Fiddle & Violin Lessons

First things first … what’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle? Same instrument, different style of music! Folk musicians usually call it a fiddle. Classical musicians tend to call it a violin. Our contemporary string curriculum sets students up to play music from Folk to Bach and beyond … focus on your favourite style or explore them all!

DETAILS

Ages: 4 years to Adult

Levels: Beginner to Advanced

Styles: Classical, Celtic, Folk, Show Tunes

Lesson Types: Individual (1:1), Buddy (2:1), Group (7:1)

Free Ensemble: Fid Kidz

ALL FIDDLE & VIOLIN STUDENTS WILL

  • Learn how to hold the violin in a way that is effortless and ergonomic.

  • Strengthen their inner rhythm and feel.

  • Learn to read music and play by ear. 

  • Learn a diverse repertoire of pieces that are fun to play while developing a strong technical foundation.

Group Lessons for Kids

Weekly 45m group lessons for kids ages 4 - 17y.

FID KIDZ

A special FREE / PWYC fiddle ensemble for kids with at least 1 year playing experience. Dates TBA. Ages 7y - 17y

FREE / PWYC

GROUP LESSONS - Lil' Fidz

Fun first fiddle class for young kids ages 4 - 6 & their caregivers. Saturdays 11:00 - 11:45am, Sept 2024 - June 2025.

$126 / mo.

GROUP LESSONS - Int. / Adv.

Learn tunes, technique & musicality with a group of like-levelled kids! Dates TBA. Ages 7y - 17y. 45 minute class / week, Sept 2024 - June 2025.

$126 / mo.

Individual & Buddy Lessons

36 weekly lessons from Sept 2024 - June 2025.

Individual 1:1

  • Weekly individual 30m lesson: $140.90 / mo.

  • Weekly individual 45m lesson: $211.36 / mo.

  • Weekly individual 60m lesson: $281.81 / mo.

Buddy 2:1

  • Weekly buddy 30m lesson: $112.72 / mo. / student

  • Weekly buddy 45m lesson: $169.09 / mo. / student

  • Weekly buddy 60m lesson: $255.33 / mo. / student

Group Lessons for Adults

You’re never too old to pick up the fiddle! Join one of our social adult fiddle groups for an 8-week session - we’ve got something for everyone from beginner to advanced.

FAQs

  • Every student is different, but here are a few recommendations to get you started:

    0-5y: We recommend starting with an early childhood music class - you can join our Music Makers Class or another early childhood music class in town. If you're kiddo is eager to start playing fiddle / violin, check out Lil' Fidz!

    4-6y: It's time for Lil' Fidz - our fun first fiddle & violin class for young kids ages 4 - 6 & caregivers. Saturdays 11:00 - 11:45am, Sept 2024 - June 2025. Individual lessons for 4 - 6y olds will be offered on a case-by-case basis.

    7 - 17y: Choose between group , buddy , or individual lessons. Group lessons will be organized based on age & level, specific times TBA.

    18y +: Join our adult group classes (8-week sessions) or take individual / buddy lessons. Some teachers offer flexible scheduling via Class Pass for adults upon request.

  • Students learn the same fundamentals & technique, and progress at similar rates in individual, buddy & group lessons - here are some reasons you might prefer one lesson format over another:

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    Group Lessons - max. 7 students / teacher. We find students thrive in a social music making environment and get motivated and inspired by group lessons! Students receive individualized attention & support, as well as the added bonus of peer support.

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    Buddy Lessons - 2 students / teacher. Buddy lessons are "bring your own buddy" and are great if you have a friend who you want to learn with.

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    Individual Lessons - 1 student / teacher.

  • You're right - the instruments, and the technique needed to play them are the same! We differentiate because our teacher specialize in specific styles of music.

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    That being said if you're not sure what style you'd like to play yet you can choose to study and explore different styles!

  • Fiddle students will:

    - Play traditional folk music from Canada, the US, Europe and Scandinavia. 

    - Explore back-up techniques like fills, chords, and just a little chopping.

    - Learn traditional and modern tunes in a variety of metres like jigs, reels, polkas, and barn dances.

    - Work on groove and danceability.

  • Violin students will:

    - Play classical, jazz, latin &/or popular repertoire to suit students’ goals and musical interests.

    - Learn traditional and modern pieces like gavottes, bourres, minuets and etudes while diving into music history and theory.

    - Work on advanced techniques such as vibrato, double stops, harmonics and shifting to open up expressive possibilities.

  • Both!

Meet your teachers:

Adrianna Ciccone

Mairi Chaimbeul

Japhy Sullivan