Thomasina is a singer, songwriter and mountain dulcimer player who has performed throughout the U.S. in a variety of venues.  Her selections of original, contemporary and traditional folk music appeal to a wide array of audiences.  Critics have said, "The freshness and vitality of Thomasina's performances often evoke unexpected emotional responses from first time audiences and loyal fans alike."  Audiences find the lyrics of her songs compelling and entertaining.  Other songs have a spiritual sound with insightful, bittersweet phrasing that captures and enriches one's imagination.  Her unique and complex adaptation of the mountain dulcimer instrument with its sweet simple sound has become one of her trademarks.

Thomasina, with a Master's of Science degree in Education, uses music to assist students of all ages discover their own creativity.  In January of 1999, she was accepted in the Connecticut Commission on the Arts' Master Teaching Artist Program.  Her role as Teaching Artist allows her to integrate her skills as a certified educator and artist into a joyful experience for her students as they create music, songs, visual arts and poetry together.  Her studies in Music Improvisation with cello master, David Darling and Music for People reaffirm her belief that music is in each one of us and just waiting for the right time to emerge.  As one of the founders in 1990, and a co-organizer, of the Housatonic Dulcimer and Music Celebration, Thomasina has been instrumental in helping to bring students, teachers, and other musicians together to celebrate the joy of making music in workshops at festivals, schools, and libraries throughout the United States.

In addition to live performances, Thomasina also records music for both children and adults.  Her children's album, Let's Pretend, Original and Traditional Songs for Children, was released in 1991.  The Emergency Librarian magazine called it "One of the Best of the Best Children's recordings of 1994."  A Peaceful Storm, A Mountain Dulcimer Journey Through Songs and Instrumentals was released in 1995.  Her 1999 release, Holding Back the Night, received rave reviews nationwide.  Sing Out! Magazine acclaimed it as a recording, which presents "both traditional and contemporary selections featuring Thomasina's sweet and soulful vocal styling...full-bodied and interesting...a beautiful recording...a wonderfully integrated collection of songs accompanied by the mountain dulcimer."  Chasing Cloud Shadows is her latest creative endeavor.  Since its release in July 2003, it has been aired in over twenty countries across the globe.  This collaborative effort includes outstanding Connecticut musicians such as Grammy nominated cello master, David Darling and Jeff Pevar, a rock and roll artist who records and tours with David Crosby in the band CPR (Crosby, Pevar and Raymond.)  This album is a tribute to the powerful influence folk music has had on her life.  In 2000, Thomasina was honored to be included in Mel Bay's Dulcimer 2000 Anthology that features solos by the world's finest dulcimer players.

While it is possible to appreciate Thomasina's music through her recordings, one must attend a concert to truly experience her magic. 

Non-profit organizations and schools may receive partial funding to present performances and workshops by Thomasina Levy through the agency's Arts Presentation Grants program.  For more information, contact the Commission at (860) 256-2721 and ask for Susan Docker, Program Manager or visit its Web site at www.ctarts.org.

The honorary position of State Troubadour, is a two year position designated by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, was established in 1991 by the General Assembly.  Thomasina Levy succeeds, from the most recent appointments, Dennis Waring, Kevin Briody, Hugh Blumenfeld, Jeff and Synia McQuillan, Sally Rogers, Mike Kachuba, Bill Pere, Phil Rosenthal, Sandy and Caroline Paton, and Tom Callinan.