Fiddle Lessons in Arlington. Amazing Teachers.

I have been teaching Irish fiddle style for 15 years. I will usually start the student in either a basic fiddle book or Suzuki to learn how to do proper bowing, positioning and technique. The student will be able to read notes. If desired, I will also teach the more advanced about chord progression through the songs. I do know the appalachian style also but it is asked for less frequently.

Whether you want to learn tunes by ear or drag the bow like a fiddle pro, I can set you on the path to success! My private students range in age from 4 to 40 years old, and I have gone on to become music teachers, composers, and professional musicians. My most influential fiddle teachers have included Emily Schaad, Jay Ungar, Junior Daugherty, Matt Glaser, and Bruce Molsky.

I instruct in the Scottish style of fiddling, with a rounded approach, including introductions to the Cape Breton, Highland, Grand Northeast, and Shetland regional styles.

I teach beginner fiddle, drawing upon a repertoire and style reflective of my background in traditional Southeastern US/Southern Appalachian fiddling. I have the ability to teach either without or without written musical notation; however, in either case, we will work on ear-training and learning to play by ear.

Fiddle:
Fiddle is another name for the bowed string musical instrument more often called a violin, and is the term for the instrument used by players in all genres, including classical music. Fiddle playing, or fiddling, refers to various styles of music. Fiddle is also a common term among musicians who play folk music on the violin. Lessons would start with the basics: Tuning, hand/bow technique, placement, ear training, notes, reading, songs, scales, theory and learning how to take a solo.

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!