Private Violin or Fiddle Lessons (Including American country and fiddle music!)

From 78 C$ /h

Hi, there! With over 15 years' experience in teaching hundreds of children and adults, and over 25 years' experience performing all over the US and in Europe, I am confident in my ability to work with you to achieve your goals! I specialize in viola and violin lessons, in many styles, as well as music theory.

As a musician, I have toured and performed internationally, playing and singing with an American-Celtic folk group (Tullamore). I currently sing and play guitar and fiddle, performing and touring with an award-winning Americana group called Brackish Water Jamboree. Additionally, I play first violin with the Hampton Roads Philharmonic orchestra here in the US. I can work with you in many styles, including not only classical, but also Celtic, American folk or "old-timey", American country, blues, jazz, and rock styles.

Students describe my style as encouraging, humorous, and relaxed, and after working with hundreds of children and adults over the last 15 years, I am confident in my ability to work with any student, at any skill level, including those with special learning needs or requests. We would have individual, live video-chat music lessons in English, and we can choose a learning method together that best suits you and/or your family's needs.

Extra information

You will need a strong internet connection, your own instrument and accompanying supplies, and your own books. For young children (0-7 years old), a parent is required to attend lessons with the student.

Location

Online from United States

About Me

If you are ready to take on music lessons, your life will never be the same. Music enriches our minds and lives in many ways, including expanding our expectations past what we think is possible for ourselves! I've taught hundreds of students over the past 15 years, and have loved helping my students learn to read and play, discover their own love of music, and conquer their fears of performing. I've been described by students as encouraging and fun, and my teaching style is warm, positive, and relaxed. I have worked with many students, including some with learning disabilities, physical limitations, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and just plain old stage fright! I work with you to set your own goals, and I look forward to helping you reach them... It's what I love about what I do.

I began my violin studies at age 9, with my humble public school string program. I continued through high school and into college, playing and singing with auditioned district ensembles, school musicals, and chamber choirs, coming in as runner-up in my high school's concerto competition and performing twice in Carnegie Hall. I studied opera, vocal pedagogy, and passed my piano proficiency exam from the advanced class.

In 2003, I earned my violin performance degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and soon after, joined the Kansas City-based Celtic folk group, Tullamore. I have enjoyed 13 seasons with this lauded regional group, playing countless esteemed Celtic festivals across the country and embarking on five international tours of Ireland and Scotland, as well as a Caribbean cruise hosted for our fans.

In 2014, I relocated to Hampton, Virginia, where I auditioned for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic, and currently play as a first violinist.

In 2015, I began playing with Brackish Water Jamboree, an award-winning Americana band, host of the annual Norfolk Festival in Norfolk, Virginia and featured on NPR's Out of the Box series with Paul Shugrue and the national American country and roots show The Blue Plate Special.

Throughout this time, I have enjoyed teaching a full and enriching music studio of students: hosting recitals, open mics, and ensemble rehearsals, and watching students achieve goals they didn't know were even possible. I continue to teach online via Skype, Facebook video chat, and Google Hangouts, and I look forward to working with you to accomplish your own musical aspirations!

Education

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bachelor of Music in violin performance, 2003
While working towards my degree at UNL, I was selected regularly to play in extra ensembles and pit orchestras, and also studied vocal technique and pedagogy, as well as piano.

Experience / Qualifications

2002-present: Private teaching studio, First Chair Fiddlers; owner. I have taught hundreds of students--all ages and skill levels--over the past 16 years, including students with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, autism, dyslexia, extreme shyness (selective mutism), Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, and students with special physical needs (stroke or surgery recovery, nerve damage, limited mobility). I teach lessons not only with violin and viola, but also in guitar, piano, and mandolin. Member of the American String Teachers Association, as well as the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

2006-present: Freelance studio musician; vocals and violin: featured violin, string arrangements, and/or vocals on over 12 albums by independent artists.

