Adult Group Violin and Fiddle Class
Adult Group Violin & Fiddle
Five-Week Classes with Maya Leibowitz
Philly Music Factory's Adult Group Violin/Fiddle program returns this fall with Maya Leibowitz.
Whether you're picking up a violin for the first time, returning to the instrument after time away, or looking to deepen your experience with fiddle and folk traditions, the program offers a clear progression from beginning violin fundamentals into increasingly social and repertoire-based playing.
Students can choose the level that best matches their experience.
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Thursday Violin & Fiddle — Thanksgiving Schedule Update
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Both Thursday classes will take a break on Thanksgiving, November 26, and extend through December 17 to ensure participants receive all five sessions.
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Confirmed class dates:
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November 12, 19, December 3, 10, and 17.​​
There will be no class on Thursday, November 26.
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Beginner Level 1 Violin/Fiddle
Mondays, 6:15–7:15 PM
November 9–December 7
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A true introduction to the instrument.
Students will work on:
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Holding the violin and bow
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Tone production
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Foundational technique
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Simple melodies
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Basic listening and ear development
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An introduction to fiddle and folk repertoire
This level is intentionally broader than a specifically fiddle-focused class.
Someone who simply wants to learn violin should have a comfortable entry point here while also being introduced to the folk and fiddle traditions that become more central as the program progresses.
No previous violin experience required.
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Continuing Violin & Fiddle
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*Monday Class is full*
Mondays, 7:30–8:30 PM
Thursdays 6:15-7:15 PM
November 9–December 7
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For students who have completed a beginning course or have some previous violin experience.
Students continue developing fundamental technique and musical literacy while moving more intentionally toward fiddle and folk traditions.
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The class will work on:
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Building repertoire
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Learning tunes by ear
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Developing rhythmic vocabulary
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Developing bowing vocabulary
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Strengthening fundamental violin technique
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Becoming increasingly comfortable playing music with other people
This is a good next step for students who have already established basic familiarity with the instrument and want to continue building.
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Intermediate Fiddle
Thursdays, 7:00–8:15 PM
November 12–December 10
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For more experienced violin/fiddle players ready to work more explicitly within fiddle, folk and social music traditions.
Students will explore:
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Old-time repertoire
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Learning by ear
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Bowing patterns
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Drones
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Double stops
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Slides
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Expanding repertoire
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Playing with other musicians
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Developing greater confidence participating in jams and other group-playing environments
The goal is not simply to learn individual tunes, but to develop the musical vocabulary and confidence to participate more comfortably in fiddle and folk music communities.
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Cost / Registration
There are 12 spots available for this class. Registration is first come, first served, and priority will be given based on the order completed registration forms are received. November 4 is the deadline to complete the registration form. After the registration deadline, payment links will be sent to finalize registration. Payment is due by November 7.
Please complete the registration form below if you are interested in participating. Completing the form allows us to review enrollment, class level and availability before sending payment information.
Your registration is finalized once payment is completed.
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Beginner Level 1 Violin/Fiddle — Mondays 6:15–7:15 PM — Nov. 9–Dec. 7
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjTu9DQDC02_N2v_HFsfpUyFqNMjTjdXBUdsSDCY0mvdppDw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Continuing Violin & Fiddle — Mondays 7:30–8:30 PM — Nov. 9–Dec.
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*Class is Full*
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Continuing Violin & Fiddle— Thursdays 6:15–7:15 PM — Nov. 12–Dec. 10
Intermediate Fiddle — Thursdays 7:30–8:30 PM — Nov. 12–Dec. 10
Five-week series: $110
Participants may pay:
$110 in full or Two payments of $55
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The two-payment option allows participants to divide the cost of the complete series. Participants choosing installments are registering for the full series.
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Registration deadline: November 6
Maximum 12 students per class.
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Need a Violin?
Students need access to a playable violin and bow for class and for practicing between classes.
Students who do not currently own an instrument are encouraged to rent a violin rather than purchasing an inexpensive instrument without guidance, particularly when first getting started.
Two resources previously used by students in this program are:
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Mount Airy Violins & Bows:
Offers professionally prepared violin rentals in a range of sizes.
Mount Airy Violins — Rental Information
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Golden Violins:
Golden Violins has also previously provided affordable violin-rental options to PMF students.
Students should contact the shop directly to confirm current availability and pricing.
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Harold Golden
7801 Winston Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: (215) 242-0307
Golden Violins website
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We strongly encourage students who need an instrument to arrange their rental before the first class.
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About Maya Leibowitz
Maya is a violinist/fiddler and educator with experience teaching private lessons, group classes and music theory.
Her musical background includes classical violin, old-time/Appalachian fiddling, Scottish fiddling and jazz violin.
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Maya studied at Berklee College of Music and has experience working with adult students interested in old-time fiddle and jazz violin. Her particular strength and interest in old-time fiddle and learning music beyond a strictly classical framework aligns closely with the direction that has developed through Philly Music Factory's Adult Violin/Fiddle program.
