music lessons

I do love the Irish and Scottish dance music out of the 18th century, which is often called "acoustic/traditional Celtic" today. Let's not forget that much of this dance music was brought to America with our ancestors (mine are Irish and British), and is now played in bluegrass, old time, contradance, blues, and even rock styles.

My background is classical. I studied hard for 22 years. I practiced 4-6 hours a day and played in symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles. I was lucky to tour the world with a jr Symphony as a kid and the US as a young adult.

I started playing fiddle in a contradance band at the age of 10, electric violin in a rock band @ 14 and bluegrass fiddle and mandolin @ 18. I've progressed since then, learning jazz, Balinese, Indian, Egyptian, Klezmer and Irish styles.

In 1996, I went to Ireland. First to Sligo, where my Grandfather was from, then to Kilfenora in County Clare where I stayed with my friend Maire Doherty and learned that style of fiddling from the locals; playing every night in sessions at Linnane's Pub for a month. Every Thursday were set dances performed by the Kilfenora Céile Band, and I sat in awe, watching their right and left hands, bowing, and keeping track of the tunes and ornamentation. I've stuck with that style of fiddling since and have grown a lot musically since then. The fiddling I do with my band Woodkerne is closest to that style of Irish more than anything else.

But I play because I do. It's in my blood. Since the age of 4. It's something I can do very well. And in this time of recession and economic hard times, I often turn to the music because it keeps me focused and keeps me sane.  I feel the same way about teaching!

• Click here for a link to the instruments and styles I teach.

• Click here for a current schedule of availability.

I have a certificate in violin and viola from the New England Conservatory of Music (1980), and a Bachelor's in Music.  I have been teaching both privately and in public schools since 1986.

what does it cost for lessons?

I realize it is an extraordinary commitment for most adults to take music lessons these days, both financially as well as socially (putting a damper on time for other pleasures).  Students must take into account the significance of this goal in their lives and factor in the cost of instrument rental ($30/mo), or purchase ($500-$5,000), sheet music ($150/year), accessories (strings, shoulder rest, etc: $100/year), repairs (bow rehairing, other minor repairs: $100/year).  It is not cheap to learn to play an instrument, whether you attempt to teach yourself or not.

But the rewards of your commitment and investment are priceless in terms of your ability to play music with others. 

Think carefully before you make a commitment.  I am a very serious teacher.  I give my students 100% of my musical skills and passion.  It's what they do with what they learn that makes the difference.*

Rules/Requirements for Lessons:

Please do not sign up for lessons in unless you agree to the following:

1. lessons are scheduled in 8 week "semesters" and payment is due UP FRONT the first lesson out of the eight for each eight week period. Cash is preferable, but checks, Visa and MasterCard are also accepted.  You are contractually obligated to pay me for the lessons you miss.  By agreeing to these terms, whether in person or in writing, you will be obligated to fulfill them to the letter of the law.
2. if you schedule a lesson, you are obligated to arrive on time and prepared for your lesson.
3. if you have to cancel, 24 hours notice is required so I can fill the slot.  You are required to pay for the lesson, regardless. 
4. makeup lessons are scheduled for the end of the spring semester in June, and Fall semester in January.
5. if I have to cancel, I will make up the lesson during makeup time periods.
6. The new semester begins September 2008

RATE REDUCTION 2008:

• 1/2 hour $25, $200 8wks
• hour $45, $360 8wks

TESTIMONIALS:

"Aella loves taking voice lessons with you.  She is learning so much!"
~Aella's Mom (Amherst)

"Tommy simply loves taking lessons with you.  He looks forward to them every week.  Each day after his lesson, he takes his violin right out and practices.  It's really wonderful."
Jane, Tommy's Grandma

"I am taking viola and bass guitar lessons from you.  It's really great that you can do both!  I am very happy about that"
Tyler, 10 year old student from Amherst.

"I like your approach to teaching guitar.  You have a very open style and I like that I can ask you all kinds of questions."
Rowan, 15 year old Guitar student

"You are the best guitar teacher I have had.  I have learned more in the last six weeks than in the last six years!"
Natalie, Amherst College Student

"Thank you so much for the mandolin lessons! I learned a lot from you."
Lorraine - Belchertown, MA 2007

"I feel like I have learned so much. Thank you!"
Brendan - Belchertown, MA 2007

"An excellent teacher! A fantastic musician, a wonderful human being."
~ Robert B. Northampton, MA

"Thank you for the lesson. Today I learned so much - I can't wait to get home and practice!"
~ Jim D. Grandby, MA

"That was fun! I hope we can do that again next week. Your lessons are so much fun."
~ Alyssa B. Keene, NH

"Thank you so much for the work you did on my recording. Your violin playing is beautiful. I will recommend you to everyone I know."
~ Laurie S. Northampton, MA

"You play so many instruments, and so well! I really appreciate the time you put into teaching me on both the violin and the guitar. Thank you."
~ Melissa S. Amherst, MA (UMass)

"I am so happy to have met you. You have shared with me something that is most true. Music IS a universal language. And you have taught me not only to speak it, but to sing!"
~ Phyllis R. Keene, NH