What You Need to Begin Lessons

1.  An instrument:  Violins and fiddles are the same thing.  If you don't have easy access to one and you are a beginner, I recommend contacting one of the violin shops in town and renting an instrument before buying one.  Rentals are relatively inexpensive and can give you a better idea of what you may like in a violin/fiddle once you can play.

See Chris Nielsen at Nielsen Violin Shop
1904 Farnam Street Suite 630
342-5880
or
A Cavallo Violins
8705 Shamrock Road, Countryside Village
82709270


2.  A positive attitude and a commitment to practice: 

Playing the violin and fiddling are very rewarding but it does require a "can-do" attitude and a willingness to practice in order for you to be successful.  I require that my students practice a MINIMUM of 20 minutes a day.  Of course, the more time that can be spent with your instrument, the faster you will progress. I will share my tricks for making
practice easier.  Practice should be fun!
Getting started with lessons
Why Fiddle?

Fiddling is Fun!
Historically American fiddling was done primarily for the purpose of dancing.  Fiddlers that could keep a good beat were very popular folks.

Fiddling is a part of many cultures and is particularly prominent in our American history.  As immigrants from Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, France, Africa, Sweeden, Norway and many other countries settled in America, they brought their music and styles with them.  People shared their music and styles blended to provide us with our uniquely American sounds such as the hauntingly beautiful Appalachian music and the rowdy danceable Cajun tunes.  Playing these tunes is a great way to preserve our history while just having a good time
Playing Violin Helps Develop Many Useful Skills:

Following DirectionsMemory Skills

Concentration                           Problem Solving

Learning how to Learn             Most student violinists get
                                                   good grades in school
                                                               
Bring a
violin/fiddle
with a
bow
And a Positive Attitude!
Violin and Fiddle Lessons

Mindy Hunke    Omaha, Nebraska
Congratulations to
Peter
1st Prize winner
March Practice contest

his name was drawn from students who successfully met their
weekly practice goals