Renee Vaughan is a Minnesota-based musician and educator who brings Sweden’s folk traditions to life through the resonant sound of the nyckelharpa, the national folk instrument of Sweden. The nyckelharpa has roots as far back as the 1350s, with depictions in Norway, Denmark, and Finland during the 1400s–1500s, and some of the earliest Swedish immigrants to the Upper Midwest carried nyckelharpas with them.
For almost two decades, Renee has practiced and shared Swedish folk arts through music, dance, painting, and storytelling, carrying these traditions forward in ways that connect people to culture, community, and one another. Her career began in education, teaching in elementary and college classrooms, followed by twelve years as a Life Enrichment Director in long-term care for elders in assisted living, memory care, and hospice. These experiences shaped her gift for creating welcoming, adaptable spaces for learners and audiences of all ages and abilities.
Today, Renee teaches and performs across the Upper Midwest at venues such as the American Swedish Institute, Norsk Høstfest, and the Minnesota Orchestra’s Nordic Soundscapes Festival. She is a teaching artist with Minnesota Public Radio’s Class Notes program, COMPAS, and with Norsk Høstfest in the Schools. Renee was Musician in Residence with UW–Madison’s Nordic Folklife created Nordic Newcomers, an online educational resource highlighting the music of Swedish immigrants
With the nyckelharpa at its heart, Renee welcomes people into the living traditions of Swedish folk culture, intertwining music, dance, storytelling, and song to foster shared experiences that connect communities across generations.
Teaching Artist Statement
Folk art is made by and for people, shaped by everyday lives, memory, laughter, love, loss, and perseverance. When I share Swedish folk music and dance, I invite others into a living tradition where stories, melodies, and movement intertwine. Through these traditions we connect more deeply with ourselves, with each other, and with the threads of heritage.
With more than two decades of life experience working as a teaching and then in long-term care, including assisted living, memory care and hospice, I’ve witnessed how music, story, and movement can reach beyond words.This shapes my teaching approach: to meet each person with care and respect for their unique way of engaging. I create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and part of something meaningful.
Folk traditions aren’t relics of the past. They live and grow through us. My work is to help carry them forward while honoring their roots, sharing music, song, dance, and story to cultivate joy, connection, and community for today’s world and for generations to come.
Performance
Tales of Nyckelharpa & Näcken
Step into the enchanting world of Swedish folklore and traditional music, where Trolls roam the forests and the Näcken, a shapeshifting water spirit, can mesmerize musicians with their spellbinding tunes. Once enchanted, music could make chairs dance, stop waterfalls, or even allow musicians to cast spells on one another.
In this interactive performance, you’ll encounter the Swedish nyckelharpa and hear the folktales and tunes that have been passed down for generations. Participants will also explore a historical “magic chart” created by a Swedish musician in the 1800’s that linked musical keys to colors, seasons, and emotions. Together, we’ll listen, learn, and create our own Universal Music Charts, blending folklore, history, and music through hands-on, multi-sensory exploration.
Learning and Engagement Goals:
* Understand the cultural and historical context of Swedish traditional folk music and instruments
* Engage with Swedish folklore through storytelling
* Develop active listening skills through a multisensory live music activity that fosters emotional awareness, auditory perception, and creative expression.
Designed for all ages. Easily adaptable. No prior musical experience required. While best for up to 25 participants, the session can be adapted for larger groups with additional support.
“Here we are, 3 weeks after your visit, and students are *still* talking about you! Your performance made an impact and inspired many of our students to pursue music.”
3rd grade teacher, Stougton, WI
“Renee Vaughan is extremely gifted and creative, and just phenomenal. She takes a genuine interest in people and their passions, tailoring events and programs that are both fun and educational, where everyone can participate as much or as little as they like. This gift she has, and her ability to light up a room with her positive energy is so engaging, which truly makes people want to participate.”
Family member of a residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care, Woodbury, MN
