WELCOME NEW VIOLIN STUDENTS!

I offer violin/fiddle lessons at my home studio in South Minneapolis (near 50th Street and Hiawatha). Students range from beginners who have never played to players who are quite advanced. Some study mostly Classical and some mostly fiddle tunes– most do a little of both. Lessons are generally weekly and a half hour long.

I have had a lot of fun teaching adults and I have found (contrary to popular belief) that they can learn music just as fast as the kids, provided they find the time to practice. Recently, I’ve started an improvisation class for adults on Wednesday nights where we study the art of repeating ostinatos, playing over drones, blues, creating harmonies and variations, playing backup, as well as improv-oriented practicing.

Above all, I try to make sure all my students to enjoy learning process!

EXPERIENCE

I have been playing for over 20 years, and teaching for 9. I teach 20-30 students privately each week and present workshops at places like MacPhail Center for Music, North House Folk School, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, DePaul and various other colleges and universities. My own music studies were at Macalester College in St Paul and my teachers include Mark O’Connor, James Maurer, Mary Horozaniecki, Christian Teal, Connie Hearst, Paul Rowinski, and Diane Wagstaff.

CONTACT

I will be happy to answer your questions! Click here to contact me. If you wish, you may set up 1 trial lesson to get a sense of things.

RENTING AN INSTRUMENT

There are many fine shops in the Twin Cities, but one of my favorites is Fein Violins in St. Paul. They can set you up with a rental package, and find the proper size instrument for the kids, based on arm length. Other shops include Quinn Violins in Minneapolis and House of Note in Minnetonka.

You will also need a shoulder rest. Whichever type you find most comfortable. Kun brand is one that a lot of people like. I also recommend trying some others to see what’s right for you. I have had good luck with Comfort and Bon Musica models.