Art Schatz Fiddle Lessons

Art Schatz Fiddle Lessons

5.0(3 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

I am a mature and experienced performer and teacher in styles ranging from bluegrass and old-time to western swing and jazz. I work well with adult learners, especially those making the transition from classical violin to fiddle (I did this myself). Very patient and organized and pleased to work with beginners and more advanced players. My teaching is tailored to the specific needs of each player to build proficiency and help them meet personal goals. I focus on good tone production and technique, learning tunes and improvisation.

I currently peform with the Beantown Buckaroos (western swing), the Foggy Mt. Consort (renaissance/bluegrass fusion), and Deborah Siverstein (singer-songwriter).

http://beantownbuckaroos.com/

http://www.foggymtnconsort.lehmandesign.org/

http://www.debobiz.com/

I love helping my students improve their playing and achieve their musical goals. I enjoy getting to know my students and giving each one individual exercises and tunes that address their specific needs. And we have fun in the process!


Highlights

Hired 4 times
Serves Cambridge , MA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Venmo

Photos and videos

  • fiddle and accordion
  • teaching at Fiddle Hell
  • teaching at Fiddle Hell

  • Reviews

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    ND

    Neva D.

    Art is a wonderful fiddle teacher and person! He tailors lessons to your specific ability and takes into account what you want to get out of each lesson with him. In addition, he is very flexible with scheduling. Hes very patient and kind, I cant recommend him enough!!
    ... Show more
    March 22, 2024

    JB

    Joe B.

    Kind , patient—I enjoy improving a little each week & I am happy for the opportunity to work with a real pro fiddler!
    ... Show more
    March 17, 2024

    MM

    Madeline M.

    Best fiddle teacher ever! Art has been extremely patient with me as an adult beginner (I started at 31). I’ve noticed that over time he has adapted his teaching to my learning style and always comes up with an explanation that I can understand. He has given me a lot of flexibility in progressing through songs and type of music, which keeps things fun and interesting. Fun person and easy to get along with. Very responsive by phone/email/text. I can’t recommend him enough!
    ... Show more
    August 03, 2017
    Hired on Lessons

    Frequently asked questions

    The first step is to meet and assess the student's current ability and goals.  We set up a schedule of lessons at regular intervals (weekly, biweekly, monthly) that works for the student and then we begin.  Lessons involve exercises to learn technique and tunes to build repertoire and put techique to work.

    I took weekly classical violin lessons as a youth and minored in music in college.  I've studied jazz violin privately and at music camps, and I've taught workshops at various festivals, events and music camps (e.g. Fiddle Hell).  I've played in a many groups in a wide range of styles (bluegrass, swing, cajun, country, classical). 

    My standard rate is $65 for a 1-hour lesson or $50 for 45 minutes.  Most students take 1-hour lessons.

    I began by teaching workshops at various bluegrass and fiddle festivals 15+ years ago. Students responded favorably to my teaching style, clarity and patience. Shortly after, I began teaching privately in my home. I discovered that I could get my students to sound good quickly, develop good habits, and enjoy themselves. I found this very satisfying and rewarding.
    From absolute beginners to advanced fiddlers / violinists. Adults and children.
    I just led two workshops at the annual Lowell Fiddle and Banjo Contest (Sept 2023) at Boarding House Park. This is a very fun, inclusive, and relaxed event where intermediate to professional fiddlers and banjo players perform. I've competed in past years (won the bluegrass fiddle prize twice) and my students have performed. Many folks come to listen and play in casual sessions as well.
    Look for a teacher who is patient and whose teaching style works for you. If you are looking to improve in a particular music style, look for a teacher with experience playing that style or something similar. In-person lessons are better than online especially for a beginner.
    Do I want to learn by ear or from written music? Do I want to learn to read music? How much can I practice (minutes a day, or hours per week)? How often would I like lessons. How far can I travel to my teacher (or vice versa) and how will I get there? Am I striving to be professional or have fun learning and playing?

    Services offered

    Violin