After 45 Years of Teaching Music, It's Time for a Different Tune

 

For more than 45 years, I've been teaching music in Western Massachusetts. Violin, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, classical music, bluegrass, Irish traditional music, klezmer, and just about anything else that could be played on a stringed instrument have all found their way into my teaching studio at one time or another. Now, after a lifetime of lessons, rehearsals, performances, and musical adventures, I've decided to retire from full-time teaching.

It's not quite the retirement I had imagined.

This past July, I spent two weeks in the hospital following a serious illness. I'm still recovering, and the experience has changed the way I think about my time, my energy, and what I want to do with the years ahead. I've always been someone who has more projects going than any reasonable person should attempt, and slowing down has never come particularly naturally to me. But sometimes life makes the decision for you.

For those who know me through Sweet Music Studio, which I've operated since 1985, this means a significant change. I'm now teaching just one day a week, primarily working with students I've known for some time. I'm not actively accepting new students, and I no longer maintain the regular schedule of private lessons and group classes that once occupied so much of my week.

That doesn't mean I've lost my enthusiasm for teaching. Quite the opposite. One of the great rewards of spending decades as a music teacher is watching people discover abilities they didn't know they had. I've worked with children picking up their first instruments, adults returning to music after decades away, and people who were convinced they had no musical talent until someone put an instrument in their hands and showed them otherwise.

Some of my favorite teaching memories have very little to do with technical accomplishments. They're about the moment a student stops worrying about the notes and starts making music. Or the first time a group of adults manages to play a tune together without stopping, and everyone looks around the room with that wonderful expression of surprise and delight.

Those are the things I'll miss most about teaching regularly.

Over the years, music has taken me to some extraordinary places. I've played bluegrass fiddle in an Irish pub in Kilfenora, performed klezmer in front of the Great Pyramids in Egypt, exchanged melodies with a Chinese violinist in an instrument factory in Hebei Province, and performed Bach and Mozart with the South Hadley Mandolin Orchestra at the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum in Hadley.

I've also spent countless hours making music right here in the Pioneer Valley, where some of the most rewarding musical experiences happen in living rooms, rehearsal spaces, community gatherings, and informal sessions rather than on concert stages.

The thing that connects all those experiences isn't the instrument or the musical style. It's the people. Music has an extraordinary ability to bring together individuals who might otherwise have very little in common.

And that's something I don't intend to retire from.

These days, I'm devoting more of my time to composing, recording, and collaborating with other musicians through my Verve Music project. I'm exploring everything from traditional fiddle music and bluegrass to electronic music, synthesizers, and compositions inspired by science, history, and the natural world. I'm also spending more time at home in Granby, tending our gardens and orchard with my wife Emily, and enjoying the quieter rhythms of life in Western Massachusetts.

I'm discovering that retirement from teaching doesn't necessarily mean having less to do. It simply means having more freedom to decide what to do next.

For anyone who is particularly interested in studying with me, I'm leaving the door open just a crack. If you're serious about lessons, you can text me at (413) 213-5767 with your name, the instrument you'd like to study, your musical background, and what you're hoping to accomplish. I'll consider your inquiry and see whether there's any possibility of fitting you into my limited schedule. But please understand that I'm really not taking on new students at this point.

I'll continue writing about music, musical history, instruments, teaching, and the occasional unexpected adventure at Sweet Music Studio. You can also listen to my original compositions and recordings at Verve Music on Bandcamp, where the music is available for free.

To the students, families, musicians, and friends throughout Granby and the Pioneer Valley who have been part of my musical life over the years, thank you. Teaching has been far more than a profession. It's been an ongoing education, a source of lasting friendships, and one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

I may be putting away the lesson schedule, but the fiddle is staying out of its case.

Adam Sweet
Granby, Massachusetts
Founder, Sweet Music Studio
Musician, Composer & Retired Music Teacher

The Hilltown Family Guitar Group

 

The Hilltown Family Guitar Group is a group of people interested in learning how to play the guitar.  Families encouraged!  All ages welcome (10+). 

• Individual one-on-one lessons recommended for beginners
• Group class $10 each
• Private lessons $45/30 minutes

To register for the Hilltown Family Guitar Group, join our Facebook Group here, and follow the instructions

Cello Lessons

 

Cello lessons are just like any other lessons here at Granby Music.  Choose between a half hour lesson or an hour long lesson.  Here's some more information about Lessons.

We offer a variety of styles to choose from including classical, celtic, folk and jazz.

To register, view the information on this page or text 413-213-5767 any time.

Guitar and Bass Lessons

Since 1985, we at Granby Music have offered private one-on-one lessons on acoustic, electric guitar and electric bass.

We offer 30 minute lessons and 60 minute lessons!

Get started by texting your name, city/state and reason for inquiry (new player, touching up, etc).  Please indicate at that time what day and time of the week is best for lessons and whether you want us to come to your home or place of business, or online using Google Meet.

TEXT: (413) 213-5767

Happy New Year 2026!

As 2026 begins, we find ourselves asking the same simple, enduring questions that have always guided music and learning. How do we listen more closely. How do we practice with patience. How do we make room for growth, for curiosity, and for one another. A new year does not erase what came before. It builds on it, note by note, lesson by lesson, tradition carrying us forward.

