Fiddle Lessons in Philadelphia. Amazing Teachers.

I've played guitar since I was only eight years old (over 20 years!) in many different bands, styles, and genres. I played in a traditional Irish ensemble when I was in college and have since picked up banjo, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, and bodhran (Irish hand drum). I've also helped teach group violin classes in music programs in Orlando, FL and NYC. I love playing and teaching bluegrass music, it's a special challenge both for me and the students!

I teach fiddle lessons primarily by ear as I think it's important to retain the aural tradition. My specialty is Irish and Scottish styles, but I also love Quebecois and Cape Breton tunes. I grew up playing Old Time and Bluegrass and have a solid foundation in those styles as well.

We'll learn repertoire and work on developing a stylistically appropriate technique (bowing, groove, lilt, ornaments).

Learning chords and how to provide basic accompaniment can be a fun and empowering approach as well!

I love teaching students what THEY want to learn, while providing them with a solid foundation on their instrument. I will cater the lesson to the needs of the student and make it fun, because music is meant to be fun. I can help students learn music of their choice, or I can come up with some music to get them started. If they want to to learn music by ear, read music, improvise, or learn new tunes, I love teaching all of those things!

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 teach Irish, Scottish, Bluegrass and Old-time fiddle. I am a Scottish Fiddle Regional Champion and have performed at the Celtic Colours International Music Festival, as well as playing Bluegrass fiddle at the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival.