Mark O'Connor is an American composer, fiddler, and music educator known for his contributions to both classical and folk music. He has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Grammy Award, and is recognized for his innovative blending of different musical styles. O'Connor has also created a series of instructional books and methods for teaching the violin, which have been widely adopted in music education. Born in 1961, O'Connor began playing the violin at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He has collaborated with various artists across genres, including Yo-Yo Ma and Béla Fleck. O'Connor's work often reflects his deep appreciation for American music traditions, and he continues to perform and teach around the world.