Fiddle Lessons in Independence. Amazing Teachers.

I have played in a couple of heavy giging country bands. I can show you how to learn how to improvise and take on some fiddle tunes.

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

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.

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!

Orange Blossom, Mississippi Sawyer and Devil's Dream are a few of the basic fiddle songs I like to teach. The key to Fiddling is being able to play in tune and fast with a few basic rhythm patterns. I teach theory, scales, rhythm, pattern recognition, how to work with a metronome from slow to fast, proper bow grip and placement as well as proper posture for the violin.

Experienced Music teacher of 8 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 their instrument and theory skills. I specialize in all styles. Typically, I use a variety of method books to pick from to meet the needs of the students. I also have many tools available to use during lessons.
My students have gone on to NYSSMA and on to college auditions successfully!