Violin Lessons with Adam Sweet
A roots-based approach to fiddle and traditional music
If you’re looking for traditional Classical or Suzuki violin lessons—this isn’t that.
What I teach is often called fiddle, Irish trad, or Celtic. I call it Atlantic music—a mix of styles and traditions from both sides of the North Atlantic, including Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Québécois, New England contradance, and Appalachian old-time. This is the music I’ve lived, performed, and taught for over 40 years.
If you want to learn how to play jigs, reels, airs, waltzes, polkas, and hornpipes by ear… if you want to develop a strong rhythmic bowing hand and a nuanced, expressive tone… if you want to feel confident at a session or jam, then you’re in the right place.
What You’ll Learn
Lessons are completely tailored to your goals and experience, but here's a typical path:
-
Posture and technique – how to hold the violin and bow comfortably with good form
-
Bow control and rhythm – groove, pulse, drive, and the unique “lift” of traditional music
-
Ornamentation – cuts, rolls, triplets, grace notes, slurs, and slides
-
Ear training – learning tunes by ear, building internal pitch and interval memory
-
Tunes and repertoire – jigs, reels, airs, strathspeys, marches, waltzes, and more
-
Session skills – how to play well with others, choose tunes, and contribute musically
-
Style and phrasing – developing your own sound within the tradition
-
Music theory – scales, modes, harmony, and rhythm, explained in plain English
-
Optional notation and tablature – if you want to read music, I’ll teach you; if not, we’ll focus on the ear
This isn’t about winning competitions or playing Paganini. This is about playing music that’s lived in, handed down, and meant to be shared in kitchens, pubs, porches, and community halls.
My Process
Lessons are one hour per week, either in person at my studio in Granby, Massachusetts, or online via Zoom or Skype. I don’t offer 30-minute lessons—they’re too short to go deep, and I believe in giving each student the time they need to grow.
Each student receives a customized plan: I create recordings, exercises, bowing guides, and even full tune breakdowns specific to your needs. We’ll work on developing a solid repertoire, not just playing notes but making music.
I focus on technique, feel, and connection to the tradition—not rigid rules or rote memorization. You’ll learn how to listen, respond, and make choices in real time. The ultimate goal: to become a confident, expressive fiddler who plays from the heart.
Want to Play with Others?
Join the Celtic Group Class!
Once you’re comfortable with a few tunes, I highly recommend the Celtic Group Class, which meets Thursdays at 7pm at my Granby studio. This ensemble is open to all bowed string players (and a few fretted ones too!) who are interested in performing traditional music as a group.
We rehearse weekly and perform throughout the year at local nursing homes, museums, town fairs, and outdoor events. It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way to gain performance experience and connect with other musicians in the community. You don’t need to be a pro—just enthusiastic and willing to learn.