ongoing limitations that made it increasingly difficult to sustain consistent work as a full-time musician.
It was a tough period, both professionally and personally. But I used it as an opportunity to reassess, stay flexible, and explore new avenues. Subsequently, my husband Todd and I moved from Pennsylvania to South Carolina and started a new chapter. I sought out freelance work, took on remote teaching opportunities, and found creative ways to stay engaged with music and performance, even under unusual circumstances. That experience taught me a lot about adaptability, perseverance, and the importance of staying connected to your passion—even when the environment around you shifts unexpectedly.
After exploring a variety of musical opportunities in South Carolina—from orchestral gigs to teaching and freelance performance—I eventually discovered just how vibrant the wedding scene is here. As I started playing at more weddings, I noticed there were consistent gaps in the experience—whether it was limited musical variety, a lack of professionalism, or services that didn’t really cater to the couple’s unique tastes.
That realization sparked something in me. I saw an opportunity not just to perform, but to create a business that would solve those issues—bringing high-quality, customized music to couples on one of the most important days of their lives. I combined my classical training with my background in other genres and began studying and learning wider ranges of music and styles so I can create music that matches the couples’ tastes. I also have been learning about sound systems, recording, and arranging. The end result is a service that’s both professional and deeply personal. It’s been incredibly rewarding to build something that’s not only artistically fulfilling, but also brings so much joy to others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
(see previous answer re: COVID-19)
One of my biggest challenges has been feeling like I don’t quite fit into just one musical box. I’ve always had a wide range of tastes—I’m drawn to the structure and intellectual depth of classical music, but I also love the emotional honesty and accessibility of pop and folk. That made it hard at times to figure out where I belonged, especially early on in my career. It wasn’t always easy to find a space that honored all those different sides of my musical personality.
Another major challenge came when I transitioned from theater and classical work into running my own business. In my previous roles, I could simply show up, perform, and everything else—from marketing to logistics—was handled by someone else. Now, all of that is on me. I’ve had to learn how to market myself, handle scheduling, communicate with clients, and build genuine relationships. That kind of direct connection with people didn’t come naturally at first, but it’s taught me a lot about being intentional, adaptable, and finding my voice—not just musically, but professionally.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is the level of personalization I bring to every performance. I currently offer live music for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings, and I see music not just as background, but as a powerful way to shape the atmosphere and reflect the unique personality of each client. Whether it’s a serene acoustic vibe or something more upbeat and energetic, I use both acoustic and electric violin with a high-quality sound system and customizable backing tracks to create just the right tone.
One thing I really enjoy—and that clients often appreciate—is being able to say, “Yes, I can learn that song for you.” If a piece of music is meaningful to someone, I want to honor that. I’m proud to offer an experience that feels personal, flexible, and musically beautiful. My goal is to make the music feel like a natural extension of the event itself—something that enhances the moment, rather than distracts from it. When I hear from clients that the music made everything feel seamless, special, or even gave them chills, that’s the most rewarding part of what I do.
How do you think about happiness?
The simplest things bring me joy. Making music for others is one of them, but I also enjoy a walk on the beach with my husband and dog, or a great cup of coffee and a good book.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephaniesullivanmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scfiddlegirl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funforeverentertainment?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniesullivanmusic?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
