Fiddle & Mandolin Lessons!

With over 10 years of experience I have built my teaching skills from the ground up into a multifaceted approach that is great for a variety of ages and skill levels!

Sylvan with Oliver’s cat Monroe (above) during a fiddle lessons in Burlington, VT

For me, playing fiddle music is about having fun, developing skills and techniques for building those skills, building connections and community, and developing ourselves into a more well rounded, well grounded individuals.

I play and teach many styles of fiddle music, mostly Celtic and American traditions. My strengths lie in Irish, Quebec, Appalachian or Old Time and New England styles. I also play some Cape Breton, Scottish and a very little bit of Bluegrass.

I will work with you to figure out the best way for you or your student to have the best possible experience playing music! We are all unique humans, with a unique set of interests, passions and challenges. Let’s work together to build on your interest in music and have a little fun along the way!

If you would like to learn more about me as a teacher, please visit my about page and scroll down to “Teacher”.

Oliver (left) and Zoe (right) performing at a Student Showcase Concert

Oliver (left) and Bjorn (right) performing at a Library Concert in Charlotte, VT

Rates, Location, Scheduling

  • I charge $45 to $65 on a sliding scale for a 50 minutes lesson and $30 to $45 for a 30min lesson.

    With an economy that is so tough on folks with less means, I want to make sure that as many folks as possible can have access music lessons.

    If you can afford to pay a bit more for lessons, you will help me have the ability to take on students with less means while still maintaining a decent living.

  • I teach at my home in the Wescott area of Syracuse, NY!

    Most folks choose to come to me, but in select circumstances I can come to you for an additional fee.

  • Weekdays primarily. I recommend weekly lessons, but I can also provide bi-weekly and one off lessons as well. Remember, consistency is key for building the skills and confidence to become a good player!

    • Scheduling - For those looking for regular lessons, I will ask for your preferred day and time for your lesson, as well as a couple of other options that will work for your schedule, prior to each semester. I will do my best to work you into your desired spot.

      • For those looking for less frequent lessons than once a week or once every other week, please reach out to me. I will be more than happy to try and work you in!

Testimonials

  • Playing the fiddle has become something that truly brings me joy. In lessons, Oliver always brings a nice balance of pushing me beyond my safe, comfort zone while patiently supporting me along the way. He always takes the time to help me hone new skills or work through sticky spots in a tune. My intonation and bowing have improved so much! By weaving in music theory, he helps me better understand the shape of the tunes. I’m most proud of how my confidence as a musician has grown because of my lessons with Oliver. He truly envelopes his students into the larger music community, and has helped me connect with others to play together and simply just have fun playing!


    Hannah - Adult Fiddle Student from Burlington, VT

  • He is admired and valued by many, including organizers and presenters like myself. I have interacted with him in a variety of learning and leadership roles, with a variety of responsibilities. As an organizer and artist, he has a rare capacity to both enjoy and bring joy to the work. He is always ready with perspective, assistance and encouragement for people of all ages and abilities.

    Mark Sustic - Educator, Organizer & Musician in Vermont

  • Oliver has been my fiddle teacher for the last two or three years. From our first lesson, when I requested an Old Time session standard and he taught me Duck River, to our most recent, when we ran over time deconstructing the strange, hypnotic phrasing of Yew Piney Mountain, Oliver has taken me wherever I want to go in the world of fiddling. He is a consummate player, versed in a range of traditions - from Old Time, to Irish, to Quebecois. Most importantly, for aspiring learners like me and you, Oliver is also a consummate teacher:  he meets his students where they are, works with them to define a set of goals, and makes sure that each lesson is both a step forward toward these goals and a pleasure in its own right. My lessons with Oliver have made me a better, more confident, and more social player and I feel lucky to have him as a teacher.

    Ivan - Adult Fiddle Student from Burlington, VT

An inspiring clip of Hannah, one of my longest running students, and myself, when she asked to record a fiddle tune we had worked on to send to a friend as a wedding gift surprise. The fruits of lessons in action.

Lesson Results in Action

Contact me about starting lessons!

If you are interested in starting lessons, have questions or concerns or just want to chat about the possibility, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!