For Subscribers

Adam Summerhayes: Music shaped by instinct

20 June 2025

AdamSummerhayes by Hugh Miller 2024

Adam Summerhayes is a violinist and composer who combines his flair for improvisation and a love of folk music with a classical training and technique. He speaks to Alexandra Petropoulos about his latest projects and his very special instruments

Everything started with a small, 1/16- or 1/32-size violin perched on a curtain rail in his childhood bedroom. Adam Summerhayes doesn’t remember who put it there or even asking for it to be taken down; all he remembers is the sensation once it was in his hands. He recalls immediately playing it and making up a tune…

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    Free trial

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

    Subscribe

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.