2015-present: Hampton Roads Philharmonic orchestra; First Violinist

2016-present: Brackish Water Jamboree; fiddler, backup singer, backup guitarist: award-winning original album (2017); two-time VEER award winner for best Americana band (2017, 2018); founding group of the annual NorFOLK Festival held in Norfolk, Virginia, US; multiple tours of eastern United States

2005-2017: Tullamore (American-Celtic folk group); lead singer, fiddler: 5 recorded albums, 3 tours of Ireland, 2 tours of Scotland, 10 major US Celtic festivals

Age

Infants (0-3 years old)

Preschool children (4-6 years old)

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

30 minutes

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Violin

Musical styles:

Fiddle

Jazz

Rock

Classical

Viola

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Learn Guitar or Mandolin! Classical, jazz, bluegrass, and more!

78 C$ /h

You can learn to play the acoustic guitar, whether you are interested in classical studies, jazz, American country music, folk, or just want to play songs you like! I also offer lessons in mandolin, both with chords and melody, to learn bluegrass or other traditional styles.

We will spend time learning proper technique that sets you up for success by avoiding future physical roadblocks, making learning easy and swift for you. We will also learn chords, and begin learning songs of your choice, including melody and rhythm. We will have you playing your first song by the end of the second lesson!

Piano and Music Theory--Suzuki method or self-teach with guidance!

78 C$ /h

I teach many options for music lessons, including piano, music theory, guitar, violin, viola, and mandolin.

In our piano lessons, you will learn proper technique from the beginning, to set you up for success, avoiding future pitfalls and making your learning easy and swift! You will learn how to identify the keys on the keyboard, how to use your fingers and begin to master the fine motor control necessary for piano playing. You will also begin to learn chords, how to coordinate both hands, and begin learning songs right away!

Ester

4.89

(46)

My goal is to make people of all ages and levels learn not only playing an instrument but how can music help them in their everyday life.
I am an Albanian violinist, with a Bachelor degree in Classical Music (Violin) and Musicologie in Sorbonne University.
Over the years, my experiences with different youth and professional orchestras all around Europe have made me understand that music is important not only for professional musicians but also for everyone.
I can teach in English or French and of course in my mother tongue Albanian.

Camille

4.89

(46)

Hello !

My name is Camille, I'm 26 years old and I grew up in France, where I completed my violin training with soloist Marie Cantagrill. I then obtained my Bachelor's degree at the University of Arts in Graz (Austria), and I also studied for a year at the Academy of Music in Krakow with Professor Wojciech Koprowski.

Currently, I am continuing my studies in violin pedagogy (IGP – instrumental and vocal pedagogy) at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW).

Thanks to my experience with teachers from various countries, I have acquired a lot of knowledge in pedagogy, study techniques, musicality, etc., which I would love to share with you!

For me, it is essential to cultivate the pleasure of playing and to work on technique in the service of music.

Courses can be given in French, German or English, depending on your preferences.

I offer lessons at my home (equipped with an electric piano, music stand, etc.) or I can also travel to you, depending on the distance.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions or additional information.

See you soon !
Camille

Rebekka

4.89

(46)

Whether you have never held a violin in your hands or are an advanced player, all are welcome to contact me!
I have played the violin for over 20 years and am currently doing a master ́s of music in violin. Music is my passion, I have been teaching violin for 5 years, in music schools as well as privately from the ages of 7 to 60.
My aim in teaching is to enable the student to experience the beauty, richness and also the fun side of music, by helping to develop the technical skills needed to express oneself on the violin. I find it very important to take into account the personal goals and wishes of the student and to create an atmosphere of encouragement, creativity and mutual understanding.
No matter if you are interested in learning to play your favourite tunes just for fun or want to build up strong, solid technique and play demanding repertoire, I would be happy to work with you.The world of music is incredibly rich and I would love to help you on the exciting journey of discovering it. I believe it important to have variety in the process of learning and to help the student to develop good practising habits.
For those interested, I can also gladly include some music theory/music history knowledge in the lessons, to understand the pieces on a more profound level.
The lessons can be taught in either Estonian, English, German or Spanish.

