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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. Often the word violin is used when referring to classical music, and fiddle suggests traditional folk music, but classical players pick up their fiddles, and fiddlers play violins. Whether reading music or playing by ear, the best players use good technique and careful listening in every musical genre.
My Teaching
Normally I teach in my home studio in Longmont, Colorado. At this time however, I am 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. I am working on hosting our monthly group lessons on Zoom and will update as this progresses.
When working with children, I use the Suzuki method. Suzuki music education is about you, your child, and me (click on this link for more information about the concept of The Suzuki Triangle) working together to develop your child's natural ability. Lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes per week. 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 (click on this link for more information about the concept of The Suzuki Triangle) working together to develop your child's natural ability. Lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes per week. 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
A Scottish primary school classroom teacher, I emigrated to America in 1982. I attended The University of Michigan for my undergraduate degree in Music Education, a Masters Degree in Education from Lesley University, studied violin Pedagogy at Juilliard in the spring of 2017, and Graduate Certificate work on 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