I started musical life on fiddle and have played old-time fiddle (also called Mountain, Appalachian or Southern) for about 30 years. It is a style of music that is often mistaken for Bluegrass. Old time is more correctly thought of as the direct predecessor to Bluegrass. There are many hybrid styles these days as old-time fiddle has been influenced by many other styles. While ideas borrowed from other genres may occassionally slip into my playing, for the most part, I teach a traditional style.

My lessons typically focus on communicating various bowing techniques and a variety of left-hand techniques to obtain an old-timey sound. I also like to explore alternate tunings (e.g. AEAE; DDAD). For those who read music, I do supplement the lessons with written music that include suggested bowings. Private lessons are $55 per hour.

I also provide "distance lessons" on fiddle. Please contact me directly to discuss this option.

In 2009, I recorded a two CD collection of 35 tunes played at 3 speeds: very slowly and simply, moderately, and up-to-tempo. On the second CD, I included PDFs of the tunes, complete with bowings. My approach in both private lessons and on these recordings is to emphasize "bowing systems" such as 3-1 bowing, ghost bows, Nashville shuffle, bow rocks and various other ideas. I include a discussion of these bowing ideas. The CDs are playable on any CD player. See "Old Time Fiddle Repertoire: Volume I."

In 2010, Mel Bay re-released this project as a book/CD. I revised many of the tunes, expanded the discussion of bowings and added a section on learning by ear. The CD is a single CD and includes MP3s which are playable on any computer but not on most CD players. is available on the website. See "Old Time Fiddle Style: A Collection of 35 Old-Time Tunes."