Individualized

Fiddle Instruction, Coaching & Lots of Fun!

Learn and Improve:

• Good Violin Playing Techniques
• Traditional Fiddling Styles & Repertoires
• How to Learn Tunes by Ear: The Traditional Way
• Music Theory & How to Read Music

“I have had 12 years of classical violin instruction. I began private violin studies in the fifth grade with Dr. Klaus Liepmann, Director of Music, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; I continued lessons with him for 8 years through high school. My second classical violin teacher was Myron Kartman, who is a graduate of Julliard, Eastman, Koln Hochschule & Boston University… a pupil of Jascha Simkins, Edouard Dethier, Joseph Knitzer & Max Rostal…a Fulbright Scholar…a leader of Antioch, Illinois & Cadek Quartets…the founding member of the Kartman Chamber Players… a Professor of Violin at Northwestern University and recording artist for CRI and Gold Crest Labels. I continued my violin and viola studies with Dr. Kartman for 4 years through college.”

Dick Bolt's student, Mary, wins 1st place in a Fiddle Contest.

Dick Bolt's student, Alisa.

"I play & perform the regional traditional fiddle styles of northeastern America, Ireland and the British Isles, including those of New York, New England, Eastern Canada, Quebec and the Maritimes.   I have also play many other fiddle styles and repertoires, including Southern Old Time & String Band, Bluegrass, Blues & Swing."

“I have studied traditional fiddle styles & repertoires with the following people during the last 15 years:

• James Kelly - Irish
• Dave Bing, Jimmy Triplett, Allan Jabour, Bruce Molsky, Brad Leftwich & Geoff Seitz - Appalachian Old Time
• Alasdair Fraser - Scottish
• Fletcher Bright - Bluegrass
• Carl Mackenzie - Cape Breton
• Lisa Ornstein - French Canadian

Above, Dick's students Gary, Alisa & Ginny jam between lessons. Below, Dick and his student Karen play a duet at her wedding.

The following are key aspects of my teaching:

• Practicing, "Sitting In" & Jamming
• Double-stops & Chords
• "Pearls" & Secrets of Fiddling: they are mostly in the bowing
• Double Fiddling
• How to Play for Callers & Dancers
• Tunes, "Muscle Memory" & Repertoire Building
• How to Play with Back-up & In Bands
• How to Back Up Other Instruments and Singers

If interested, want more information, or would like to discuss your situation & goals, please contact me at:  (585) 461-2751 or e-mail:

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