Ashlin

4.89

(46)

Online Violin Classes for all Age group. Looking for a right Violin Classes? , to enter for a safe and quick learning experience? Then your search is over. You are now in the correct place. Book your lessons right now to enjoy and to enter to the fun World of Music.

Abbigale

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(46)

This class introduces students to the fundamentals of playing the viola and violin in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Students will learn how to properly hold and care for the instrument, develop basic bowing techniques, and begin reading simple music notation. Through guided exercises, rhythm practice, and easy melodies, participants will build foundational skills in tone production, posture, and musical expression.

The class also emphasizes listening skills, ensemble awareness, and confidence while playing with others. No prior musical experience is required. By the end of the course, students will be able to play simple pieces and have a strong foundation for continuing their viola/violin studies.

Michaël

4.89

(46)

These courses are primarily aimed at beginners or false beginners wishing to learn the violin on a solid foundation, in a progressive and motivating way.

Trained in classical and chamber music by a conservatory professor, I have developed an approach to the violin that is both rigorous and accessible, always keeping the pleasure of playing as the objective.

We work on the essential fundamentals: posture, bow hold, intonation, tone, and basic musicality. Emphasis is placed on a clear progression adapted to each student.

Each lesson is personalized according to your pace and objectives, whether it's to discover the instrument, consolidate the basics or evolve towards a more expressive style of playing.

Courses are available in French or English.

Alper

4.89

(46)

Hello! I am a professional music educator with 16 years of experience dedicated to making music an indispensable part of life rather than just a lesson. Throughout my career, I have mentored over 1,000 students individually, guiding hundreds of them to successfully enter Conservatories and Fine Arts High Schools. 🏆

My philosophy is simple: Music is loved first, then learned. I prioritize building a deep connection between the student and their instrument. Whether you want to master the Piano, Violin, Guitar, or Oud, I offer a holistic approach that combines technical skill, ear training, and rhythm development.

I don’t believe in rote memorization. My teaching system is based on logic and understanding the "mathematics" of music. By simplifying complex music theory and "Makam" knowledge into practical and engaging methods, I ensure my students reach a stage-ready level in as little as one year. 🎼

In my online studio, I provide a high-quality learning experience using multi-camera angles and professional sound setups that rival face-to-face lessons. Whether you are a preschooler, a young aspiring artist, or an adult beginner, I create personalized, goal-oriented roadmaps to help you reach your musical dreams. 🌍

Let’s start this journey together and build a solid foundation that lasts a lifetime

Pietro

4.89

(46)

My violin studio class includes everybody. All nationalities, all ages and all levels. I’ve been studying the violin for many years now and I have gained significant experience performing and teaching students. I really think I can guide someone tailor made! Teaching is something that really passionates me and I really really look foreign to get to know you! See you soon!

Dmitri

4.89

(46)

I discovered my Methodist gift long before I started working at the school. Fascinated by archery, I didn't immediately rush to enroll in the archery program, but instead became a regular at the shooting range. There were two of them there, already candidates for master archery. I asked how long they had been training—eleven years! Wow... Back then, they weren't called "already candidates," but "still candidates." After a month of watching them, I understood why they were still candidates: I saw all the flaws in their technique, all the shortcomings in the coach's work with them, but most importantly: in my mind, down to the smallest detail, the image of the perfect shot began to take shape. I enrolled in the archery section and, in less than three months, I became the best archer in Ashgabat (the capital of Turkmenistan).

***

Then I had another experience, also unrelated to music—my children. All three of them had incredibly early speech development. Especially the eldest...

