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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 work one on one with each student. Parents of young students attend lessons, listen quietly and take notes. They are then the teacher at home practice time.
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 listening and parental involvement in daily practicing is essential.
With older children and adults, I expect the student to work independently. I teach note reading from the start. With fiddle students, I use 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 listening and parental involvement in daily practicing is essential.
With older children and adults, I expect the student to work independently. I teach note reading from the start. With fiddle students, I use 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
I grew up in Scotland, graduated from Hamilton College of Education and was a Scottish primary school classroom teacher for many years. After emigrating to America in 1982, I earned an undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan, and a Masters Degree in Education from Lesley University. I taught public school general music, K-5th grade, for over 20 years, studied violin Pedagogy at Juilliard, and Graduate Certificate coursework in Arts Administration at CU Boulder. My Suzuki violin teacher training I did with Ellie Albers-LeRoux. Teaching and performing Scottish traditional fiddle music is something I enjoy very much. Playing fiddle has taken me all over Britain, Europe, Singapore, and America 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