Sarah Comer

Fiddle

Teaches at Dusty Strings: Mondays, Thursdays

Ages Taught: All Ages

Levels Taught: Beginning to Intermediate

Teacher Biography: Sarah Comer is proud to be a link in the chain connecting masters of the tradition and the next generation of old-time fiddlers, forged through study with Stuart Williams and late night jams with great northwest fiddlers. She has played for audiences and dancers across the state, and has taught as part of the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association, in private lessons, and for group classes at Dusty Strings and Pierce College. Sarah believes in helping students of all ages become comfortable with their instruments and musical basics by ear before taking a written approach, and considers thoughtful response to different learning styles to be the heart of good teaching. Visit Sara's website.

Shulamit Kleinerman

Violin, Medieval Fiddle (vielle)

Teaches at Dusty Strings: Tuesday Evenings

Ages taught: 5 and Up

Levels taught: Beginner- Intermediate

Teacher Biography: Shulamit Kleinerman specializes in the music of the middle ages and renaissance on historical stringed instruments, writes and lectures about music history, and has performed as a historical dancer. Drawing on both her classical training and her own more varied musical explorations, Shulamit enjoys helping new players to explore their own musical directions. Whether focusing on early music, folk, or classical styles, she includes whatever amount of sight reading, ear training, and improvisation her students wish. She cultivates a comfortable working process, aiming to foster solid, healthy technique that will serve students well no matter what styles they may end up pursuing. Visit Shulamit's website.

Allan MacDonald

Fiddle: Irish and Scottish

Teaches at Dusty Strings:Tuesday Evenings
Ages Taught: 5 to Adult
Levels taught: Beginner – Advanced

Teacher Biography: Allan MacDonald grew up in Scotland and studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, but jigs and reels proved to have a greater pull than symphonies. Since then he has played Scottish and Irish fiddle in many a late night pub session in Scotland, San Francisco, and Seattle, and has taught fiddle privately for 15 years. Allan feels that each person has a unique learning style, so he incorporates flexibility into his teaching style. He believes that for fiddle, learning by ear is the most effective strategy, but he also covers music notation. Allan stresses solid technique, a relaxed posture, and most importantly – having fun!