Classes | fiddlermary

PRIVATE LESSONS - SIGN UP HERE - Private Lessons - CURRENTLY FULL

Suzuki Violin: Mary is a trained Suzuki Violin teacher with over 25 years of teaching experience, and offers private Suzuki lessons. The Suzuki Method (developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki) teaches music skills in an immersive way, much like you would learn a language. The idea is that a student hears the 'language', and begins to 'speak' it while developing skills that support it. Find out more about the Suzuki Method here: https://suzukiassociation.org

Irish Fiddle: Mary has developed a unique approach that mirrors the skills and techniques introduced in the Suzuki Method with a special focus on skills needed for Irish fiddling. Like the Suzuki Method, music is taught in an immersive way, and there is a heavy emphasis on learning music by ear. Mary teaches Irish fiddle both in-person and online through the Center for Irish Music, or online from her home studio. You can find more information on her unique approach here.

GROUP CLASSES - Center for Irish Music (Irish music)

Starling Youth Intermediate Mixed Instrument Ensemble (ages 13-18) - (Sept 2025 - May 2026). Register for this class through the Center for Irish Music.

SUMMER CAMPS *updated for 2026

Irish Fiddle for Violinists Camp (ages 8-13): July 6-10, 2026 - Join Irish fiddler and Suzuki teacher Mary Vanorny for a week of fun fiddle tunes! We'll build on skills you're learning in classical music and play some fun Irish melodies too. What makes a tune sound Irish? The secret is in your bow! Learn some fun ways to make tunes you already know sound Irish, and meet new fiddle friends while learning Irish tunes. This camp is designed for advanced beginner/early-intermediate players (Suzuki mid-Book 1 (Perpetual Motion) through Suzuki Book 4).
Irish Music and Arts Summer Camp at the Center for Irish Music (ages 6-12): July 13-17, 2026 - Learn songs, try Irish instruments, listen to stories, do arts & crafts, and learn some myths and legends.
Headwaters Fiddle Camp (all ages 8+): July 20-25, 2026 - Co-directors Mary Vanorny and Brian Miller lead campers in fun activities and musical growth through music and musical history in Minnesota! Along with staff members Carrie Dlutkowski, Eric Carlson, and junior instructor Sawyer Corcoran, campers will take part in sessions and classes, along with some performance opportunities and field trips! Open to fiddlers, strummers, and pickers, ages 8 and up.
Center for Irish Music Performance Camp: August 3-6, 2026 + performance at MN Irish Fair on Friday August 7th - Open to current Center for Irish Music ensemble students in our intermediate and advanced ensembles. Camp will include gathering activities, sessions, tune-learning, special topics, games, walks to the park, a craft (or two) and instruction by our incredible ensemble leadership team. At the end of the week, the group will perform at the Irish Fair of Minnesota on Friday afternoon.
Irish Fiddle Boot Camp (ages 6-18): August 3-6, 2026 - Current CIM Fiddle Students will have an intensive week of getting their fiddle skills in shape before Fall term! Sign up for the first hour, or both! In Part 1 (1:45 - 2:30pm), we’ll spend time tuning up our ears and open strings, feeling the music in our bodies and voices, and playing some Wee Irish* and First Songs* repertoire. Part 1 will end with a game. Part 2 (2:30 - 3:45pm) will begin with Next Tunes*, a chance to practice your jamming skills, followed by some fiddle drills and playing through the Third Set*. We’ll end with a session!
*These refer to teaching materials from www.LearningFiddlewithIrishMusic.com. You don’t have to be Mary's current student or familiar with the materials before the camp–just have to be willing to learn by ear!