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Welcome to the World of Violin and Fiddle playing!
What's the difference?
Violin and fiddle are two names for the same instrument. Classical players pick up their fiddles, and fiddlers play violins. Whether reading music or playing by ear, the best players in every musical genre use good technique and listening skills.
My Teaching
I teach in my home studio in Longmont, Colorado. I also working virtually, through Zoom. I work one on one with each student. Parents of young students attend lessons, listen quietly and take notes while I work with their child.
When working with children, I use the Suzuki method. Suzuki music education is about you, your child, and me working together to develop your child's natural ability. (click on this link for more on The Suzuki Triangle) Lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes per week. Daily listenig and parental involvement in daily practicing is essential.
When working with older children and adults, I expect the student is workinging independently and I teach note reading from the start.
With fiddle students, I foster a combination of reading and ear-to-hand skills.
For more detailed information about when to start lessons and what's involved once you do, visit this page.
When working with children, I use the Suzuki method. Suzuki music education is about you, your child, and me working together to develop your child's natural ability. (click on this link for more on The Suzuki Triangle) Lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes per week. Daily listenig and parental involvement in daily practicing is essential.
When working with older children and adults, I expect the student is workinging independently and I teach note reading from the start.
With fiddle students, I foster a combination of reading and ear-to-hand skills.
For more detailed information about when to start lessons and what's involved once you do, visit this page.
About Me
My background is in Scottish primary school classroom teaching. After emigrating to America, I attended The University of Michigan where I earned an undergraduate degree in Music Education, and a Masters Degree in Education from Lesley University, after which I taught general music, K-5th grade, for over 20 years. I studied violin Pedagogy at Juilliard, and studied Graduate Certificate coursework in Arts Administration at CU Boulder. My Suzuki violin teacher training I did with Ellie Albers-Leroux, an internationally respected Suzuki teacher. I grew up in Scotland where I learned to play the music of my homeland, and have taught and performed Scottish traditional fiddle music all over Britain, America, Singapore, Australia, and Europe. For more information, click here.
"Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. The potential of every child is unlimited." Shinichi Suzuki