Fiddle Lessons

in Cowpens.

Amazing Teachers.

Fiddle

I teach traditional Irish and Old Time fiddle with an emphasis on good technique, bow control, and ear training.

I have taught music for 10 years and believe students should get to play what they want to play! Students are asked to come up with a list of songs and/or artists they would love to play. Through teaching chords, note reading and theory, the song possibilities are endless! I also can help the aspiring singer/mandolin player to be able to both play and sing simultaneously.

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 teach beginner bluegrass fiddle using an approach designed to help students be able to learn both by ear and with sheet music, and to prepare to play with other musicians or attend bluegrass jams, as well as play with good technique and posture. I teach children age 6 and older, and adults, and welcome adult beginners. Students can choose to work from either the book The American Fiddle Method Volume 1 by Brian Wicklund or You Can Teach Yourself Fiddling by Craig Duncan.

Simple, easy and fun way learning the fiddle! I can teach you fundamentals and special country style, folkish fiddle sound through your favorite songs. Let's get started!

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 have probably taught more La State Fiddle Champions than anyone else. I know how to get student started off on the right foot so they don't spend years of frustration. I have seen many violinist and fiddlers alike who simply do not know the correct way to hold the violin in their arms and this lead to frustration. I have the ability to correct any fingering problems that you may be having in a matter of minutes. And yes, this includes the 4th (Pinky) finger.

I first start by teaching fun fiddling tunes to get each student going. They will be playing by the first lesson. Some teachers only teach by ear and other just by reading music which can bog the student down at first. I believe in learning the instrument first and then the music reading.

I do however give complete fingerings for each song the student learns during the lesson so there will be plenty to practice on between lessons.

Also, as an added benefit, I will be accompanying you on the Guitar which is ...