Lessons-Testimonials
Why you should consider taking violin/fiddle lessons with Lisa Schneider.
I started taking lessons from Lisa as an unschooled adult beginner. Over the course of 2.5 years I have developed into a very good intermediate fiddle player. I can learn tunes either by ear or sheet music and feel confident in sessions playing with others. I could do neither before working with Lisa. With Lisa's encouragement after a year of lessons, I started taking fiddle workshops at the Celtic festival and other venues. And on more than one occasion, I've been complimented by the workshop instructor on how far I had progressed in such a short period of time and they always asked who my teacher was and her method of instruction. Working with Lisa has enabled me to understand what it takes to be good and how to set a path to know and fulfill my musical goals.
I know she will be able to do that for you.
Dave
I took a group violin class with Lisa and so thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Lisa is a wonderful teacher, very patient, and thorough. She always takes the time to answer questions with just enough information to help you move forward, but also not too much so that you don't feel overwhelmed. I really enjoyed the group experience, met some wonderful people, and also benefited a lot from their questions and just watching them play. When I felt really frustrated with myself I would go to class and see that the other students were struggling in some of those same areas and I was not at all behind for a person at that stage. And it was so beautiful when we'd all play and we could hear the music come together. The best part was that I was able to feel good about what I was playing (a few notes that sounded pleasant) within a matter of weeks and very quickly after that could play a small tune. It was empowering to feel like I could play something, that I was playing music, real notes, that made my soul feel alive. As a beginning adult, I worried that it would take years of practice before I could really start to enjoy it and that wasn't true at all. I would highly recommend Lisa as a teacher.
Mariah
I did not know the first thing about the violin or how to play it when I took my first lesson with Lisa. I am much more analytical than creative and was doubtful that I could succeed at playing the violin. How wrong I was! She was able to describe the concepts to me in a way I could understand and she brought contagious enthusiasm to each lesson. Now I cannot wait to get home to practice what I have learned in class. It is reassuring to know that I am learning from someone who enjoys teaching the violin as much as I enjoy learning it. I was able to go from knowing nothing about playing the violin to being an intermediate-level musician in a few short months. I have gone farther and faster than I ever thought possible and much of the credit is due to Lisa.
Clinton Vercher
Through the first beginning violin book, Lisa taught me the proper postures and angles of playing the notes, giving constant gentle reminders until I eventually relaxed into them. Her focus is always on how to encourage confidence, curiosity and exploration of the student's own abilities and ideas about music, no matter how timid or unsure we may be. After getting through the first book, I was happy to be learning folk tunes kinetically by repeatedly playing phrases after her example. She is always telling us how to find our own tunes online and in books, and how to play with other instruments. After about a year of lessons, I was amazed that I could actually sound out a few folksongs by myself on my violin, something that I hadn't been able to do a few months before. She says that when we start "playing" with the music, that's when we really learn.
Jane Whitaker
Lisa is an amazing teacher, by far the best music teacher I've ever had and I've had quite a few. She is always positive and encouraging, and she has some combination of skill, knowledge, and intuition that allows her to identify what my latest obstacle to playing well is, and the knack of communicating it in a way that I can understand and act upon. She keeps me motivated to practice which has always been my downfall in the past, and I've progressed faster than I ever expected. I was not really sure what kind of music I wanted to play and she is giving me exposure to a variety of styles which is great. I feel so fortunate to have found her!
Meredith
I lucked into finding Lisa when I needed her most. I had been learning the fiddle on my own but hadn't gotten very far. Lisa was willing to pick up where I had left off. And while she offers a structured curriculum, she has always been willing to go in whatever musical direction I wanted to go, tailoring the experience to my specific needs. She brings incredible knowledge and expertise to our work, as well as experience in a wide range of musical styles. Best of all, she is a supportive, patient and caring person. It is a joy to spend an hour with her each week. I'm so glad I found her!
Holly Webber
I came to Lisa knowing nothing about playing the violin. Thanks to her expertise, she knew how to tailor my lessons in order to help me reach my goals of learning to read music and how to play by ear. Lisa's experience as a teacher is evident in her methodology and ability to teach to each student rather than having a strict curriculum for everybody. She knows how to work with whatever level a student is. I have come a long way in just a year, thanks to her guidance, positive feedback, and encouragement. I highly recommend Lisa as a violin teacher.
Gina
I live in the UK and wanted some tuition in old-style fiddling when I came to visit austin. I found Lisa on the internet. We arranged three one hour lessons during my brief stay in austin, and they exceeded my expectations in what I might learn in so short a time. Lisa listened to what I wanted to achieve, and focused her teaching around that. She identified areas where I needed to adjust my technique, and explained how to in a clear and accessible way. I appreciated her constant focus on what I was trying to do, and her teaching has given me a huge amount to take away with me and work on. I hope to be able to work with her again.
Ann Lawrie
I've enjoyed taking the plunge into fiddling. Lisa has certainly made the journey more interesting. She's got vast knowledege about so many different styles of playing and is interested in helping students learn the best way to master the instrument. I've especially appreciated her emphasis on playing in a more relaxed way that's better for the body. I've enjoyed learning how the whole body, not just the instrument, plays a vital role in making beautiful music.
J. Kijana Knight
I've been taking lessons from Lisa for about six months. I had never before picked up a violin and questioned whether I'd really be able to play. I am very lucky to have found Lisa; she is both a great teacher and fiddler. She has often thought of non-musical concepts to help me relate and understand musical concepts and she always makes the lessons fun. I'm happy with the progress I've made and the patience and encouragement she has in teaching me.
Leia Novosad
Yes Lisa IS awesome! I cherish my classes with her - they were FUN and I learned so easily with her great patience and encouragement. You rock, teacher!!
Sylvi
I miss my fiddle lessons! Lisa is awesome - I learned so much from her in such a short time, and she really works with you on your personal goals for playing.
Kirsten
As a 50+ year old woman, I'd given up on learning the fiddle, having last attempted it in the third grade. Lisa encouraged me to give it another go...I'm still playing years later, making sounds that actually sound like music, and enjoying it. She is profoundly talented and personable, and I'm grateful to have found her. Top Qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative.
Inga
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. ~ Annie Dillard