Music Lessons

Thanks for your interest in private music instruction! I have been teaching violin and fiddle for over ten years, as well as mandolin, guitar, and vocals. During this time I have had the pleasure of working with people of all levels, ranging in age from five to seventy-five. I have taught as many as twenty-five students privately each week, but my current schedule allows time for just fifteen dedicated students. Lessons are taught at Matt’s Music in Templeton, CA, and most students commit to either a 30 minute or 45 minute lesson on a weekly basis.

My goal as a teacher is to find the spark that inspires students to play, and to help develop that spark. For some students it may be classical music or ensemble playing, while for others it may be fiddling, improvisation, rock, popular music….. anything goes! So often people think of the violin as only a classical or country/bluegrass instrument, but it can be used in any genre. The boundaries are only set by the creativity of the player.

Tuition

Due at the beginning of each month, billed one month at a time. 48 hour cancellation policy is required for a refund except for illness or family emergency. Thanks for understanding :o)

30 minute lesson - $28 ($112 per month)

45 minute lesson - $40 ($160 per month)

One hour lesson - $45 ($180 per month)

Please email for lesson time availability: CowgirlPlaystheFiddle@GMail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What age should my child start learning to play the violin?

A: Like most things, it depends. Starting early is best, but the child must be motivated to learn and capable of maintaining focus during lessons and regular home practice. While some teachers will start children as young as age three, I prefer to work with students eight and up.

Q: How often will I (or my child) need to practice?

A: As general rule, you should practice at least four days a week in addition to your weekly lesson. A beginner may only practice for fifteen minutes a day, whereas more accomplished students may practice for 45 minutes or longer.

Q: I’m an adult and I’ve never played an instrument before. Am I crazy to try to learn the violin now?

A: NO – you’re not crazy. You probably won’t learn as quickly as a child does, but with dedication most adults do just fine. In my many years of teaching adults I’ve found that the people who succeed and continue with the violin are folks that laugh at their own mistakes and focus on learning instead of perfecting. You will sound terrible, so laugh it off.

Q: What will I need to get started?

A: A proper sized and playable violin (Matt’s music can size you). Most people over five feet tall fit a full sized violin. You’ll also need a case, bow, rosin, and a shoulder rest (required). Whatever you do, DO NOT go on ebay and buy a $75 or $100 "deal". Most cheap violins require a substantial investment in upgrades and repair work just to make them playable. If you aren’t paying around $200 or more, you are probably buying a piece of junk. If you’re hesitant to make the initial investment there are great affordable options for renting violins on a monthly basis. Matt’s can help you with that as well. Their phone number is 805-237-0054.


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	Violin & Fiddle Instruction Without Boundaries Thanks for your interest in private music instruction! I have been teaching violin and fiddle for over ten years, as well as mandolin, guitar, and vocals. During this time I have had the pleasure of working with people of all levels, ranging in age from five to seventy-five. I have taught as many as twenty-five students privately each week, but my current schedule allows time for just fifteen dedicated students. Lessons are taught at Matt’s Music in Templeton, CA, and most students commit to either a 30 minute or 45 minute lesson on a weekly basis. My goal as a teacher is to find the spark that inspires students to play, and to help develop that spark. For some students it may be classical music or ensemble playing, while for others it may be fiddling, improvisation, rock, popular music….. anything goes! So often people think of the violin as only a classical or country/bluegrass instrument, but it can be used in any genre. The boundaries are only set by the creativity of the player. Tuition Due at the beginning of each month, billed one month at a time. 48 hour cancellation policy is required for a refund except for illness or family emergency. Thanks for understanding :o) 30 minute lesson - $28 ($112 per month) 45 minute lesson - $40 ($160 per month) One hour lesson - $45 ($180 per month) Please email for lesson time availability: CowgirlPlaystheFiddle@GMail.com Frequently Asked Questions Q: What age should my child start learning to play the violin? A: Like most things, it depends. Starting early is best, but the child must be motivated to learn and capable of maintaining focus during lessons and regular home practice. While some teachers will start children as young as age three, I prefer to work with students eight and up. Q: How often will I (or my child) need to practice? A: As general rule, you should practice at least four days a week in addition to your weekly lesson. A beginner may only practice for fifteen minutes a day, whereas more accomplished students may practice for 45 minutes or longer. Q: I’m an adult and I’ve never played an instrument before. Am I crazy to try to learn the violin now? A: NO – you’re not crazy. You probably won’t learn as quickly as a child does, but with dedication most adults do just fine. In my many years of teaching adults I’ve found that the people who succeed and continue with the violin are folks that laugh at their own mistakes and focus on learning instead of perfecting. You will sound terrible, so laugh it off. Q: What will I need to get started? A: A proper sized and playable violin (Matt’s music can size you). Most people over five feet tall fit a full sized violin. You’ll also need a case, bow, rosin, and a shoulder rest (required). Whatever you do, DO NOT go on ebay and buy a $75 or $100 "deal". Most cheap violins require a substantial investment in upgrades and repair work just to make them playable. If you aren’t paying around $200 or more, you are probably buying a piece of junk. If you’re hesitant to make the initial investment there are great affordable options for renting violins on a monthly basis. Matt’s can help you with that as well. Their phone number is 805-237-0054. \| Return Home \| Performance Schedule \| Julie & the BadDogs \| Contact Info \| Biography \| CDs & DVDs \| In the Press \| Music Lessons \|