Preparing for the Holidays at Granby Music

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s a natural shift that happens in every musician’s year. The holidays aren’t just a season—they’re a feeling that comes alive through the songs we play and the people we share them with. At Granby Music, this is one of our favorite times of year.

November is when we begin preparing students and our community for the musical side of the season. Whether someone is learning their first carol or returning to a piece they’ve loved since childhood, the goal is the same: to make music part of our celebrations again.

The violin and mandolin have a special way of bringing warmth to traditional Christmas melodies. Silent Night takes on a tender glow when played with bow and tremolo. What Child Is This and Greensleeves share that haunting minor tone that feels timeless and ancient. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Noel, and O Come All Ye Faithful all shine in ensemble form, weaving harmony and melody together the way only strings can.

Our approach is simple and joyful. We start by making a list of songs each student would like to learn. We gather sheet music and arrangements, then present them in private lessons as well as in our group classes—the Mandolin Group on Mondays and the Celtic Group on Thursdays. These sessions are where the spirit of the season really takes root, with everyone learning from one another and finding their own voice in the mix.

We’re also excited to share our music beyond the studio. 

• On November 30th, we’ll bring Christmas music to Kellogg Hall, filling the room with the sound of violins, mandolins, and voices raised in harmony. 
• On December 6th, we’ll join the Song & Story Swap in Amherst, where local musicians and storytellers gather to share the spirit of the season.

Holiday music reminds us why we play in the first place—to connect, to reflect, and to bring light when the days grow dark. Whether you’re part of our groups or just beginning your musical journey, this is a wonderful time to start.

Granby Music – Where Lessons Become Lifelong Music

At Granby Music, we believe music isn't just something you learn - it's something you live. Our goal is to help students of all ages and skill levels discover the joy of making music, from the first time they hold an instrument to the moment they find their voice in a song.

We offer private and group lessons in violin, viola, and mandolin, serving students throughout Granby, Amherst, Belchertown, and South Hadley. Whether you're a beginner, a returning player, or an experienced musician looking to refine your skills, our lessons are designed to meet you where you are.

Each session at Granby Music is rooted in real, hands-on playing. We teach technique, yes - but we also teach the feeling behind the music: how to listen, connect, and play with purpose. Our instructors take the time to understand each student's goals, learning style, and pace, ensuring that every experience is positive, creative, and inspiring.

Beyond lessons, Granby Music is a place where community grows through sound. Our group classes and workshops bring people together to share ideas and explore new musical traditions. We host a mandolin orchestra and a community choir, both open to anyone who loves to sing or play. These groups perform locally at assisted living facilities, museums, and outdoor events - sharing music that uplifts and connects people across generations.

We also offer instrument rentals, sales, and accessories, helping students find the tools they need to play confidently without the stress of a big upfront investment. Whether you're starting fresh or coming back to music after years away, we'll help you find the right fit.

At its heart, Granby Music is about more than lessons. It's about creativity, collaboration, and belonging. It's about finding your rhythm - both in music and in life. 

Join the Granby Music Choir – Voices of Our Community

Granby Music is now welcoming new voices to join our community choir! This volunteer group brings together singers of all backgrounds who love the joy of music and the power of singing together.

Rehearsals take place every Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. right here at our Granby, Massachusetts location. The choir is free to join-no auditions, no fees, just a shared love of music and connection.

We sing a mix of original songs written by local musicians and traditional folk favorites that celebrate community, history, and the rhythms of everyday life. Whether you've sung in choirs before or are brand new to group singing, you'll find a welcoming space and a supportive group of fellow music lovers.

The Granby Music Choir performs throughout the region at assisted living facilities, museums, and outdoor community events, sharing music with neighbors, families, and friends across Western Massachusetts.

If you'd like to lend your voice, contact us to learn more. Come as you are-bring your curiosity, your energy, and your love for song. Together, we'll make something beautiful.

Mandolin Orchestra

Hi Everybody! Do you play violin, viola, cello or mandolin, mandola, mandocello? If you do, we'd love to have you join our mandolin orchestra! We are currently working on some simple pieces by Mozart and Vivaldi. Rehearsals are once a week at a location in Granby, MA. If you'd like to join the orchestra, email granbymusicstudio@gmail.com or contact us through the website: www.GranbyMusic.com  

The orchestra is all volunteer. Since we are a 501c3 nonprofit, donations are tax free! 

Granby Has A Tradition Of Music

Granby has a long tradition of creativity, and now it finally has a place where that spirit can grow through music. Granby Music Academy was founded with a simple idea in mind: to make music accessible, welcoming, and rooted in the local community. Whether you're a beginner picking up an instrument for the first time or a seasoned player looking to refine your sound, you'll find a home here.

We offer private and group lessons on violin and fiddle, mandolin, and viola - instruments that have deep roots in both classical and folk traditions. Each lesson is tailored to the student's goals, learning style, and pace. Some come to prepare for auditions or performances, while others simply want to play for joy and self-expression. Our teachers understand that music isn't one-size-fits-all, and that's part of what makes the experience personal and rewarding.

Beyond individual instruction, Granby Music Academy hosts group classes and workshops that bring people together through shared learning. We explore everything from technique and ensemble playing to improvisation and theory, helping students discover new styles and confidence in their playing. Our classes are open to all ages - children, teens, and adults - and designed to be as encouraging as they are educational.

