FIDDLE with Sarah Hotchkiss and John Mowad

Sarah and John both give fiddle lessons.  There will be more here soon, but in the meantime, here is the basic information for both teachers:

• Sarah begins fiddle lessons for students as early as age three.  In general, age four is a good age to start, but upon occasion there is a three year old who is ready and willing.  For the very young ones, Sarah's lessons include games to help maintain the child's interest.  Lessons for this age are on a trail basis and are kept "success oriented" so that if it seems that the child should take a break and return when they are a little older, they feel positive about doing so.  This would be the case with any child, but is especially important for the 3 - 5 year olds.
• Sarah teaches all ages and offers fiddle, beginning classical, with an emphasis on New England/Welsh style of fiddling.  Sarah is also familiar with most styles of fiddling and is able to give her students an introduction to other styles to help them make an informed decision about which direction they may want to focus once they are more proficient at their instrument.
• Sarah prefers to work with students at the beginning and intermediate level and has developed a great many special skills for this very important period of instruction.

• John begins instruction for fiddle students of all ages starting at age six. He enjoys writing special tunes for his students and has a great ability to bring out the natural fiddlers in young children.  Like Sarah, he also teaches adults of any age and has a special interest in teaching students at the beginning level.  He is great at helping classical violinists "crossover" to the special demands of fiddling.  John is a master dance fiddler and can help classical violinists get to the heart of fiddling as quickly as possible.  He has also helped several classical fiddlers learn how to do well in fiddle contests
• John can introduce fiddlers to every style of fiddling and specializes in Old Time, New England, French Canadian, and Blues Fiddle.