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Fiddle Jam Instructors – General Info
All of our instructors are hand selected professional musicians
with at least one performance specialty outside of the classical domain.
All know how to read music, know the inner workings of harmony, melody, and
rhythm (music theory), can improvise, and are comfortable with students of all
ages.
As an overview to our Fiddle Jam Teaching Style, we do
not take lightly our responsibility to students and society as a whole; but we
also, at the same time, try not to take ourselves, or the pursuit of musical
happiness too seriously either. In our opinion, music should be
FUN and JOYOUS! There will be no wrist slapping discipline at a
Fiddle Jam lesson, as in the days of old. Intimidation and fear can work
as a learning motivator in some cases, but long-term, we prefer
inspiration!
As to lesson content, Fiddle Jam Instructors have been
trained to teach from our standardized "rubric" developed by founder
Geoffrey Fitzhugh Perry, but they have also been empowered to teach as they
personally see fit, as is best for each student’s individual needs.
That stated, the average Fiddle Jam lesson
includes: scales, improvisation with currently studied scales, playing/learning
a tune by ear/memory, and work on a challenging piece of music. New skills and
knowledge are introduced as the student is ready. Time can also be allotted for
help with music from the student’s school (orchestra) program, if applicable.
Fiddle Jam Instructor Bios
Geoffrey Fitzhugh Perry
Fiddle Jam author and
founder, classically and jazz trained, rock n roll schooled, has played
everything from 40,000 seat arenas to barns, private teacher for 25+ years, has
been the string director at a number of elementary and middle schools, including
the Aurora Waldorf School, and the Nichols School, signed to MCA Records as
member of "Gamalon," inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2004, is an
official D’Addario Strings endorsing artist, has been a speaker at many teacher
conferences at the county, state, and national levels, does many arts
integration school assemblies through "Young Audiences" as member of "The
Stringmen" and the "McClure Artists Guild," has done Fiddle Jam Clinics
nationwide, currently performing and recording with "LeeRon Zydeco and the Hot
Tamales" and the gypsy jazz group "Babik." Born 1961. Husband of 18 years,
step-father of 3, step-grandfather of 7. See more at
www.fanaticalfitzhugh.com.
Available for private lessons in East Aurora, Hamburg, and
Orchard Park, NY locations.
Joe Davies
Fiddle man Joe Davies plays in the popular Celtic Rock band "Jackdaw" with
ex-GooGoo Doll drummer George Tutuska (voted #1 rock band in Buffalo's
Artvoice Magazine poll in the fall of 2005). In his 20 + years as a
professional, Joe has played with a number of area Country and Irish bands
including: "Country Sounds Show Band," "Honky Tonk Nightime Band,"
"Back Side of 30 Band", "Sons of the Gaels," & "Darby McGirr" (that we
know of, no relation to our other Fiddle Jam teacher Andy McGirr below!).
Joe's specialty is the bluegrass/traditional style, but he has also
studied classically, having attended Villa Maria College for music, and
played in the Civic Symphony at the University of Buffalo. He
also performed in Jazz combo's while at Villa and UB. A welcome addition
to the Fiddle Jam Instructor roster, this husband and father of two, lives
and teaches in the City of Buffalo.
Andy McGirr
Gifted classical and heavy metal whiz who’s slightly edgy
personality and style will thrill young students and inspire older ones. Also
plays electric guitar. Studied with Geoff and Steve Thomas. Teaches in the
Williamsville, NY area.
Like to become a Fiddle Jam Instructor (or know someone
who might)? We are always on the look out for qualified teachers!
Give us a call and leave a message 716-566-1144 or email
info@fiddlejam.com.
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