Fiddle Lessons in Dallas, TX. Amazing Teachers.

Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Country, Old-Timey, Appalachian, Irish, Scottish, British, Celtic, Folk.

¡Hablo Español!

I Teach All Ages, at All Levels: Songwriting, Music Theory, Composition Lessons, Arranging for Horns and Voice and Strings, Soloing, Improvisation, Classical Technique, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Latin, Hindustani, Carnatic, and much much more!

I am a published contributor to the #1 best-selling Jazz Theory book "Jazzology" (published by Hal Leonard - the world's largest music publisher), in addition to having almost 20 books published on the subject of theory and technique! I also have many many professional recordings to my credit that you can listen to online anytime!

I am the author of the following books (available on Amazon):

"Scales & Modes for the Violin Fingerboard"
by Jeff Brent and Schell Barkley – 2012
For Violin, Viola, and Cello. Full-color.

"Jazz Violin Arpeggios"
by Jeff Brent and Schell Barkley – 2015
Jazz Arpeggios: Triads, 7ths, 9ths through 13ths – ...

I will help you develop a solid technique for many years of comfortable fiddle playing!

I use Brian Wicklund's American Fiddle Method series.

If you are interested in reading music, I am happy to support your learning; if you prefer to learn by ear, that also works just fine.

After 18 years of playing the fiddle, I would love to pass my experience and knowledge on to you! I have had the opportunity to play in competitive competitions, and have traveled the country playing with a band. I can offer and teach technical techniques while also providing valuable knowledge about a stage presence and how to keep your audience engaged. I began playing at the age of six, and have taken part in the classical sect of the industry as well as the bluegrass/ country music genre where the fiddle is a key component. Whether you are a parent looking to give your child the opportunity to learn, or an adult wanting to try the instrument for the first time, I look forward to helping you learn to love the instrument!

Initially trained as a classical violinist, my current passions include Southern Old-Time, Irish, French-Canadian Fiddle music and Klezmer. In June 2011, I became the first teacher in Washington State to be certified in the Mark O'Connor Violin Method, a developmental curriculum of American folk music for students of all levels. A frequent studio recording musician, I also perform locally and tour regionally with various ensembles.

Teaching Approach

In my lessons I offer personalized instruction according to the needs and desires of the student. My teaching philosophy centers around the idea that traditional violin-based folk music ("fiddle") can be used as a tool to learn and refine the techniques required to play the violin.

I believe learning to play the violin can be a rewarding, intuitive and maintainable experience for a person of any age, and that no prior musical experience is necessary. I am also available as a coach for students of orchestra and string ensembles.

My ...

I am a classically trained violinist with a degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. I graduated in 1985 and have been teaching music since. I teach online and out of my studio in Granby Massachusetts

I teach beginning fiddle students using ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner to make sure you have a strong foundation--as soon as you've mastered the basics of technique, notereading, and timing, we can get down to Millionaire's Hoedown and so on!