Fiddle Lessons in Chicago. Amazing Teachers.

"Experienced fiddle performer and teacher of 25 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 fiddle perform skills. I specialize in blue grass, Celtic music typically use Celtic selection album and all level blue grass music books.

I work with students exclusively by ear, concentrating on development of rhythm and the syncopation of melody against rhythm.

As a teacher, I am extremely upbeat and encouraging! I meet students where they are and seek to make lessons enjoyable as well as challenging. I am absolutely passionate about bluegrass and old-time music! I began playing viola in 1972 at age 9, switched to fiddle (violin) in 2003, and have been performing in bands as a bluegrass fiddler ever since! Teaching is in my blood, as I was a full-time high school English teacher for 32 years prior to my recent retirement. I've been teaching fiddle students for the past five years, and have helped many beginning and intermediate students learn how to play songs and continue building their skills. I work primarily with training by ear, but can also help students learn to read music. If you're ready to "pull out the fiddle and rosin up the bow," then give me a call!

I've toured with Celtic, Country, and Bluegrass bands, as well as with the violin troupe, Barrage. I have a knowledge of many different styles and have studied with players like Craig Duncan (Author and performer), Tammy Rogers-King (Fiddle player for Reba, and The Steeldrivers), and Tracy Silverman (electric violinist and Composer).

Sam K.

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.