Hawk Point, MO Fiddle Lessons

n. I am an accomplished composer/songwriter with many published and recorded songs and instrumental works through ASCAP. I endeavor to make learning fun, and enjoy teaching students of all ages!

Online student requirements: A fast, reliable COMPUTER; HIGH SPEED INTERNET (at least 400 kbps); SKYPE software; WEBCAM (preferably HD); MICROPHONE (most laptops or tablets have mikes built in). Be sure your camera is focused on you and your instrument, if applicable.

d in the Spring of 2008. I learned how to write acoustic and electronic music as well as studio recording processes.

I worked for the Walt Disney Company through the College Program after which I became a campus representative on Disney's behalf. My performances with the Disney Company include: 1st Violin for the Encore Cast Choir and Orchestra at E.P.C.O.T. in July 2007 and as Mrs. Armstrong for S.T.A.G.E.'s 2007 Christmas Pageant, performed in E.P.C.O.T. December 13-16 in the Circle of Life Pavilion.

Since my return to Boulder in January 2008 I finished my Masters Degree in Music Composition and taught Ear Training and Theory of Music to Freshmen, and Ear Training to Sophomores at the University of Colorado at Boulder until May 2009.

I became a member of a six-person band, called Indigent Row, in 2008-2011 where I played fiddle and sang lead vocals. We performed throughout Colorado monthly.

I now reside in Denver, Colorado. I joined Buckstein (Modern Country Rock) in March 2015 and perform regularly each month all over Denver and sometimes out of state. We are also the house band for the internationally recognized Grizzly Rose performing 6 nights a week bi-monthly.

I currently teach beginning voice, all levels of violin and viola, sight-reading, theory of music, recording techniques, performance techniques, and song-writing. I am continuing to compose new music and collaborate with others as the opportunity arises. Some of my collaborations have been published and are available online. Please ask for details.

*** Lesson Details ***
Are you excited about learning a new instrument or learning to sing your heart out? Come and learn with me in a comfortable, friendly environment! I am patient and encouraging. I will help you set goals and meet them. And to help motivate you, I will schedule performances along the way so you can show off all of your hard work!

I can teach you violin, viola, voice, music composition, recording techniques and stage techniques! I am trained in numerous styles and can help tailor lessons to your passion.

Lessons will start with the basic building blocks, as any great musician needs to have a strong foundation in the basics. I can teach you how to read music as well as improvise if that is your desire. I feel it is essential to know how to play/sing by sight and will make this a strong focus throughout the initial lessons in addition to technique and posture. I will make sure you learn how to perform and practice without injuring yourself, as certain repetitive motions can cause long-term injuries if you are not practicing with proper posture and technique. My goal for you is to make this a fun journey.

Embrace your musical side and express yourself! Bring a positive attitude to your lessons and get ready to show off your stuff!

For string players, I like to combine Suzuki with traditional Russian style and progressive scales to build the foundation and then progress to the styles of your choosing. For vocalists, I focus on Solfeggio to learn scales and sight-singing techniques and then focus on exercises to build vocal range and control. At all levels of learning I will be sure to assign tunes to work on in addition to scales/exercises so that there will always be something fun to work on in addition to the rudiments.

Remember, this is supposed to be an enjoyable experience! Let me take you on your musical journey and give you the skills to express yourself through music. Choose me as your instructor and I will contact you within 48 hours to schedule your first lesson.

I look forward to seeing you on stage!

-Jennifer

*** Studio Equipment ***
In the space I will have music stands and an amplified electric keyboard. All students should bring their own water to each lesson. Violin/viola students must bring their own instruments complete with rosin, bow, cleaning cloth, and protective case.

*** Travel Equipment ***
All students must acquire their own music stand as soon as possible. I expect my students to have access to a piano or musical keyboard and purchase their own music books.
Violin and Viola students will need to have an instrument with shoulder rest, bow, and rosin. I highly recommend that all beginning string students purchase Suzuki Book 1.

*** Specialties ***
Electric Violin
Acoustic Violin
Vocal Performance
Five-String Violin Performance

My specialties include: Suzuki, Alexander Technique, traditional Russian Violin, Country Fiddling, Celtic Fiddling, Classical Violin, Classical Viola, Folk Singing, Traditional Irish, pop singing. Composition ranges from electronica, to experimental, folk, and electroacoustic pop.

