Mads Tolling is a Danish-American violinist, composer, and bandleader who has made a name for himself in the world of classical and jazz music. Born on July 2, 1980, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tolling grew up in a musical family and began playing the violin at the age of six. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical violinist, which gave him a unique perspective on music from an early age. Tolling's talent for the violin was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a prodigy in his hometown of Copenhagen. He studied at the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music, where he honed his skills as a classical violinist. However, Tolling was also drawn to jazz music, and he began to explore this genre in his spare time. In 1998, Tolling moved to the United States to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he studied jazz violin with Matt Glaser and honed his skills as a composer and arranger. Tolling quickly made a name for himself in the Boston music scene, and he began performing with some of the city's top jazz musicians. After graduating from Berklee in 2003, Tolling moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he continued to pursue his career as a jazz musician. He quickly became a sought-after performer and collaborator, and he began to develop his own unique style that blended classical and jazz influences. In 2007, Tolling joined the Turtle Island Quartet, a Grammy-winning ensemble that blends classical, jazz, and world music. With the Turtle Island Quartet, Tolling has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Monterey Jazz Festival. He has also recorded several albums with the group, including "A Love Supreme: The Legacy of John Coltrane," which won a Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2008. In addition to his work with the Turtle Island Quartet, Tolling has also released several solo albums, including "The Playmaker," which was released in 2009. This album features Tolling's original compositions and arrangements, and it showcases his unique blend of classical and jazz influences. Tolling has also collaborated with a wide range of other musicians, including jazz pianist Stanley Clarke, singer-songwriter Joan Osborne, and classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein. He has performed at some of the world's top jazz festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. Throughout his career, Tolling has received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a musician. In addition to his Grammy Award with the Turtle Island Quartet, he has also won several DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards and a Danish Music Award for Best Jazz Album. In addition to his work as a performer, Tolling is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at several music schools and universities, including the Jazzschool in Berkeley, California, and the Stanford Jazz Workshop. He has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and passion for music with aspiring musicians of all ages. Today, Tolling continues to be a leading figure in the world of classical and jazz music. His unique blend of classical and jazz influences has earned him a devoted following, and his innovative approach to the violin has inspired countless musicians around the world.

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