At eight months old, he already had impeccable Russian pronunciation, even the almost impossible "r" sound for his age. Someone had the bright idea to show it to a baby! And he fell in love with it... So his first word wasn't a surprise to us. One day, watching the older children play, he suddenly shouted in their direction: "Tractor!" Like a little crow! Then came the words "daddy," "Cuba," "mommy"... Exactly in that order... Well, with "tractor" it's understandable—he'd heard it before. But where did "Cuba" come from? From the age of five months, he and I studied the political map of the world that hung on our wall every day, and by the second month of our studies, he would point out any country on this map, even tiny ones like Qatar, Kuwait, and Andorra. And when we found Cuba, I would sing to him. Before, instead of lullabies, my father would sing me harsh sailors' songs; now, in our "geography lessons," he would sing Cuban revolutionary songs to my son: "The people united will never be defeated," "Commander Che Guevara..."

At nine months, his vocabulary, just in part, consisted of plant and animal names alone, exceeding two hundred words. He recognized them in photos and named them... How did his vocabulary grow? From birth, we talked to him a lot. We spoke to him like an adult, without the slightest hint of a slighting at his age. And not in the cloying way typical of teachers who begin their speeches by calling the children "children," affectionately pushing the students back into their "childhood." Diligence is necessary, but without adult despotism, even gentle despotism. The focus shouldn't be on obedience, but on the child's participation in collaborative creation, where he will play a leading role and, therefore, won't need any instruction on the importance of diligence...

Besides fostering trust, there were educational games. When he was eight months old and we decided to buy him his first toy, the games for three- or four-year-olds seemed offensively primitive to us. So we immediately started with games for five- or six-year-olds... The neighborhood children of that age, whom we invited to play with him, were offended by our constant losses to a baby, and soon it was just us, his parents, playing with him. And we lost, too...

At twelve months, our son began to express complex sentences, using conjunctions like "if," "for," and "because." We took him for a walk. He saw a worker walking along the edge of a four-story roof and shouted, "Hey, man! Get down from there! If you fall, you'll break your lip!" This, it seems, was the first time we noticed a complex sentence in his speech.

At thirteen to fourteen months old, he could read from memory a dozen entire books for five- to seven-year-old children...

In the second year, he learned to put letters into words. He still wasn't interested in reading, but at four, unexpectedly, he began reading thick books without pictures. By the age of seven, I had read almost all seven volumes of Gogol's complete works. By ten—"Crime and Punishment," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "The Idiot" by Dostoevsky... Early? I wasn't reading those books myself at that age, but I watched the film adaptations of them and, I remember, was deeply impressed... Perhaps it's not exclusively adult literature?

Besides the specific principles for each task, there are principles common to all activities. And, apparently, I understand them, if I manage to achieve such rapid and impressive results in completely different matters?

***

They brought me a little girl. I listened to her sing—she had no chance of passing the entrance exams… Her name is “The Bear Stepped on Her Ear”… But I decided to try to help her. For two months, five days a week, the girl and I sang two-part solfège exercises. On the day of the exams, I came to the school: our excited solfège teacher jumped out of the headmistress's office: “They brought in a girl! A real prodigy!” I asked, “Julia?” “Do you know her?” “My student…” “Really?! And the headmistress has already enrolled her in your class…” “And of course, they asked the girl herself if she wanted to play the piano?” Julia was enrolled in my class, but from then on, she wasn't just my pride and joy; throughout her years of study, she defended the honor of our school in the city and republic solfège competitions.

I wanted to enroll my eldest son in music school for cello, but unable to find a good teacher, I decided to teach him myself, given that I had never even tried the instrument. In four years, we won several local and regional competitions, including the "New Names" competition. And at the end of our fourth year of study, we met a renowned professor who evaluated my work... with a solid "zero." How else could I understand his "well, we all have to start from scratch here"? I was discouraged, but the professor expressed his desire to hear my son play again without me present. Then there was a third audition... and another... After the fourth audition, my son came home with a huge stack of sheet music under his arm: "I've been accepted into the third year of the professional conservatory!" "Great! And what's this?" I asked, taking the sheet music from him. "Summer homework..." Reviewing notebook after notebook... Studies, pieces, concertos, everything—everything—in the repertoire collections for the first year of the conservatory! "Is that what some people call 'starting all over again?!'"

