Fiddle and Mandolin Lessons

I give fiddle and mandolin lessons to students of all ages and levels of experience at workshops around the country and out of my studio, American Strings Music Studio, which is located near downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. In addition to teaching traditional bluegrass and classic country-style fiddle and mandolin, I teach other styles, including Irish, Cajun, blues, even some Scandinavian, swing, klezmer and Gypsy.

I’m also a classically trained violinist, so with some students I take a hybrid approach, combining fiddle and traditional classical repertoire and techniques. This approach works particularly well for traditional classical violin students who are interested in learning how to improvise, or to add a uniquely American touch (e.g., swing and blues) to their playing, or to explore other genres and traditions.

Although I’m not formally a Suzuki instructor, my teaching style is modeled on the Suzuki method. I emphasize ear training and tone production. Even with students who are learning using standard notation, I emphasize ear training, teaching tunes by ear, through call and response. And like Suzuki instructors, I believe in giving lots and lots of encouragement, and trying to make the lesson as relaxing and non-intimidating as possible.

Above all, I believe in making the lessons suit the individual student. If you’re interested in fiddle or mandolin lessons, send me an email and let me know what you would like to accomplish with your playing or which styles of music you’re interested in exploring, and we can come up with a lesson plan that will keep you motivated and help you accomplish your goals.