When enrolled in a Fiddle Jam program, you, or your
child, get to learn violin, viola, or cello, in an environment that is fun,
engaging, and exciting; and that will prepare you for a lifetime of musical
opportunities and enjoyment!
This ground-breaking approach includes not only studies of the
tried-and-true classics, but also goes further into the vast array of styles
that these wonderfully expressive instruments can play. Rock, Jazz, Blues,
Country, the many varieties of fiddling like Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, and even
Rap and Reggae are all welcome here!
Students exposed to these possibilities tend to stick with it.
Some parents report: "whatever you are doing, keep doing it, because I can
hardly get my child to STOP practicing!"
The key to this success is in our gentle "low-impact" way of
getting students to experience the art of IMPROVISATION, the cornerstone
of the Fiddle Jam approach.
Students who learn to improvise become empowered as they begin
to play music from the "inside out" (heart) rather than the "outside in" as in
the "old school" teaching models that require a "play only what’s on the page,
read-music-only" mentality.
This experience in an environment that makes it not only OK to
express oneself, but encourages it, helps the student to develop an inner
self confidence right from the beginning. This musical ability easily transfers
then to their "learned" pieces, and gives them an air of confidence and
authority that audiences can hear and feel. We’ve often seen these
benefits migrate into other areas of life too, with students becoming better
problem solvers and leaders amongst their peers. Scientific studies are now
showing that regular involvement in the arts… especially improvisation, even
improves SAT scores!
This is why the Music Educator’s National Conference (MENC) has
recently published new National Music Education Standards that include
improvisation and studies of multi-cultural music styles as a regular part of
all school music programs.
In theory, this is a wonder step for the betterment of our
nation’s children, but in reality, sadly, few teachers have any experience with
these musics or the improvisation that they often feature as an integral part of
their style.
Our team of trained Fiddle Jam instructors are well
versed in these "extra" arts that the traditional music education rarely
touches, and can guide you through the learning process in a fun and engaging
"way-cool" way. (See our Fiddle Jam Teacher page for more info on each of our
current instructors.)
Listed below are just some of the things you will experience
within the Fiddle Jam way:
- Improvisation
(usually starting with the Blues)
- Create back-up parts
to fun tunes (we do this right from the
first few lessons!)
- Fiddle tunes
: learned by ear and memory, and then shared in
performance at the beginning and end of each lesson with students before
and after in the schedule (see the "30 +10" page for more on our unique
scheduling arrangements)
- Standard Classical tunes
(such as Suzuki repertoire and others)
- How to read music
: from standard method book approaches (like
"Essential Elements," "All for Strings," and others, depending on what your
school program may use)
- Coaching
on your school orchestra program music & Solo Festival
pieces
- Music theory
the real way (learn what you will and won’t need to
know in the real "gig" world)
- Relaxed and natural techniques and posture
(it’s not fun to play
if it is physically uncomfortable!)
- Learn about electrifying your instrument and exploring the
exciting world of electronic effects!
- Learn about possible careers in music (or just how to have
fun and get paid for it!)
- And much much more!!
Lets get started on your personal musical Jamming Journey!!
Give us a call at 716-566-1144 to hear more info and
leave us a message, or email
info@fiddlejam.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
