Violin/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer general questions about the performance of and history of country, bluegrass, rock, swing, dixieland, folk music, and early jazz, and also more specific questions pertaining to classical and non-classical-music fiddle and violin playing such as: technique; music theory; style; ear training; feel; tradition; culture; authenticity; execution of various types of fiddle tunes; improvising solos, fills, and breaks; minor repairs; general maintenance/upkeep; and violin/fiddle lessons. I CANNOT ANSWER questions about instrument worth, value, name, brand, age, authenticity, maker/production, major repairs, restoration, or anything to that affect.

Experience in the area

As a fiddler, I am currently 3rd in the State of Ohio. I am also a session musician who is hired by the local recording studios to play on the cds of recording artists, such as cowboy poet Mike Moutoux, as well as many others. Though classically trained, I have a preference for country, bluegrass, rock and swing. I am also a guitar player and vocalist. I have a college degree; however, instead of pursuing a career in law, I have been a fiddle teacher for six years. I play by ear, I read music very well, and I can also improvise. I have played my fiddle and sang in a bluegrass band, and I play rock and country fiddle and sing in my church's band.

Education/Credentials

For my actual fiddling education, I began my classical instruction at the age of 9 and studied under Mr. Keith Holliday (currently of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, the Ohio String Quartet, and the Divertimento String Quartet) through high school. I studied privately, for many years, under Mrs. Simma Korostyshevsky, former Master Violinist with the Toledo Symphony. My education in musicianship is in that I have also played the piano since the age of 5 (of which I play ragtime, stride, and pop/rock), the trumpet since the age of 10 (of which I am a member of Bugles Across America), guitar since the age of 16 (country and rock), and electric bass since the age of 16. I also received instruction from my mother, Ms. Shirley Ann M. Walker, M.M., conductor for the Historic Medina Symphony Orchestra.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

People always ask, "What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle?" Here is my short list of answers:

1.) Spelling;
2.) A fiddle's got 'strangs' (not 'strings'); or
3.) Whether or not I feel like following directions.

Really there's no difference, not even in instrument quality. A fiddle is a violin & a violin is a fiddle. Period. It's all in how it's played.