Fizzell Violin Lessons
Let Music Flow in Your Life
Learn to play the violin with help from me at Fizzell Violin Lessons. Take violin lessons in Colorado Springs, or take violin lessons online from anywhere, all personally from me! I've been helping students learn to love string instruments for over 30 years.
With training and experience in classical, sacred, and folk music, I can help you get playing -- and enjoying -- your violin.
Sign up for a free, 30 minute, no-commitment lesson using the form below:
Become an Expert Violin Player
String instruments are fun and rewarding instruments to play, but are also very challenging. They require 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 teach students in Colorado Springs, Colorado in person, and virtual lessons to interested individuals anywhere! Get in touch with me for inquiries.
Hi! I’m Mike Fizzell, and music has always inspired me. I started teaching music while still in high school, and I've always loved it. 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.
Having founded and directed youth orchestra programs in all types of school settings, public, private, and homeschool, I am especially skilled at helping middle and high school students correct existing problems in their playing, establish good practice habits, advance in the orchestras and ensembles in which they participate, prepare for auditions, and develop confidence in their playing.
I do the same for adults, helping them to revive their skills after years of not playing, and even starting them on the instrument to fulfill a lifelong dream!
I have an encouraging teaching style. Music is fun. Though it requires work to learn to play well, it should be an enjoyment, not a chore to be endured. Learning to work hard and enjoy the results is the trick! I have helped many young musicians progress from being fearful and insecure to being confident performers who can’t wait for their next performance!
Get to Know Me
Get to Know Me
From the teacher, this requires constant encouragement but also the structure necessary to improve. PLAYING BETTER IS MORE FUN!
I teach and respect persons from all worldview backgrounds and all are comfortable under my teaching. There are however those who wish for a faith-based, biblically oriented teacher for themselves or their child. Being from this community, my wife and I can provide encouragement along these lines. I fully accommodate those who wish to learn music that can be used in their churches. I also relate teaching principles to biblical concepts for those comfortable with this approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cost of lessons?
Q: What is the cost of lessons?
A: Music lessons are truly an investment, but I work to make our lessons affordable for families. I recommend weekly lessons no matter the current level of proficiency. The cost is $35 for a half hour (recommended for beginners), $52.50 for 45 minutes (recommended for Level II or higher), and $70 for an hour (recommended for those interested in faster progress or extra help, or who are ready for competitive play and auditions). All payments are due on the 1st of the month for the following month's lessons.
Q: What Age Should My Kid Be to Start?
A: Children are great learners, and some children are capable of the focus necessary to start very young. I accept students beginning at age 10, both beginners and the more experienced. Have a younger kid who you think is ready? Set up a free intro lesson. I accept younger students who are exceptional on a case-by-case basis.
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: 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.
Younger 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: 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: 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. Plug-in microphones are great, but with improving technology they are generally not needed. Zoom has a setting that accommodates musical instruments well and it is easy to enable this feature once in the Zoom session.
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.
I want to get started, what do I do?
1. Use the form at the top of this page to sign up for a free 30-minute lesson, even if you don’t yet have a violin. We will get acquainted, and I can advise you on the process. If you do have a violin, please bring it to the lesson.
2. After the introductory lesson, if you feel comfortable with me, we will secure a regular lesson time for you.
Introductory Lesson - Available Times
Tuesday - 10:00; 3:30 and 5:30
Wednesday - 3:00; 3:30 and 5:00
Thursday - 4:00; 4:30 and 5:00
Permanent Lesson Times
I teach lessons from 9:30 am to 6:15 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Lesson slots are currently available during those time frames. Please inquire regarding specific times.