Teaching
Anyone can make music (yes, you too!) And music is most fun played together.
Music Lessons
Photo by Dylan Ladds
I teach tunes and ensemble-playing skills for all instruments. I also teach beginning accordion and fiddling technique in Old-time, New England, and Quebecois styles. On both instruments, I teach ornamentation and styling, with a focus on dance-ability. I also include instruction on chording, back-up, and tune variations. Lessons can be individual, or small-group.
I want my students to have fun and feel successful so it’s important for me to hear about your goals and hopes. I’ll have you fill out a brief questionnaire when we begin, and we can return periodically as your needs evolve.
Lessons are held at my home in South Portland. Be warned - we will have fun!
Workshops
I teach workshops on various skills throughout the year. Here’s what’s coming up:
New year: Newly Composed Tunes
Feb 1st, Feb 15, March 1st, March 15 (4-5:30)
Portland Friends Meeting House, Forest Ave, Sliding scale $15-30
We are so lucky to be part of a living tradition where new tunes are being made all the time! In this series, I’ll teach one newly composed tune in each class. I’m excited to feature composers like Yann Falquet, Katie McNally and more.
We’ll have time to dig into chords and harmonies, and we’ll appreciate what each composer has done! If you’re looking for new repertoire and / or to deepen your ear-training and accompaniment skills, this class will have a little bit of all of that.
You’ll get the most of out coming to all four classes, and we’ll review each tune at the next class. But it’s also fine to come to less than four and grab the tune of the day.
Photo by Dylan Ladds