Carleton Convo with Gaelynn Lea | April 14, 2023

Violinist, songwriter, and disability rights advocate Gaelynn Lea delivered the convocation address at Carleton's Skinner Chapel on Friday, April 14. Lea is a renowned public speaker and advocate for disability rights and accessibility in the arts. She has shared her perspective on many platforms, including PBS NewsHour, On Being with Krista Tippett, The Moth Radio Hour, NowThis, The Science of Happiness Podcast, and through two TEDx talks.

Most recently, Lea composed and performed the music for Macbeth on Broadway starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga, which was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Sound Design.

Lea is also the co-founder of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), which connects music, entertainment, and event industries to a global network of established music professionals with disabilities. This fast-growing, disability-led coalition played a crucial role in making the 64th GRAMMY Awards accessible and in 2022 was named a Zero Project Honoree for its dynamic solutions. 

An internationally touring recording artist, Lea has captivated audiences around the world with her haunting original songs and traditional fiddle tunes. In 2016, her music gained popularity after she won NPR Music’s second-annual Tiny Desk Contest. Lea has opened for artists like Wilco, The Decemberists, LOW, and the industrial rock supergroup Pigface. Lea is also currently working on a memoir detailing her adventures on tour and with disability advocacy.

Learn more about Carleton Convos at go.carleton.edu/convocations