Tonya Rast Hopkins grew up in the great state of Idaho and started fiddling at the age of 8. Tonya started under the instruction of Denzil Marker in Challis. Denzil wanted to keep the old-time fiddling tradition alive by introducing young people to the instrument. Three years later, after moving to the Boise area, Tonya and her younger sisters had the opportunity to learn from Bobbie Pearce who introduced her to the music of many great players. From there, Tonya spent her teenage years obsessed with many of the “Texas Greats” and spent countless hours trying to learn parts and renditions of their great tunes.
Tonya has won many fiddle competitions, including being a two time National Ladies Champion and she was also the first woman to win the Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association State Contest. She taught private fiddle lessons for many years, and also taught at several fiddle camps throughout this time. She has spent the past 17 years teaching English in the public school system in Texas, and she is currently an instructional coach at a large comprehensive high school.
Tonya’s judging philosophy is simple. She looks for controlled tempo and tasteful innovation without losing the authenticity of the tune. Her favorite players to listen to are those who can find a nice groove with their backup players and really feel their music.