Fiddle Lessons in Sopchoppy. Amazing Teachers.

I teach violin / fiddle not through one method or genre but a unique blend of various styles, each one taking a fundamental seat in a broader performance curriculum. For example, beautiful classical pieces form our most baseline technique while country western or bluegrass make for a strong and agile bow, not to mention having some tricks to merry up the campfire or front porch gatherings. Pop / Blues / Jazz and Rock n Roll are perfect genres for prospective improvisors and future stage performers. From Lindsey Stirling to Charlie Daniel's Band to Stephane Grapelli I enjoy teaching towards the goals and dreams of every student.

Experienced fiddle teacher of 10 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages! I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building a strong foundation of violin technique skills and improvisation. We'll learn Celtic, bluegrass, rock, jazz, blues or any genre you are interested in!

Fiddle:
Fiddle is another name for the bowed string musical instrument more often called a violin, and is the term for the instrument used by players in all genres, including classical music. Fiddle playing, or fiddling, refers to various styles of music. Fiddle is also a common term among musicians who play folk music on the violin. Lessons would start with the basics: Tuning, hand/bow technique, placement, ear training, notes, reading, songs, scales, theory and learning how to take a solo.

Students will start with a method book to learn simple melodies and double stops, more theory and technique will be taught from there using songs of student's choice.

I specialize in helping students learn practice and listening techniques that will allow you to make faster more efficient progress as well as increase your understanding of music and how you best learn to play. I teach many fiddle styles including Irish, Gypsy Jazz Old Time and Bluegrass. I specialize in Irish fiddle, which I have been playing and teaching for 25 years. I have studied in Ireland with numerous masters of the Irish fiddle such as Kevin Burke, Tommy Peoples , Martin Hayes, Matt Cranitch, Oisin Mac Diarmada and many others. I am founding member of the band Beyond The Pale and have taught at numerous camps and festivals including The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat.
I also specialize in “Gypsy Jazz” or “ Hot Club of Paris” style jazz fiddle in the style of Stephane Grapelli and played for many years in the very popular Dallas based band The Texas Gypsies.

I have been teaching for over fifteen years. You can choose to learn by ear, notation, tab or any combination of these. Learn any of the fiddling competition tunes, or just your particular favorites.