Technique is important but joy and sensitivity is where it's at!
I assist my students with not just how to play the notes but also how to listen and how to groove. |
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Photo by Juan Luís Jiménez
Colleen Freeman
Fiddle, Violin & Music
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Music is a way of listening, connecting, and finding your own voice.
I teach fiddle and violin to curious people of all ages and experience levels, with an emphasis on traditional music, playing by ear, groove, musicality, creativity, and developing a relationship with your instrument that feels like your own. In-person · Online · Lessons · Workshops · Seattle · Bellingham · PNW |
Lessons that meet you where you are
Whether you're brand new to an instrument or you've been playing for years,
we'll start from where you are and build from there.
Fiddle & Violin Lessons
Personalized one-on-one lessons for beginners through advanced intermediate players, kids and adults.
We might work on a tune, untangle something that's been frustrating you, explore a new style, strengthen a technical skill, or simply spend some time figuring out what sounds good.
Online Lessons
Online lessons are available from anywhere with a good internet connection. Zoom works surprisingly well for fiddle lessons, especially when we're working on repertoire, playing by ear, musicality, and creative exploration.
Group Lessons & Workshops
I also offer group lessons and workshops for community groups, festivals, camps, ensembles, and other organizations.
Workshops can be tailored to the group and might explore things like Irish fiddle, playing by ear, groove and rhythm, ornamentation, improvisation, traditional music, listening, or creative approaches to playing.
we'll start from where you are and build from there.
Fiddle & Violin Lessons
Personalized one-on-one lessons for beginners through advanced intermediate players, kids and adults.
We might work on a tune, untangle something that's been frustrating you, explore a new style, strengthen a technical skill, or simply spend some time figuring out what sounds good.
Online Lessons
Online lessons are available from anywhere with a good internet connection. Zoom works surprisingly well for fiddle lessons, especially when we're working on repertoire, playing by ear, musicality, and creative exploration.
Group Lessons & Workshops
I also offer group lessons and workshops for community groups, festivals, camps, ensembles, and other organizations.
Workshops can be tailored to the group and might explore things like Irish fiddle, playing by ear, groove and rhythm, ornamentation, improvisation, traditional music, listening, or creative approaches to playing.
A little about me
Music has been a joyful thread running through my life for as long as I can remember.
I'm Colleen Freeman, a traditional fiddle player, musician, educator, and sound artist. I started violin as a kid and quickly found my way into Irish and other traditional music. Since then I've wandered through all sorts of musical worlds, from Swedish and Brazilian music to Old Time, experimental sound, improvisation, and everything in between.
I recently completed an MA in Experimental Sound Practice at University College Cork in Ireland, where I spent a lot of time thinking about listening, sound, improvisation, composition, and the many ways we can make and experience music.
All of that finds its way into my teaching.
I'm Colleen Freeman, a traditional fiddle player, musician, educator, and sound artist. I started violin as a kid and quickly found my way into Irish and other traditional music. Since then I've wandered through all sorts of musical worlds, from Swedish and Brazilian music to Old Time, experimental sound, improvisation, and everything in between.
I recently completed an MA in Experimental Sound Practice at University College Cork in Ireland, where I spent a lot of time thinking about listening, sound, improvisation, composition, and the many ways we can make and experience music.
All of that finds its way into my teaching.
What does a lesson look like?
That depends!
I like to start by finding out what you're excited about, what you're curious about, and what you'd love to be able to do.
If you're a beginner, we'll get comfortable with the instrument and start making some music right away.
If you've played before, we'll figure out what you already know, where you'd like to go next, and what might help you get there.
My goal is for you to leave lessons feeling excited, challenged, and more confident.
I like to start by finding out what you're excited about, what you're curious about, and what you'd love to be able to do.
If you're a beginner, we'll get comfortable with the instrument and start making some music right away.
If you've played before, we'll figure out what you already know, where you'd like to go next, and what might help you get there.
My goal is for you to leave lessons feeling excited, challenged, and more confident.
What students are saying
"Colleen brings a contagious joy to her teaching sessions. It’s hard not to have fun!"
-Bill D.
"Colleen is amazing. I am a new adult violin player and she is the most patient and observant instructor. I would highly recommend her!!"
-Lisa M.
"I love working with Colleen Freeman! She's a fantastic musician and teacher. She knows so much about Irish tradition, technique, musicality, and the whole package."
-Diane H.
"I can’t say enough good things about Colleen! She is a talented musician who writes and performs her own music, and she is a phenomenal instructor – patient, responsive, and kind. She has a soft-spoken, gentle manner, yet she is persistent in her efforts to get the most out of her students; she won’t let them settle for mediocrity. I have lessons with Colleen once a week, but I’m in touch with her throughout the week. She sends me sheet music, recordings of her playing, anything that she thinks will help me practice. On top of being a great instructor, Colleen helps her students connect with the fiddle community in Bellingham. She frequently invites me to local events, and she makes sure I know about festivals and workshops in the area. I feel very lucky to have found Colleen and I highly recommend her!"
-Annie K.
-Bill D.
"Colleen is amazing. I am a new adult violin player and she is the most patient and observant instructor. I would highly recommend her!!"
-Lisa M.
"I love working with Colleen Freeman! She's a fantastic musician and teacher. She knows so much about Irish tradition, technique, musicality, and the whole package."
-Diane H.
"I can’t say enough good things about Colleen! She is a talented musician who writes and performs her own music, and she is a phenomenal instructor – patient, responsive, and kind. She has a soft-spoken, gentle manner, yet she is persistent in her efforts to get the most out of her students; she won’t let them settle for mediocrity. I have lessons with Colleen once a week, but I’m in touch with her throughout the week. She sends me sheet music, recordings of her playing, anything that she thinks will help me practice. On top of being a great instructor, Colleen helps her students connect with the fiddle community in Bellingham. She frequently invites me to local events, and she makes sure I know about festivals and workshops in the area. I feel very lucky to have found Colleen and I highly recommend her!"
-Annie K.
Based in Seattle, making music beyond Seattle
I'll be based in Seattle, Washington beginning in October 2026.
I offer regular lessons online and in Seattle, with occasional private and group lessons and workshops in Bellingham and elsewhere around the Pacific Northwest.
I'm especially interested in connecting with curious, engaged musicians who want to explore their instrument rather than simply follow a prescribed path.
¡Hablo español!
I offer regular lessons online and in Seattle, with occasional private and group lessons and workshops in Bellingham and elsewhere around the Pacific Northwest.
I'm especially interested in connecting with curious, engaged musicians who want to explore their instrument rather than simply follow a prescribed path.
¡Hablo español!
Ready to make some music?
Whether you've always wanted to learn, you're coming back to an old instrument, or you're wondering what else you could do with the instrument you already play, I'd love to hear from you.
Tell me a little about yourself, your musical background, and what you're hoping to explore.
Stay in the loop
I'll occasionally send out updates about lessons, workshops, performances, and other musical happenings.