Gaelynn Lea Tressleris

Gaelynn Lea Tressleris is an American folk singer, violinist, public speaker, and disability advocate born in 1984. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that causes complications in the development of bones and limbs, she developed a unique technique for violin that involves holding the bow like a bassist, with the body of the instrument placed in front of her like a cello, attached to her foot to prevent slipping.

This technique — born of necessity — produces a distinctive sound that has become inseparable from her musical identity.