Lessons
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I teach private fiddle lessons for beginners and intermediate players and I truly believe everyone can play the fiddle!
If you've never played the fiddle (or any instrument) before I can get you started in a fun, non-intimidating way. If you've been playing for a while and are feeling stuck, I'm happy to help give you a new perspective and move forward. I'm interested in advancing towards your goals - whether it's going to a jam, playing in a band, or just learning a new skill.
Please email me for scheduling: robin.r.fischer [at] gmail.com
If you've never played the fiddle (or any instrument) before I can get you started in a fun, non-intimidating way. If you've been playing for a while and are feeling stuck, I'm happy to help give you a new perspective and move forward. I'm interested in advancing towards your goals - whether it's going to a jam, playing in a band, or just learning a new skill.
Please email me for scheduling: robin.r.fischer [at] gmail.com
Fiddle Lesson FAQ
What age do you teach?
I teach adults and kids! I request students be no younger that first grade.
What kind of fiddle do you teach?
I specialize in old time and bluegrass fiddling, but also enjoy teaching material from other fiddling traditions. If you have a certain style in mind, please let me know!
What do I need to take fiddle lessons?
You'll need a fiddle and bow, rosin, and a tuner or tuning ap.
Can I have a lesson in person?
Yes! I teach in person in Berkeley, CA.
Can I have a zoom lesson?
I am not taking on new zoom lessons at this time.
Are there opportunities to perform as a student?
YES! I am proud to teach in a community with so many performance opportunities for students - our annual student concert at the Freight and Salvage, plus busking day in San Francisco, square dance, and opening the Berkeley Old Time Music String Band Contest. Students even performed at the Oakland Ballers baseball game in 2026!
Are there opportunities to jam as a student?
Yes! I run a student jam old time jam once a month. Jams rock and students are encouraged to come play tunes with others, hear what other folks are playing, build confidence, and make friends.
Can we talk on the phone about setting up lessons?
I'm thrilled to email about lessons, goals, etc, before you sign up, but do not do phone calls before setting up lessons.
Do you teach with sheet music or teach classical violin?
I do not use sheet music or teach classical violin. All of my lessons are taught by ear, and materials are provided to support practicing and memorizing at home. If the student needs tab, I am happy to provide it, with the end goal of moving towards all audio or video materials.
What's the deal with music theory? That sounds scary.
I love, love, love teaching practical, simple music theory as it applies to bluegrass, old time, and other fiddle styles. Knowing how scales, chords, and other musical elements work together will help you learn faster, improvise, understand your instrument on a deeper level, and be a all-around better fiddler.
Do you teach group lessons?
I only teach one-on-one lessons.
I teach adults and kids! I request students be no younger that first grade.
What kind of fiddle do you teach?
I specialize in old time and bluegrass fiddling, but also enjoy teaching material from other fiddling traditions. If you have a certain style in mind, please let me know!
What do I need to take fiddle lessons?
You'll need a fiddle and bow, rosin, and a tuner or tuning ap.
Can I have a lesson in person?
Yes! I teach in person in Berkeley, CA.
Can I have a zoom lesson?
I am not taking on new zoom lessons at this time.
Are there opportunities to perform as a student?
YES! I am proud to teach in a community with so many performance opportunities for students - our annual student concert at the Freight and Salvage, plus busking day in San Francisco, square dance, and opening the Berkeley Old Time Music String Band Contest. Students even performed at the Oakland Ballers baseball game in 2026!
Are there opportunities to jam as a student?
Yes! I run a student jam old time jam once a month. Jams rock and students are encouraged to come play tunes with others, hear what other folks are playing, build confidence, and make friends.
Can we talk on the phone about setting up lessons?
I'm thrilled to email about lessons, goals, etc, before you sign up, but do not do phone calls before setting up lessons.
Do you teach with sheet music or teach classical violin?
I do not use sheet music or teach classical violin. All of my lessons are taught by ear, and materials are provided to support practicing and memorizing at home. If the student needs tab, I am happy to provide it, with the end goal of moving towards all audio or video materials.
What's the deal with music theory? That sounds scary.
I love, love, love teaching practical, simple music theory as it applies to bluegrass, old time, and other fiddle styles. Knowing how scales, chords, and other musical elements work together will help you learn faster, improvise, understand your instrument on a deeper level, and be a all-around better fiddler.
Do you teach group lessons?
I only teach one-on-one lessons.