School of Music (Fiddle, Classical Violin, Piano and Theory)
Now accepting new students for the 2022 Fall Season! Limited spots available.
This season marks our 38th year at the Sherryl Fitzpatrick School of Traditional Fiddle & Piano which is located in Barrhaven, ON.
We teach Canadian Old-time, Irish, Cape Breton, and Quebecois styles of fiddle. Our method of instruction is by ear or by written note. However, our teaching methods are adaptable to each student’s needs.
In addition to teaching fiddle music, Sherryl also teaches classical violin using the Royal Conservatory, Suzuki repertoire, O’Connor String Method as well as teaching theory. She prepares students for RCM violin exams, theory exams as well as auditions into violin programs for high school or university. Using the O’Connor String Method, Sherryl will also be working with small youth ensembles. All her students have achieved a 100% success rate when playing for their exams reaching Honours or Honours with distinction.
In addition to teaching all styles of fiddling, she has also been teaching piano accompaniment for many years. She has been providing accompaniment for students and fiddle competitors at various fiddle contests in Ontario. She performs with the “Tiger Island Trio” and “Bb Sisters”. She is also in demand as a piano accompanist for Special guest fiddlers, namely Martin Aucoin, Germain Leduc, Kimberley Holmes, Peter Dawson among many others.
Sherryl has dedicated her life to teaching her two passions: music and skiing. As a certified ski instructor and Alpine Canada ski coach she has taught countless athletes in discovering their full potential. One student each year is selected to be the recipient of the music scholarship. This student receives a keeper plaque, has their name engraved on the school plaque and is afforded the opportunity to attend a music camp. All students prepare for a Virtual Christmas Recital and Year-End Recital.
She has composed and transcribed her original music into two books. In addition to writing her own books, she has transcribed music for Peter Dawson, Dennis Harrington, Randy Foster, Leo Ready and the Canadian Grand Masters “Prime Minister Project”. Most recently, she has completed a Canadian musical legacy project whereby she has compiled the original compositions of the late Yvon Cuillerier along with memorabilia and tributes into a collection entitled, “Letters from Yvon”.
Would you like to join the school as a student? See what others are saying!
“In all the years we’ve been doing the Fiddle Collective (since 2014), you were one of the best teachers we have had!” – Celina DiCecca
“Sherryl used to teach me fiddle years ago when I was a kid maybe 11 years old, and in my opinion is one of the best teachers for traditional fiddle music. Her ability to break down and explain tunes and all the little ornamentation, she is so knowledgeable. I used to hold my fiddle down all the time (bad habit) and the amount of patience she had. “Hold your fiddle up!” She’s a wonderful lady and a dear friend who has A LOT of patience.” Alex Kusturok
“Without your guidance, I would have never achieved my Level 8 in the Nancy Greene ski program. You were patient & caring and helped me to achieve my goals. I could have never done it without you.” – Jonathon (athlete)
Contact Sherryl for rates and availability.
