TEACHING

I took on my first private pupils (fiddle and classical violin) in early 2010 and am now enjoying a busy timetable filled with private fiddle, violin, piano, bagpipe and whistle pupils of all ages. I tutor at regular fiddle workshops in Auchtermuchty, and occasional festival and private workshops elsewhere. I regularly enter pupils for ABRSM violin, RCS fiddle and Trinity fiddle examinations (with a 100% pass record).

I teach from my home in Cupar, Fife, or online via Skype, and provide the following:

Individual fiddle, violin or fiddle and violin, piano, viola, pipes or whistle lessons for adults and children of all abilities

Group tuition for young beginners
Lessons of 30, 45 or 60 minutes
Lessons for beginners from age 5 (dependent upon drive and concentration)

Tuition up to Grade 8 (violin/viola/piano)
Short term loan instruments
Optional monthly group lessons for children (grouped by level)
Ongoing instruction in music theory and aural
Preparation and entry for grade examinations (if desired)
Informal Christmas pupil ceilidhs (concerts)
Annual summer reports

FUN!

I like to approach learning in a variety of ways, placing importance on learning by ear as well as reading music fluently, and encourage listening, interpretation and creativity. I encourage my pupils to take an active role in planning their own exercises to develop certain techniques and overcome difficulties, and to begin to compose and create from very early on.

I am keen to involve children’s parents in their learning where possible by giving brief end-of-lesson reviews and providing documentation and reports, so that my pupils can be well supported in their practice at home.

I am a keen technician, and feel that it is of paramount importance, whatever style of playing you choose, that you should master the technique and learn to play in a versatile style which allows good tone production.

I run optional monthly group classes for my individual child pupils to provide opportunities for peer learning, interaction, and ensemble playing. In addition to accompanying my pupils to local Accordion and Fiddle clubs and competitions to provide opportunities to perform, I hold my own informal performance ceilidhs annually which most of my pupils (children and adults) and their families take part in – performing their favourite tunes, solo and in small groups. We always have a great time, enjoy some fantastic tunes, and usually eat far too much cake!