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: 5 years to Adult
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Styles: Classical, Celtic, Folk, Show Tunes
Lesson Types: Individual (1:1), Buddy (2:1), Group (7:1)
PWYC Ensemble: Folk Jam
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
For kids ages 5 - 17y.
FOLK JAM
A PWYC Folk Jam for kids with at least 1 year playing experience. Once a month, last Saturday of the month.
Ages 7y - 17y
Individual & Buddy Lessons
36 weekly lessons from September - June
Individual 1:1
Weekly individual 30m lesson: $147.96 / mo.
Weekly individual 45m lesson: $221.94 / mo.
Weekly individual 60m lesson: $295.88 / mo.
Buddy 2:1
Weekly buddy 45m lesson: $177.55 / mo. / student
Weekly buddy 60m lesson: $236.70 / 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
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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 12:00 - 12:45am, Sept 2026 - Dec 2026. 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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Both!
