In the true spirit of tradition, Chesapeake Trad grows from a shared love of Irish music, dance, and culture. Madeline Stevenson and Evie Lynch both learned Sean-nós dance from Shannon Dunne, whose teaching helped inspire their commitment to preserving and sharing this living tradition. After building and leading the program, Madeline passed its stewardship to Evie, who now carries that work forward through Chesapeake Trad.
Evie Lynch is dedicated to teaching and celebrating traditional Irish Sean-nós dance, music, and culture through classes, workshops, performances, and community gatherings for dancers and musicians of all ages. At its heart is the belief that tradition stays alive when it is shared — honoring the teachers and communities who came before us while creating space for each new generation to learn, participate, and make the tradition their own.
What I Bring to the Studio
My work brings together music education, traditional Irish arts, performance experience, and a joyful approach to teaching young learners.
Whether students are discovering a new instrument, finding their rhythm through Sean-Nós dance, or building confidence as performers, I want the studio to be a place where they feel encouraged to learn, explore, and make the art their own.
Music Education
As a junior at Towson University studying Music Education, I am preparing to work with young musicians in elementary school settings, combining a love of music with research-based pedagogy and developmentally appropriate teaching practices that help children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to music and the arts.
Sean-Nós Dance
I’ve traveled to Ireland seven times to compete at the All-Ireland level in both Sean-nós and set dancing, alongside earning multiple first-place finishes in the Mid-Atlantic region. I’ve also studied with some of the world’s leading traditional dancers, experiences that have deepened my understanding of rhythm, musicality, individuality, and the cultural traditions behind the movement.
Multi-Instrumentalist
Experience playing céilà drums, tin whistle, flute, and bari and alto saxophones, with traditional ensemble experience in the Bog Band, the Baltimore Irish Music School Céilà Band, and Grúpa Ceoil. In high school and college, I’ve worked with instruments across the band and orchestra, giving me a broad understanding of how different instruments are learned, taught, and brought together in an ensemble.
Performance
Performance has been central to my musical and dance experience, spanning marching band, concert and jazz ensembles, Rock and Roll Revival, traditional Irish music, and competitive dance. I’ve performed at respected venues throughout the Washington, D.C. area and in Ireland, building confidence, versatility, and a strong connection to live performance.
Teaching music and movement through joy, tradition, and community.
Let's Connect
Whether you are interested in lessons, music education, sean-nós dance, or creative learning opportunities, I'd love to hear from you.