For those who love the energy of ensemble performance, we're proud to sponsor two community ensembles: the Granby Mandolin Orchestra and the Granby Choir. Both offer opportunities to connect with other musicians, learn new repertoire, and perform locally. The orchestra features a blend of mandolin family instruments, strings, and rhythm, while the choir welcomes voices of all kinds. These groups embody the Academy's mission: to create spaces where people make music together and keep local culture alive.

We also provide rentals and sales of mandolins, violins, and related accessories. Our goal is to help every player, from absolute beginner to advanced musician, find quality instruments and gear without the stress or high cost of buying online. We stand behind every instrument we offer, and we're always happy to guide you toward the right fit.

Granby Music Academy isn't just a store or a lesson studio. It's a gathering place for creativity - where local talent can meet, learn, and grow. Whether you're looking for lessons, instruments, or simply a place to feel connected through music, our doors are open.

Music has always had the power to bring people together. Here in Granby, we're doing our part to make sure that continues - one note, one lesson, and one song at a time.

Granby Music: How To Register For Lessons

 Registration for online lessons is easy!

• Contact us by email - granbymusicstudio@gmail.com put "registration" in the subject field, and your name, cellphone#, the instrument you want to study, and any biographical information you feel will help me place you.
• Text or leave a voicemail on our Skype mailbox: +1 413-345-5911, or Google Voice: ‪(413) 213-5767‬

Private Lessons IN PERSON are at Adam Sweet's home in Granby, MA.  Once registered and a deposit is received, you will be given parking and entrance information.

Once you have registered, make sure you're registered on Google to use Google Chat and Meet.  Familiarize yourself with these apps ahead of your lesson, so we don't waste valuable time. Look at the Schedule page to determine which days/times work best for you. In your initial contact, you can also mention this to save additional delays.

Google Chat/Meet are easy apps to use both on your desktop (it works in any browser, there's no special software to download unlike Zoom), and there's also an app in the App Store and Google Play.  All you will need is a microphone and webcam.  Most laptops come with them these days.  Some students are also using their phones to connect.

Payment is contactless through Venmo, an app that is similar to PayPal, but much easier to use.  

That's it!  your teacher will connect with you on Google Chat at the agreed upon time.  There's nothing else that you need to do except tune up your instrument and be ready to start learning!

Granby Music: The Ultimate Guide for Learning to Play the Fiddle

 

It's absolutely critical to have a teacher who is passionate about traditional music in order to learn how to play the fiddle well.


Why is it important to learn from a teacher?
If you learn from a teacher who is not passionate about traditional music you will not have the best, most thorough education in music. A teacher that is passionate about traditional music will expose you to every type of traditional music you can imagine. They will make you work hard to master every type of traditional music and in this way they will push you to be the best fiddle player you can possibly be. A teacher who is passionate about traditional music will also use a wide variety of different teaching styles and will not be afraid to go over your head a bit. A teacher who is not passionate about traditional music will not make you work hard enough to master the fiddle.

What makes a good fiddle teacher?
They must: Respect and encourage you. Respect and encourage you in the same way that they would encourage their own children. Treat you as an artist and a person. Encourage you to develop your own personal voice, a signature sound and unique style of playing. They must be skilled at explaining music in a manner that you can understand and internalize. They must also understand that a person can learn to play the fiddle for many reasons, and no one is right all of the time. Fiddle lessons must be taught in a way that reflects the different levels of musicianship that each student has, so students of different skill levels will learn differently. Finally, a good fiddle teacher does not place a high value on one particular style of playing over another.

Where do I find a good teacher?
The first place you should look for a teacher is on online websites that allow you to book lessons, such as lessons.com From there, you can usually book a lesson or two and take your pick from among the teachers listed. They may not necessarily be your teacher of choice, but if you find a teacher who sounds good to you, you're looking in the right place. In some cases, the teachers may require payment before they start teaching, but you can always try to find a free teacher first. When should I take lessons? It's a good idea to take lessons as soon as you can. Ideally, you want to be able to play a piece and have the teacher give you pointers. As soon as you've taken a few lessons, you'll be a lot closer to playing smoothly. Some people believe it's best to play less and learn more.

What are the best resources for learning how to play?
There are many fantastic books available on this topic. The Complete Fiddler's Companion by Tony Trischka is one of the most popular. There is an old tunebook called "Dagger Days" which was published in 1999. It has over one hundred tunes, including "John Henry" and "Dixie Land." And I've also heard good things about "The Lost Fiddler" by Jim Stuckey. Finding a teacher who teaches "traditional music" is essential to success. Here are a few suggestions about teachers for learning the fiddle: 1. Enthusiastic Fiddle Player - Find a close friend, classmate, or family member who plays traditional music and who has been teaching for many years. A good teacher will want to practice with you. This person may be a younger family member, a friend you have known for years, or a schoolmate.

When you've mastered the traditional music styles, you'll have a better understanding of the fiddle, what it's capable of, and its unique tone. You'll also be able to identify the differences between the styles, as well as how they sound and play so that you'll get an overall appreciation of the fiddle itself. Our Free Complete Beginner Fiddle Course is packed with a wealth of tips, tricks, and knowledge to help you play the fiddle. Click here for more information on our premier beginner fiddle course.