Fizzell Violin Lessons
Fizzell Violin Lessons
Become an Expert Violin or Viola Player
Become an Expert Violin or Viola Player
String instruments are fun and rewarding instruments to play, but are also very challenging. They require a lot of time, focus, and dedication. Whether you’re trying out a new hobby or pursuing your passion, getting a skilled instructor can help you stick to your practice schedule and stay motivated.
Sign up for a lesson with me at Fizzell Violin Lessons. I can teach students in Colorado Springs, Colorado in person. I also offer virtual lessons to interested individuals anywhere! Get in touch with me for inquiries.
Get to Know Me
Get to Know Me
Hi! I’m Mike Fizzell, and music has always inspired me. I started teaching music while still in high school. Not only was I enthusiastic about playing, but I could also understand and explain concepts clearly to others.
As I developed my skills, I grew to love playing music even more. The discipline I gained applied to other areas of my life as well! I enjoy passing my love of music and the joy of excellence to others.
My Music Journey
My Music Journey
I have more than 35 years of public and private music teaching experience. I studied under Abraham Chavez Jr. while I was a high school student in Boulder, Colorado. During this time, I also:
- Served as Principal Second Violinist of the University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra
- Won the Colorado All-state Competition for High School String Quartets
- Toured Europe as Co-Concertmaster of the America’s Youth in Concert Symphony Orchestra
I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with high honors. While earning my bachelor’s degree in violin performance, I served as the concertmaster of the university symphony orchestra. I received training in string pedagogy under Phyllis Young while teaching in the University of Texas String Project.
I played in the Austin Symphony first violin section for 9 years. I was also the principal second violinist with the Austin Lyric Opera for its first five seasons.
Besides teaching orchestra in public elementary and high schools, I founded and—for 10 years—directed the Christian Youth Orchestra of Central Texas. I have established and led the orchestra programs at both Regents School of Austin and One Day Academy.
I have also enjoyed:
- Studio Arranging and Recording
- Freelancing as a Professional Violinist
- Founding and Serving as First Violinist of the Rose String Quartet
I am passionate about music and developing skill, confidence, and musicality in my students. Feel free to sign up for a lesson if you’re interested in learning how to play the violin or viola!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get an instrument?
Q: How do I get an instrument?
A: Choose a local violin or string instrument shop that specializes in bowed instruments. They’ll know how to fit students to a right size instrument and shoulder rest.
For young students, I recommend lease/purchase programs. Older students with experience might want to settle into the purchase of a full-size instrument.
Q: What about online instrument purchases?
Q: What about online instrument purchases?
A: This is fine as long as there is a good return policy in case the teacher advises that the instrument is not suitable. However, younger students must be fitted with a proper size instrument and shoulder rest, which can be troublesome with online purchases. Some instrument dealers respond to online customers by shipping out instruments on approval.
Q: Do online lessons work well?
Q: Do online lessons work well?
A: The convenience of online lessons is attractive to many, and I have had success enabling students to make excellent progress. They learn to make the proper positions and motions by following specific aural instructions and by seeing me demonstrate.
I send mp3 files to clients when they need them for practice. Young students who are just starting might need a parent to be present in early lessons to help with the fundamentals of instrument holding and position.
Regarding students who are minors, I recommend that a supervising adult be able to hear what’s going on in a student’s lesson, keeping the door to the room open if necessary.
Q: Aside from a device capable of running Zoom, what other electronic equipment is required for online lessons?
Q: Aside from a device capable of running Zoom, what other electronic equipment is required for online lessons?
A: A good internet connection is necessary so that lessons are not interrupted by network issues.
Depending on the speed of your connection, streaming on other devices in the household may need to be restricted while lessons are in progress. It is also advisable to have a plug-in microphone. Microphones in cellphones and computers are designed for the human voice. They tend to intermittently drop volumes for musical instruments, making it difficult to hear the student’s playing.
Q: What materials are used, particularly with beginners?
Q: What materials are used, particularly with beginners?
A: Materials for all levels are chosen with the needs of the student in mind. I generally use Suzuki books with other materials added like:
- Fiddle Tune Books
- Irish Tunes
- Folk Tunes From Other Cultures According to the Student's Interest
- Pop Tune Books
- Downloaded Tunes the Student Might Be Interested In
At the beginner level, I use String Builder Book 1 to teach music reading. I add scale books, etude books, and other classical repertoires not included in the Suzuki books for intermediate and advanced levels.
Q: What is the best way to obtain the books and materials used in lessons?
Q: What is the best way to obtain the books and materials used in lessons?
A: All materials are available for purchase online and at local music stores.
Q: Is any other equipment needed?
Q: Is any other equipment needed?
A: Aside from the instrument, shoulder rest, and rosin, the student should also have a music stand and a metronome. These will often be used in both practice and lessons. Beginners will not need a metronome at first. There are metronome apps that can be downloaded to a cell phone. The metronome tick should be loud enough to be heard over playing.
Q: Are there any age restrictions?
Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: If beginning the instrument, student must be in at least the fourth grade and be able to focus and follow directions well. I will accept younger students who have previous instrument training on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What is the cost of lessons?
Q: What is the cost of lessons?
A: Lessons are paid by the month at the beginning of the month. The cost is $30 for a half hour, $45 for 45 minutes, and $60 for an hour.