*Teachers marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.

ers, and a basic fix-it kit for common instrument issues. I also try to keep backup books and a shoulder rest around at my studios so if someone forgets their equipment we can still make good use of the lesson.

I expect the student to provide their instrument, shoulder rest/end pin stopper, notebook, device for recording music, folder/binder for loose papers, and books. I don't require lots of books - just ones you'll use!

*** Travel Equipment ***
See Studio Equipment, above.

*** Specialties ***
I love teaching oldtime, bluegrass, country and celtic fiddle - most of what I do as a performer fits in along those lines. I teach Suzuki method violin as well. My Suzuki teacher learned directly from Shinichi Suzuki!

I encourage all my students to improvise, to try different musical styles, and to experiment with composition. My goals are to share my own love for music, and enable students to discover their unique musical voice.

o pursue music performance studies at Belmont University, Lauren was concertmaster of the Vero Beach High School Orchestra for two consecutive years. She has won multiple concerto competitions within her hometown, as well as fiddle competitions. Lauren founded the classical string quartet, Seaside Strings, in her hometown, and folk/fiddle trio, Elle & the Rootabega Boys. Since living in Nashville, Lauren has had multiple opportunities to participate in local, multi-style recording sessions and performances. She has played most regularly with local Kansas-born singer-songwriter, Savanna Chestnut, and together they toured Florida last Spring to play the 2016 Strawberry Festival in Plant City. Lauren founded and hosted Jamboree, a monthly jam session for students, as well as fiddle video series, Rootabega Sessions.

Currently, Lauren is apart of a classical quintet, a multi-style wedding trio, folk/Americana band, Michelle Knopick & the Screwdrivers, World Fiddle Ensemble, the Belmont University Symphony Orchestra, and most recently, the Nashville-based Bluegrass band, Almanac Ridge. Other notable musicians Lauren has performed with include Belmont alumni, Brave Town, and Kentucky-based Irish band, Feckless Fear Dearg in 2015 and 2016. In October 2016, Michelle Knopick & the Screwdrivers played the Neewollah Festival, Kansas’ largest Fall Festival. Lauren kickstarted her solo recording career by releasing a cover of Natalie MacMaster’s Volcanic Jig in 2015, followed by Reminiscent + Relevant in 2016. She studies privately with Juilliard graduate and protégé of Dorothy Delay, Elisabeth Small, and Grammy Award-winning Tammy Rogers-King of The SteelDrivers. Lauren’s influences include Hanneke Cassel, Brittany Haas, and The Punch Brothers.

Bandcamp: https://laurendouglas.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ldviolin/
YouTube Channel: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCLd3u0042m0qFlH0Mfjb2GQ

Lesson Details ~

The first lesson will consist of establishing professional contact between student and teacher. Student repertoire will be determined during this time, based upon current level and initial results.

Lesson schedule may vary, depending on convenience of both the student and the teacher. I will always try to be flexible with your schedule. Please just contact me with interest, and we will figure something out that works.

. I continued through high school and into college, playing and singing with auditioned district ensembles, school musicals, and chamber choirs, coming in as runner up in my high school's concerto competition, and performing twice in Carnegie Hall. I studied opera, vocal pedagogy, and passed my piano proficiency exam from the advanced class.

In 2003, I earned my violin performance degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and soon after, joined the Kansas City-based Celtic folk group, Tullamore. I have enjoyed 13 seasons with this lauded regional group, playing countless esteemed Celtic festivals across the country and embarking on five international tours of Ireland and Scotland, as well as a Caribbean cruise hosted for our fans. Our sixth international tour is scheduled for 2019 in Scotland.

In 2014, I relocated to Hampton, Virginia, where I auditioned for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic, and currently play as a first violinist.

In 2015, I began playing with Brackish Water Jamboree, an award-winning Americana band, featured on NPR's Out of the Box series with Paul Shugrue, and host of the NorFOLK Festival.

Throughout this time, I have enjoyed teaching a full and enriching music studio of students: hosting recitals, open mics, and ensemble rehearsals, and watching students achieve goals they didn't know were even possible. I continue to teach online via Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts, and I look forward to working with you to accomplish your own musical aspirations!