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 mid-May. Do check Facebook and our WhatsApp community for up to date notifications as this website may not be up to date.

Wed 9th April ✅

Wed 16th April ✅

Wed 23rd April ✅

Wed 30th April ❌ NO CLASS

Wed 7th May ❌ NO CLASS

Wed 14th May ✅

• MIXED CLASS                                                            7.00 – 7.50pm
• 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 inaugural Mull Fiddle Week in Summer 2024! I’m delighted that the course sold out within weeks and I’m very excited to be back in Tobermory once again next year, from 28th July – 1st August 2025!

Tutors are : 

Patsy Reid (fiddle)

Lauren MacColl (fiddle)

Vincent Leutreau (fiddle)

Natalie Haas (cello)

John Somerville (mixed instrument and groupwork)

 

For more information and to book for Mull Fiddle Week 2025, go to our online booking form.

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)