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Fiddle Lessons with Gerry O'Connor

“One of the great fiddle players of his generation” — IrishFest.com

One-to-One Lessons, Online and In Person

I offer private one-to-one fiddle lessons online and in person. Whether you are based in Ireland or anywhere in the world, I can work with you directly to improve your playing, develop your bowing, and deepen your understanding of Irish traditional music.

I teach from my home studio in Ravensdale, County Louth. I am happy to discuss travelling to students for in-person sessions at an agreed fee, and I regularly teach across Ireland, Europe, and North America. If you have a group, a school, or a festival that would like a workshop or masterclass, get in touch and we can talk through the options.

Lessons are available as one-to-one sessions or in small groups, depending on what you need. I teach at the Willie Clancy Summer School each year and deliver masterclasses at events and institutions across Europe and beyond. You can read more about my background and career on the About Me page.

What We Will Work On

  • Authentic Irish bowing technique, the foundation of everything else
  • Jigs, reels, hornpipes, slip jigs, highlands, and slow airs
  • Ornamentation specific to Irish traditional music
  • Rhythm, timing, and the connection between dance and melody
  • How to learn tunes by ear, the way this music was always passed on
  • Regional styles, including the Oriel and Sligo traditions

Who I Teach

I work best with intermediate and advanced players who already have some experience and want to make real progress. I also teach motivated beginners who are serious about learning properly from the start. If you are not sure whether lessons are right for you at your current level, just get in touch and we can have a conversation about it.

Where Lessons Take Place

I teach from my home studio in Ravensdale, County Louth, where I have everything set up for the work. Online lessons are available via video call for students anywhere in the world, both one-to-one and in small groups.

I can also travel to students for in-person sessions by arrangement at an agreed fee. I travel regularly throughout Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the US, so if you are in one of those areas and would prefer a session in person, we can look at what works.

Online Course, Coming Soon

I am developing a structured 10-week online video course for intermediate to advanced fiddle players. This is not a beginners course. You will need to already be playing at a reasonable level, as we will be working from notation and recordings from week one.

The course will be available in two editions, a self-guided option and a live mentored version where I work with you directly each week. Full details and pricing are on the Online Courses page.

Looking for a Violin?

If you are in need of an instrument, I also sell violins from my studio. I have a selection of fine French and German instruments set up to a high standard, as well as beginner outfits for younger or new players. I also carry out repairs, bow rehairing, and restoration work.

A fine example currently available is the Wilhelm Hermann Hammig violin from Leipzig, 1892, a beautifully preserved instrument from the German violin making tradition. Contact me directly for details and price.

Book a Lesson

To book a lesson or ask about availability, get in touch directly. I respond to every enquiry personally.

Contact me here

Lessons in person in Ravensdale, Co Louth. Online worldwide. Travel by arrangement.