How I Teach

As a passionate educator, I dedicate a fair chunk of my time to nurturing other’s experience of music and learning. I was lucky to be given the opportunity to teach from a young age and it is something I get a lot of enjoyment from. I work with children and adults and believe everybody deserves a tailored and bespoke learning experience.

As a bi-lingual player and teacher – essentially a fluent fiddler come classically trained violinist – I am constantly researching and developing ways to teach fiddle music in a more structured and accessible format. On one side, I love to help fiddle players reach their full technical potential by assisting them with the pedagogical aspects that will lift their playing to another level, allowing them to stand out in an overcrowded market. At the other end of the spectrum, I also work with immense violinists who could outplay me any day of the week, but who have a longing to play in a more sensitive, creative idiom such as folk music. Many do not have the luxury of a childhood steeped in celtic culture and I am fascinated in exploring whether or not it is possible to learn to ‘sound like a real fiddler’ from a technical and pedagogical approach. I endeavour to provide a practical toolkit needed for getting knee deep in a new style of music. 

My role at the Royal Concervaotire of Scotland is all about this, and I teach all of the traditional fiddlers on the degree and post-grad programmes, pedagogy and technique as a group.

Relevant Qualifications

PCGE with Specialist String Teaching from RNCM and Manchester Metropolitan University

PG DipRNCM in violin performance

BA Applied Music (1st class Honours) from Strathclyde University 

Certified to teach Dalcroze Eurythmics to beginners… what’s this?

How to Learn from me ‘In-person’

Perth Fiddle Workshop

Launched in Spring 2024, Perth Fiddle Workshop aims to fill a gap in the Perth musical landscape, providing top quality tuition and a friendly, social environment.

For those who identify as just fiddlers or just violinists, we will be joining forces, knocking down those stylistic barriers and learning how to play together, both by ear and with sheet-music, thus nurturing both skills.

Repertoire will range from traditional and modern Scottish music to well known classics and to be honest, anything that fits nicely onto our amazing instrument. Other instruments will be welcome but the most technical attention will be given to those on violin, viola and cello.

WHERE : Darnhall Tennis Club, Orchard Place, Perth, PH2 0HS (there is parking)

WHEN : Wednesday evenings, the following dates until Christmas. Do check Facebook and our WhatsApp community for up to date notifications as this website may not be up to date.

Wed 22nd Oct ❌ NO CLASS

Wed 29th Oct ❌ NO CLASS

Wed 5th Nov ✅

Wed 12th Nov ✅

Wed 19th Nov ✅

Wed 26th Oct ✅

Wed 3rd Dec ✅

• MIXED CLASS                                    7.00 – 7.50pm (please note on 27th August we’ll meet at 7:30pm)
• EXPERIENCED PLAYERS                  8.10 – 9.00pm

COST : One class costs £10 per person, two classes cost £15, payable via cash or card machine (+ tiny fee of approx. 18p), on a pay as you go basis.

CONTACT : We have a WhatsApp Community Group, which is an excellent way of keeping in touch with last minute info – follow the link to add yourself to this group. We also have a Facebook Page. 

Mull Fiddle Week

We had an amazing second Mull Fiddle Week in Summer 2025! I’m delighted to have had two sold out camps so far I’m very excited to have launched our 2026 edition, back in Tobermory once again next summer, from 27th – 31st July 2026!

Tutors are : 

Patsy Reid (fiddle)

Sam Sweeney (fiddle)

Mike Vass (fiddle)

Alice Allen (cello)

Mhairi Hall (accompaniment and groupwork)

Brian Finnegan (flute/whistle)

For more information and to book for Mull Fiddle Week 2026, go to our new website.

To keep up to date with Mull Fiddle Week announcements, follow us on Instagram or Facebook

To sign up to our mailing list, sign up below…

Private 1:1 lessons

I offer limited 1:1 fiddle/violin/viola lessons at home in Perth, Scotland.

To join the waiting list, please email me.

How to Learn from me online

Patreon

Patreon is a subscription platform where you can choose your level of commitment each month. I currently have two levels of membership at £5 and £16 a month. I make exclusive content focusing on fiddle/violin technique designed to get you to the next level of your playing. My YouTube content is more learning by ear with some reference to technique and style. Below is an example of the sort of thing you might find on Patreon and for more information, head on over to http://www.patreon.com/patsyreid

My YouTube Channel 

Please Subscribe to @FiddleLessonsWithPatsyReid

Zoom Workshops

 Experience & Affiliations

As a traditional music specialist, I am proud to be affiliated with the following events and institutions:

• Student Mentor at Plockton Music School (from 2024)
• Lead Tutor at Mull Music Makers (2022 and ongoing)
• Leader of Youth Engagement Programme, Scots fiddle Festival (2022)
• Musical Director of Ar Cànan ‘s Ar Ceòl for The Royal National Mòd (2022)
• Royal Scottish National Orchestra Outreach Programme (2021, 2016, 2015)
• Musical Director of the Gordon Duncan Experience (2019-2023)
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – Principal Instrument Tutor (2019-2021)
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – External Examiner (2016-2019)
• Dundee City Council (2018)
• University of the Highlands & Islands – Specialist Fiddle Teacher for BA Applied Music (2013 – 2019)
• Black Isle Fiddle Weekend (2017)
• Blazin’ in Beauty (2017)
• Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Short Courses (2019, 2018, 2017)
• Black Isle Fiddle Weekend (2017)
• Royal Northern College of Music – Young Strings Guest Tutor (2017)
• European String Teaching Association (2017)
• Alasdair Fraser’s Fiddle and Cello Week, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (2019, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2007)
• The Gordon Duncan Experience (2018, 2011-2014)
• Feis Rois, Feis Spe
• Ceolas (2016)
• Newcastle University – Folk and Traditional Music BMus (2012-2015)