"Little Bear with Doll stomps, stomps—look at you..." Where does this come from? From a violin method for the first year, that is, for children aged five to seven. For developmentally delayed children? No. For average children, as if... But average children at four years old play Bach concertos, at five Vivaldi's "Seasons" concertos, at six Paganini concertos, at seven Tchaikovsky concertos... Of course, not all of them. But where in our methods is anything that would call a child to look beyond the horizon of their current abilities? I respect the principle of gradual development, but not prolonged gradual development. "Can you fix the cart?" "I'll do it in a day." "And in two?" "I can do it in two..." "And in five?" "It's difficult, sir... But if you try, I can do it in five..." "And in ten!" "Well... You're really putting me on the spot, sir... I won't be able to do this alone in ten days... I need a helper, Homo sapiens!" I couldn't contain my youngest son. On the contrary, I encouraged his zeal in every way. As a result, at the very end of his second year of school, he won the regional competition as part of the "New Names" program, playing Bruch's concerto in the final. At eight years old! It might not seem surprising if we consider at what age others play this concerto. Some play it as early as six... But in their fourth year of school! Or at least, in their third...

In Spain, I met a mother of twin daughters who was obsessed with their development. She was eager to share their experiences with me, but they were already "spread out" by teachers and classes. The Spanish general secondary education system mandates a full extension program for everyone from first to eighth grade. The girls return from school at five o'clock, leaving them with five hours before bedtime. And in those five hours, the girls had to fit in rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, math, chess, English, Kumon, Kickbrains... The only thing missing was violin!

I must say that there was already a failed attempt to teach the girls to play the violin. Their first "teacher," if you can call him that, was the violinist from the Valencian Symphony Orchestra. He never let them hold the violin during their first year of school and the first term of their second: "The violin is too difficult for a six-year-old. Let's learn to play violin camouflage first?" Right there in the classroom, the teacher takes a biscuit tin, tapes a round stick to the side of the crib, and on this "Straddivali" he offers to teach them to play the violin. And what's the difference between "playing the violin without a violin" and "playing football without a ball"? It would seem the stupidity here is obvious, wouldn't it? But no... Neither the teacher nor the girls' parents see this stupidity, and it continues for thirteen months! During this "lesson," the parents manage to pay the charlatan as much as 3,640 euros! One hundred and forty euros a month for each girl...

The girls played the violin five times a week, and only in my class. Because they were overloaded beyond measure, my lessons with them were constantly reduced. We never had more than 15-20 minutes a day. However, in their third year of study, they played Fritz Kreisler's "Three Old Viennese Waltzes": "Torments of Love," "Joy of Love," and "Beautiful Rosemary." Listen to the second one, and you'll realize what an achievement this is! At the end of their fifth year, the girls prepared for the entrance exams to the professional Conservatory: Telemann's "First Fantasy," Mozart's "Third Concerto," "Spanish Dance" from Falla's ballet "Life Is Short," and Sarasate's "Malagueña," and they were immediately accepted into the fifth year. Furthermore, they were immediately elected as soloists in the student orchestra.

It's true that during the last two years, with the goal of entering the professional conservatory, the girls had already found two hours a day to study, and even three sometimes... But fifteen minutes a day in the first three years was woefully inadequate. And how did we manage to stretch fifteen minutes to at least forty-five, in terms of efficiency? Through motivation! I found motivating videos for the girls, especially recordings of gifted children... I made playing a violin duet a mandatory part of the daily lessons, which disciplined them rhythmically and trained their ear for harmony... I implemented the rule of stealing time from lessons for solfège... As we can see, even with very limited time, a lot can be achieved if the lesson content is organized correctly.

***

The importance of teacher monitoring student progress cannot be overstated. Students shouldn't have to wait three or four days until the next class with their questions and difficulties. Progress is monitored almost daily. I don't insist on daily checks, but if my students want them, I'm happy to help!

