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Personalized, 1:1 Music Lesson for Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin, or Guitar

Learn folk, old-time, or bluegrass at your own pace. Receive customized weekly instruction on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, or guitar, tailored to your style and skill level. Get feedback, tips, and explore new tunes or try a new genre.
SRS Music & STEAM
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(25)
Class

What's included

20 pre-recorded lessons
20 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Mastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. Students can share example videos of their playing for teacher feedback and encouragement. this also helps the teacher plan the next video to ensure students have relevant and timely instruction and next steps to continue improving.
Grading
Teachers can provide written feedback about learner progress and course completion upon request.

Class Experience

Beginner - Advanced Level
This self-paced, personalized music class offers a flexible and individualized learning experience tailored to each student’s instrument, playing level, interests, and goals. While the 20 lesson topics provided in the syllabus are a suggested sequence, each weekly video lesson will be custom-made specifically for the learner, whether they play the violin, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, or banjo. This course covers essential playing techniques, listening skills, and traditions in folk, old-time, and bluegrass music.

Learners can expect one personalized video lesson each week, focusing on their chosen instrument and designed to help them achieve their specific goals. Additionally, learners have the option to share a video of their playing to receive a second video with customized teacher feedback and encouragement. They can also ask questions or share their progress through written messages to the teacher in the Outschool classroom.

This class is perfect for students who have trouble finding a teacher in their time zone, those with busy schedules, or those who feel shy about live lessons. With personalized feedback, flexible learning options, and engaging instruction, it’s an ideal solution for developing your skills in folk, fiddle, old-time, or bluegrass music.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your technique, this course provides an encouraging and structured way to grow as a musician.
Learning Goals
Develop Technical Proficiency: Build a strong foundation in playing techniques specific to the chosen instrument (violin, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, or banjo), focusing on posture, hand positioning, and the execution of essential skills like strumming patt
Enhance Musical Listening Skills: Cultivate the ability to listen critically to various styles within folk, old-time, and bluegrass music, enabling learners to play by ear, recognize patterns, and understand the nuances of different musical interpretation
learning goal

Syllabus

20 Lessons
over 20 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction & Setting Goals
 Learn what to expect in a personalized self-paced class, share the instrument you're learning, and set a goal. 
Lesson 2:
Tuning Your Instrument
 How to tune your instrument with and without electronic tuners. 
Lesson 3:
Proper Posture and Hand Position
 Basic posture and hand placement for your instrument. 
Lesson 4:
Developing a Steady Rhythm
 Importance of rhythm in folk and bluegrass music. 

Other Details

Supply List
Learners will need an instrument in good playing condition. Students will learn about additional instrument-specific accessories and music books as recommended by their teacher by the end of the first lesson.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2022
4.9
25reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Stacey Rae Sinclair
Master's Degree in Education from Marymount University
Stacey Rae Sinclair
Master's Degree in Music from Florida State University
Zoe Kushubar
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Cleveland Institute of Music
Masato Chang
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Converse College
Zoe Kushubar
Stacey Rae Sinclair is a lifelong musician with the heart of a teacher. She is a certified teacher with a master's degree in education. Over her 15 years of teaching, she has taught private lessons, workshops, and camps. Stacey Rae Sinclair is a successful teacher on Outschool. Since September of 2020, she has been in good standing, with a 5-star rating. She founded Stacey Rae Sinclair Music (SRS Music & STEAM) to help fill the consistent demand for 1:1 violin lessons, fiddle classes, and more. Her mission is to bring a love of learning and joy for music to all her learners.
_________________

Alani Sugar began playing the violin at age 9 and discovered bluegrass at 13, solidifying her passion for playing the violin and fiddle.

As an up-and-coming musician, Alani brings a fresh, young perspective to bluegrass and old-time music, constantly pushing the boundaries of these genres.

Alani is also a dedicated violin, fiddle, and mandolin teacher who loves working with students of all ages and skill levels. She has experience teaching private lessons, group classes, and self-paced courses. In her private lessons, she covers repertoire, technique, ear training, music reading (if desired), improvisation, and playing music with others, all tailored to each student’s interests and goals. Students often praise her for being patient, communicative, and adaptable in her teaching methods.

In August 2020, Alani released her debut solo album, "Walkin' After Midnight." She continues to inspire and educate through her online music lessons, sharing her love for music with learners everywhere.
_________________

Talented multi-instrumentalist Levi Houston Sanders is a scholar at heart. In addition to winning many banjo competitions, he is also a historian. He specializes in the British Empire, Africa, and Napoleon.

Levi’s style blends musical influences from Don Reno, Earl Scruggs, and Ralph Stanley. He is also an accomplished guitarist and teaches students of all levels.

Reviews

Self-Paced Course
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$35

weekly or $700 for all content
20 pre-recorded lessons
20 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 8-17

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