Cristina Paradise

I've been playing the violin/fiddle for 35 years, originally studying violin performance at Marywood University before beginning the gradual switch from classical violin to fiddle. Most recently, I've played professionally in a three times Grammy-nominated band from Taiwan: The Muddy Basin Ramblers. We've performed for the President of Taiwan, as well as at Taiwan's National Concert Hall, and many times to crowds of more than 5,000 people at festivals such as the Spring Wave, Love Love Rock Fest, and the National Concert Hall's Jazz Festival. The Muddy Basin Ramblers is a "jug band" specializing in old blues, jazz, and original music, but I have also played professionally in many other bluegrass, folk, Americana, country, and jazz bands in the U.S. and Taiwan.

I've been teaching violin since 2008, and teaching music was my full-time job in Scranton, Pennsylvania; I taught at the Scranton Music Academy, Gallucci Music School, and Magdon Music. In 2014, I moved to Taiwan to teach English, but continued teaching private violin/fiddle, viola, and flute lessons for the ten years I lived there. Now, I am back in the US and looking forward to rebuilding my private music studio, and I would love for you to be a part of it!

I'm here to help you realize your dream of playing violin, viola, or fiddle in any style of music you desire! I'm happy to work with you on any repertoire of your choosing, whether you prefer to learn by ear or use sheet music, and I can even transcribe music for you if it's otherwise unavailable! 

I will work with you, whatever level you're currently at, to find music that inspires and challenges you. Working from a book, or focusing solely on exercises, theory, and performance pieces are all available options depending on your preference and ability. I'm happy to work with beginners, too! My goal is always to be flexible to enable you enjoy the learning experience while progressing in your musical knowledge and ability. Learning should be a fun experience, not just a goal to reach!

For each piece or tune we work on together, we will always start with the related scale, arpeggio, and chords (if applicable). My goal is to teach you the theory behind the music, so you understand how to practice properly, and eventually learn pieces by yourself. I'll also include relevant exercises and/or etudes for techniques related to the music you choose. Every class is custom designed for you!