Joel

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Unlock your musical potential with personalized violin lessons tailored to your unique goals and learning style!
Whether you are picking up the violin for the very first time, refining your intermediate skills, or preparing for advanced professional examinations, this course provides a structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
What You Will Learn:
Foundational Technique: Proper posture, bow hold, intonation, and fingerboard mechanics.
Tone Production & Expression: Developing a rich, resonant sound and musical phrasing.
Comprehensive Musicianship: Sight-reading, music theory, and a structured progression through the ABRSM training syllabus.
Repertoire Building: A diverse mix of classical, contemporary, and student-selected pieces to keep practice inspiring.
Lessons are customized to nurture confidence, discipline, and a lifelong passion for music. Let's make progress together!

Maria

4.89

(46)

Hi! I'm a violinist and a graduate of the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, Poland, where I completed my Master's degree.

I offer individual violin lessons for children and adults, both beginners and more advanced players.

For me, learning the violin is not just about playing the right notes. It's also about enjoying music, discovering new things and having fun along the way. I like to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where students feel comfortable, motivated and free to learn at their own pace.

Playing the violin can also help develop concentration, patience and attention to detail - skills that are useful far beyond music!

During lessons, we can work on:

Improving intonation and sound quality

Developing good technique and posture

Learning how to practise effectively

Playing comfortably, without unnecessary tension or pain

Building confidence and musical expression

I really enjoy teaching and seeing my students improve, gain confidence and become more comfortable with their instrument. Every student is different, so I always try to adapt my lessons to their individual needs and goals.

Whether you're just starting out or want to improve your playing, I'd be happy to help you on your musical journey!

Feel free to get in touch! :)

Rebecca

4.89

(46)

Beginner violin lessons for children in Philadelphia — online or in-person. I've played violin since I was five, and as an early childhood educator I keep lessons supportive, encouraging, and fun. No previous experience needed — we start at your child's pace, building confidence and foundational skills one small step at a time. 45-minute lessons. Message me to chat about whether lessons would be a good fit for your child.

Şevin

4.89

(46)

I have five years of violin training, along with experience teaching both private lessons and at a private institution. I also served for four years as a second violinist in a youth symphony orchestra. What motivates me to teach is watching my students progress from struggling with bow technique, one of the hardest parts of this relatively difficult instrument, to playing concertos. Lessons for all levels and age groups follow the Ömer Can Violin Education method. Alongside etudes, we will also work on scales, concertos suited to the student’s level, and popular pieces, and repertoire can be chosen according to the student’s wishes. Beyond playing the instrument, we will learn the fundamentals of music through understanding rather than memorization, which lays the groundwork for learning another instrument and for understanding music more deeply.

Bikesh

4.89

(46)

For Complete Beginners:
Don't worry if you've never held a violin before. We can start from the very beginning—how to hold the instrument and bow, basic posture, producing a good sound, simple exercises, and gradually learning your first pieces and later moving on to syllabus.

Sample 1-Hour Lesson — Experienced Students

1. Finger Warm-Up: 2 Mins
- Short exercises to warm up the fingers

2. Scales: 10 Mins
- Working on scales with different rhythmic variations.

3. Etudes: 10 mins
- Depending on your level, we can work with materials such as Ševčík, Wohlfahrt, or Kreutzer.

4. Method / Technique Books: 20 Mins
For example, we can work with Maiabang Book 1. If you prefer another approach, I can also teach using Suzuki materials.
Please note: I am not a Suzuki-trained teacher.

5. Your Chosen Piece: 10 Mins
We spend time working on a piece you actually want to learn, focusing on technique, musical expression, and the difficulties you encounter.

6. Review & Revision: 8 mins
We finish by reviewing what we worked on and discussing what you can practice before the next lesson.

John

4.89

(46)

Teaching all ages,levels,styles.Learn the music you wish to learn.The student decides the direction,not the teacher.I teach an individualized style to each level.You learn chords,how to chord songs,how to accompany,how to solo.The lessons,are both encouraging and focused.The average,student stays,three years with many,staying much longer.You will be impressed with the approach!!