Teaching
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 still 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.
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’
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.
Perth Fiddle Workshop
Launching in 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 (or their lower strings equivalent), 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.
WHEN : Wednesdays, from 20th March – after school and evening.
For the rest of this academic year, we’ll be offering two classes –
- BRAND NEW PLAYERS (violin and viola only) 4.30 – 5.30pm
- EXISTING PLAYERS 6.00 – 7.30pm
WHERE : Kilgraston School (drama studio)
COST : Classes will cost £10 per person, payable via cash or card machine (tiny fee), on a pay as you go basis.
Communication with members will happen here on this page as well as a WhatsApp Community Group, follow the link to add yourself to this group.
We also have a Facebook Page.
Mull Fiddle Week
We are very excited to be launching the first Mull Fiddle Week this summer, in Tobermory! I’m delighted that the course sold out within weeks for fiddles but there are still a few places for group work with Sandy Brechin and cello with Alice Allen and Seonaid Aitken.
To join the waiting list for Summer 2025, email me
To keep up to date with Mull Fiddle Week, visit the Facebook Page
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:
- 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)