Cajun music lessons in violin and accordion. Methods include learning by ear, basic music theory and seconding. A teacher since 1985, Tina enjoys bringing music into the lives of people of all ages. Lessons are held at her home in Richard, LA – five miles west of Church Point. Tuition is $15 for 30 minutes or $30 for 60 minutes. Payment is made for 4 lessons in advance: $60 for four 30 minute or
$120 for four 60 minute weekly lessons. Tuition does not cover the cost of books or instruments. Notification of a cancellation is a courtesy to the instructor but does not excuse payment for the lesson. However with 24-hour notice, the lesson can be rescheduled. Without previous notification, payment is charged as usual. If the instructor cancels a lesson, we'll rescheduled or tuition will be adjusted. Tina's Experience:
Tina grew up in Fremont, California. She began her musical training on piano as a child but was drawn to stringed instruments. At age 14, her parents bought her a guitar, and later a mandolin. Thus began the wonderful journey of exploring the world of old-time country music from the 20s-40s, bluegrass music from the 40s-60s and learning music by ear. Tina is also a self-taught luthier having built Appalachian dulcimers, two mandolins and one violin. In 1975 Tina moved to Seattle where she played mandolin, guitar and upright bass in a variety of old-time and bluegrass bands. There, a concert featuring a trio of Cajun musicians—Marc Savoy, Dewey Balfa and Rodney Balfa—changed the course of Tina’s musical path forever. In 1983, she moved to Louisiana, finished college and went to work with world-renown accordion builder Marc Savoy. Along with learning music by ear, Marc had more work than he alone could handle and learning that Tina had woodworking skills, he asked her to join him building Acadian accordions. Tina has been teaching fiddle, accordion and guitar for over 25 years, specializing on learning by ear, with a focus on Cajun music from the earliest recordings to more modern styles. She was on the faculty of Centrum's Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, WA, from 2002-2004. Since 1983, she has been a regular at the Savoy Music Center Saturday morning jam, where many of the wonderful musicians now no longer with us – greats like Aldus Roger, Cheeze Reed, Dewey Balfa, Milton Adams, Octa Clark, Preston Manuel and Chuck Guillory, as well as other little known musicians, regularly attended. Tina has played fiddle with several Cajun bands - Maurice Barzas and the Original Mamou Playboys, Milton Adams and the Midnight Playboys, the Magnolia Sisters, and most recently with Felton LeJeune and the Cajun Cowboys. She has also played bass with the Savoy-Doucet and Savoy-Smith Cajun Bands. Today most of the old-timers are gone, but Tina continues to listen, learn, play and teach the traditional Cajun fiddle styles that won her heart. Tina’s most recent adventure into the music of Mexico's Tierra Caliente began in 2002, when she heard Juan Reynoso at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes. Since then she has been studying the violin and guitar styles of the Hot Lands. She visited Mexico a number of times to study with Juan Reynoso and other master musicians and immerse herself in the culture. Tina’s primary focus is on the intricate and diverse guitar styles of southwestern Mexico. For more information on this remarkably beautiful music, visit http://hotlandsmusic.org/.
