Rita A. music, violin, fiddle, electric guitar, guitar, theory Ellenwood, GA

I began playing the violin at a very young age and have learned from Atlanta's best instructors. During my twenty year career I have played with numerous symphonies, pit orchestra productions and string quartets, including the Southern Crescent Symphony and the Jon Shaffer string quartet. I graduated from the Atlanta Institute of Music with honors in 2003, and attended Clayton State University's violin performance program from 1997 to 1999. I have extensive knowledge of many styles of music, such as classical, Celtic, bluegrass, and many others. I have also had extensive training in theory, composition, and improvisation. I am the lead instrument in two successful bands in the Atlanta area, Mickle-a-Do Celtic Band and the Kamayacha Gypsy band. I have been a music teacher for twelve years, and my typical student can be an upcoming orchestra performer, or someone that just wants to play music for fun.

My lessons vary depending on if the student wishes to learn "violin" or "fiddle". For novices I'll start with the correct way to hold the instrument followed by the basic major scale hand position and an introduction to reading.  Advanced students will be introduced to improvisation, music theory and exercises for improving both right- and left-hand dexterity.

Celtic or Irish fiddle, bluegrass, jazz, classical, gypsy, swing

music, violin, fiddle, electric guitar, guitar, theory

Nite Driscoll - President of The Atlanta Institute of Music

Julie Sweeny - violist, Atlanta Opera Orchestra