The SOA is proud to support the development of musicians throughout Saskatchewan. Through research and support of program development, we learned there was a shortage of fiddle instructors in the province. Through a professional development opportunity, we would like to offer free online training to our members to aid the development of instructors. We are pleased to present the Model Fiddler Program by Roxanna Sabir. This is an eight-module online course for fiddler and violinists who are interested in teaching and preserving the art and tradition of fiddle music.

This course provides constructive steps to teach students from three years of age to adults, and focuses on technical pedagogy to the tradition and origins of Canadian Fiddle Music. The model fiddler shares tips, techniques, and strategies in a methodical approach allowing teachers to build their skills and learn as they teach.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Roxanna’s core belief behind music education is that an excellent instructor can read a student and adapt her/his musical message and instruction to that student’s specific needs and learning style. Everyone is capable of learning music; it is simply a matter of learning how to communicate and translate your musical language and skills in a manner that your student can absorb.

Roxanna has taught music for over twenty years. Originally from Abbotsford, B.C., Roxanna grew up in a musical family along with three exceptional fiddling sisters! From a young age, Roxanna fiddled at weekly Friday and Saturday night community dances and was often invited to play piano accompaniment for her favorite fiddling mentors. Roxanna has taught music workshops throughout Canada and the United Kingdom, and has managed and taught violin, fiddle, piano, and voice at the Sabir Sisters Music Studio. Touring and performing with The Sabir Sisters resulted in the release of three CD’s In Loving Memory, Live By Request and Mad Tradition and a music video Evolution of the Fiddle. Roxanna, along with her sister Sarah, founded the youth fiddle orchestra, the West Coast Fiddlers who have toured the UK, Canada and the American Pacific Northwest and East Coast.

What is included in the Model Fiddler Course?

The ability to play and perform music is a skill that can be taught to anyone. The question is not one of talent or ability, it lies in the process of education and communication. The relationship between student and teacher as well as the teacher’s ability to tailor their teaching process to the student’s needs are the crucial components that determine the success of a student. Examples of course topics include:

Philosophy and Methodology:
Model Fiddlers will learn how to:
• Interview students & parents to select desirable clients
• Develop their personal teaching philosophy
• Assess goals and develop lesson plans
• Evaluate a student’s ability and learning style
• Appraise a student’s support & home environment

Pedagogy:
• Where to begin with a beginner student? Is Technique optional?
• Sight Reading and Scales, when do you begin?
• Lesson planning – a step by step guide
• Scales, Technique and a tune lists
• Technique re: bow hold & violin position & tone quality etc.

Music as a Business:
• Creating a professional studio space conducive for learning
• Establishing a relationship and healthy boundaries between the teacher, students, and parents.
• Studio Guidelines
• Tips for building your own clientele, registration, advertising, pricing, etc.

Module details

Roxanna is also pleased to offer one-on-one training opportunities. Each year, the SOA provides a budget for professional development. This training opportunity can be supplemented through professional development grants as funds are available.

I encourage you to visit the SOA Member Library to learn about existing and future member benefits. If you have any questions about this training or the member library, please contact ed@saskorchestras.com