Ivan Stiles
Ivan Stiles is known in autoharp circles across the country as an autoharpist of unique ability; not just as a performer, but also as a recording artist, instructor, author, and co-founder and co-editor of Autoharp Quarterly® magazine from 1988 until 1997.
A member of the Autoharp Hall of Fame since 2000, Ivan Stiles brings a unique blend of traditional to contemporary music in the folk tradition to his audiences. Intricate fiddle-speed tunes, old-time favorites, traditional ballads, and original songs are skillfully interpreted on the autoharp, mountain dulcimer, bowed psaltery, and musical saw. At the competition level, Ivan won the 2006 Mountain Laurel Autoharp Championship, the 1991 International Autoharp Championship, the 1987 World Autoharp Championship, and the 1985 Great Lakes Regional Championship.
In 2018, Ivan joined with Chuck Kupferschmidt to form the musical duo, Acoustic Coots. Chuck adds the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle to the mix.
He has five recordings: Rounding Pickering Bend, Pickin’ On The Porch, Promises Kept, and Lordy Me! featuring the autoharp, and Pennsylvania Sawyer featuring the musical saw. He also has authored a book, Jigs and Reels For The Autoharp. Stiles is also included on Autoharp Legacy and Music From Autoharp Quarterly® Vol. 1, 2, and 3.