Fiddle lessons and workshops

For advanced violinists who want to master the various styles of Irish fiddle playing, but also for beginners who want to learn to play the fiddle in an enjoyable way. Gilles regularly teaches other instruments as well (in Irish music): feel free to contact for more info.

The fiddle lessons are based around the interests and development of the student. The repertoire can be varied according to choice. The main emphasis is on making the Irish traditional music swing, acquiring rock-solid rhythm and a full tone, in order to bring out the numerous possibilities the fiddle has to offer.

Irish music is an oral tradition. The music will only come to life if it's learnt by ear. Even people who feel they tend to get lost without sheet music can learn to play the tunes by heart within a fairly short time.

The most important thing in Irish music is enjoying the playing, and fiddle lessons shouldn't be the exception to that rule! Whilst many violinists get stuck in boring etudes and exercises in their classical lessons, during the fiddle lessons we'll work on different techniques in their natural habitat - the Irish tunes.

If you're interested, call or mail for a free trial lesson!

The lessons take place in Haarlem, the Netherlands.

Gilles is a very experienced teacher with a very broad experience. For many years he worked as a whitewater kayaking instructor, as a university teacher in environmental science and as a fiddle teacher for the Traditional Music Society of University College Dublin while he was studying there. Throughout the last couple of years he's been in great demand as a private/workshop teacher because of his great enthusiasm, knowledge, musical skill and unique approach, teaching at festivals, music schools, orchestras, bands etc.

Rates

Per three-quarters of an hour lesson:
€ 27,50 for students up to 20 years of age
€ 32,50 (incl. VAT) for students from 21 years upwards
Per set of 10 lessons:
€ 250 for students up to 20 years of age
€ 300(incl. VAT) for students from 21 years upwards

Workshops

Gilles regularly teaches at workshops, view the tourdates for more info.