Testimonials
"Very quick to identify problem areas and recommend exercises that address them efficiently. Kind and patient. I made more progress from her teaching in a couple months than I had with my previous teacher in a year."
"Joanna is a fabulous violin performer, as well as a patient and skilled instructor. I would recommend her teaching to anyone."
-Jon
-Jimmy
"Joanna is a fabulous musician herself and very intuitive and patient in helping students improve their playing and reach their potential."
-Leah
"Joanna is an incredibly talented player and teacher who uses a clear, informative, and deeply experienced approach to the art of Irish fiddle playing. Thank you so much for your wonderful guidance, expertise, and professionalism!"
-Mairead
"Explains concepts behind technique; is patient and challenges my self doubt; loves all things Irish! Love her lessons!"
-E.
JOANNA'S EXPERIENCE
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Joanna has been playing the violin for 21 years and has been teaching individual Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle lessons online and in person for four years. She has certifications to teach Suzuki Violin Units 1 - 4, and has also taken Every Child Can!; Suzuki Early Childhood Education Stage 1 and Stage 2; Play!: Exploring Creativity, Developing Autonomy, and Finding Meaning in Music Lessons; and Inclusive Group Class Teaching through the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She is also trained in the Creativity Ability Development, which is an improvisation-based method. Joanna has led workshops at The Philadelphia Folk Festival, The Baltimore Irish Trad Fest, The Maryland Irish Festival, The Philadelphia Ceili Group Festival, and Spring Thing which is associated with The Philadelphia Folksongs Society. She currently teaches privately at her studio as well as for The Baltimore Irish Music School, where she has been a fiddle teacher since the school's revisioning in the fall of 2023.
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NEW STUDENTS
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Joanna is currently accepting new students if schedules align. If you are interested in your or your family learning Suzuki violin, Irish fiddle, and/or improvisation, please reach out to Joanna via email or the contact form. New students under 18 must observe both individual classes and group classes prior to the start of lessons. This observation period sets expectations for the students and parents and builds anticipation in the students to be able to play the instrument, which generally leads to an increase in motivation.
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GROUP CLASSES
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In the fall, Joanna will be teaching several group classes at The Four Hour Day Lutherie through her private studio. These classes include Suzuki Violin and Improvisation (ages 3-6) and Suzuki Violin and Improvisation (ages 7+) for students under age 18 who take individual lessons with Joanna. Scroll down to view classes, their dates and times, and to enroll if your child is a current student.
Joanna will also be teaching at St. Luke's Church through the Baltimore Irish Music School. These classes will include a Newcomers to Irish Music class, Tuneful Tots (ages 0-3), and Tuneful Tykes (ages 4-6). If you are interested in any of these classes, feel free to reach out to Joanna directly. The classes will become available for sign-up on this website during the summer.
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Joanna also offers group lessons and fiddle communities for adults online and in person. Please contact Joanna for more information if you are an interested adult.
