Private Lessons

Making music should be fun.  That’s where I start with my students and that’s what my goal is for my students.  It thrills me when I hear stories of my students taking their violins to school and playing for their class or playing in a talent show.  It excites me when I hear how family members are learning instruments so they can play together.  I remember the day when a mother of three was sitting on a bench in my yard, practicing her violin before her lesson.  One of her daughters quickly unpacked her own violin and joined in.  Wow!  That is what I want for my students.

 Violin or Fiddle?

It’s fun for me to know what style of music you want to play when you begin taking lessons.  It’s fun, but it’s not really important because all students start out very much the same way.  Then, as time progresses, we can lean in the direction you want to go.  Many of my students enjoy playing a little in this style, and a little in that style.  You never really have to make a decision to be either a violinist or a fiddler.  Today’s musician can do it all!

 How Often?  How Long?

It is best to have weekly lessons.  Our schedules, however, don’t always make that possible.  In that case, I’ll work with your schedule.  I’ll also ask you to work with my schedule.  Sometimes I have rehearsals, concerts, Fiddle Camp, and hopefully, an occasional vacation.  Most of my students take half-hour lessons weekly.  I also have students taking 45 minute lessons and others taking one hour lessons.

In Person?  Via Skype?

I have been teaching lessons via Skype for many years. I have full-time Skype students as well as part-time Skype students.  Local students Skype when for example; their busy schedules allow time for a lesson, but not time to travel too, when the weather is bad; when there is no one to bring them; and, for other reasons as well.  Lessons via Skype is not exactly the same as lessons in person, but with advancing technology, good equipment and high-speed internet, it’s almost like being there!

 Student Profile

I have had students start as young as three and old enough to be considered “senior”.  Some of my students have had previous instruction on the violin, or piano, or voice, or saxophone, or french horn,    or . . .  Some of my students have never had any other type of musical instruction.  My students are pre-school, school-age, home schooled, working parents, non-working parents, retired . . . Many of my students are involved in other activities, including sports.