At Granby Music, we hope this year brings steady progress, renewed focus, and moments of real connection through music. Whether you are returning to an instrument, continuing a long journey, or just beginning to explore sound for the first time, we look forward to meeting you where you are and walking the next stretch together.

May 2026 be a year of learning that feels meaningful, practice that feels purposeful, and music that reminds us why we started in the first place. We are grateful to share the road ahead with our students, families, and community, and we look forward to whatever this next chapter invites us to discover.

A Christmas Song, a Moving Sky, and Why Fiddle and Mandolin Still Matter

Christmas is a season that slows people down just enough to listen. The nights are longer, the air is quieter, and melodies seem to linger a little more than usual. It is no accident that so much traditional music lives comfortably in winter. Fiddle tunes, mandolin lines, and old folk songs were shaped for exactly this kind of listening.

While working on a new song called “Comet of Bethlehem,” I found myself thinking not only about the story behind it, but about the instruments that carry it. The song leans heavily on fiddle and mandolin, two voices that have always been good at motion. They can shimmer, hover, and drift, much like the idea behind the song itself.

• https://adamsweet.bandcamp.com/track/comet-of-bethlehem-a-christmas-song

The inspiration came from recent research suggesting that the object often called the Star of Bethlehem may have been a rare comet that passed unusually close to Earth. The science focuses on movement, timing, and perspective. How something can appear to slow down, change direction, or seem to pause depending on where you stand and how closely you watch.

That same idea applies to learning music. Fiddle and mandolin are instruments that reward attention. At first, everything feels fast and uncertain. Bowing angles, finger placement, rhythm, tone. But with steady practice, things begin to slow down. Notes start to land where you expect them to. Phrases begin to hover instead of rush. What once felt chaotic starts to make sense.

Both instruments also have deep roots in seasonal music. From old Christmas airs to winter reels and folk ballads, fiddle and mandolin have long been used to carry stories forward without needing explanation. They are expressive, portable, and honest. Perfect tools for players who want to understand not just what to play, but why music moves people the way it does.

At Granby Music, we teach fiddle and mandolin with that same mindset. Lessons focus on listening, timing, tone, and musical storytelling, not just scales or exercises. Whether you are drawn to folk, Americana, Celtic, bluegrass, or seasonal music, these instruments open doors quickly and keep revealing new possibilities over time.

If this season has you listening a little more closely, it might be the right moment to start. Learning fiddle or mandolin is not about rushing toward a performance. It is about developing the patience to notice small changes, both in the music and in yourself.

Winter is a good time to begin. The sky is quieter. The songs are older. And there is still plenty of room to learn something new.

To learn more about fiddle and mandolin lessons at Granby Music, or to sign up for winter sessions, visit GranbyMusic.com or get in touch directly.

Bandcamp Friday

Bandcamp Friday returns this Friday, December 5, and it’s one of those rare days when every purchase sends even more support directly my way. If you’ve been following my projects this year, you already know how much your encouragement helps keep the music flowing. Bandcamp Friday is the perfect moment for anyone who wants to lend a hand while picking up new tracks, older catalog pieces, or special releases you might have missed.

If you want to join in, here are a few simple ways to make a real difference. First, take a moment to visit my Bandcamp page at https://adamsweet.bandcamp.com and save it so it’s easy to get back to on Friday. I’ve updated the page with several new singles, Cybernetic Fusion pieces, and some of my regional and community songs that have been getting good responses lately. I’ll also be adding a few curated selections and highlights to make browsing easier.

If you’re active on social media, sharing the Bandcamp link helps more than you’d think. A single repost, comment, or mention can introduce the music to someone who might never stumble across it otherwise. Bandcamp has even provided graphics that make it easy to spread the word, which you can find on their site.

On Friday itself, anything you purchase goes further than usual. Whether it’s a single, an album, or a compilation, each sale helps support the creative work here at Sweet Songs and keeps future projects possible. If you already own everything, you can still help by sending the link to a friend, adding the site to your default music store on your link hubs, or simply taking a moment to say which song has touched you the most this year.

You can always find everything at my main Bandcamp page:
https://adamsweet.bandcamp.com

Your support truly matters, and I’m grateful for every listen, every download, and every message you send my way.

Granby Chorus/Choir Rehearsals

We are holding two more rehearsals prior to our participation in the Trees & Bouquets event at Kellogg Hall on November 30th at 2pm.  If you plan on participating in the event, please attend on or both of the rehearsals.

The rehearsals will be at 117 Amherst St in Granby, MA at 5pm on Wednesday the 19th and 26th of November.

Please text us at 413-213-5767 to confirm that you will be attending.

We will be singing the following songs, so you may be prepared for: 

• We Wish You A Merry Christmas
• I Saw Three Ships
• The First Noel
• Hark The Herald
• Oh Come All Ye Faithful
• Jingle Bells

In addition to the songs, April and Adam will be twin fiddling the following tunes (and you may join us if you like):

• Ashokan Farewell
• Planxty Irwin
• Carolan's Welcome

Morning Tech Glitch at Granby Music Academy

If you tried to reach Granby Music Academy this morning and couldn’t get through, you weren’t alone. A large Cloudflare outage affected thousands of websites worldwide, including ours. For a short time, pages on GranbyMusic.com and several related sites wouldn’t load properly.

Everything is back to normal now, and no data or class information was lost. Our registration pages, lesson schedules, and contact forms are all working again.

Thank you to everyone who reached out or waited patiently while the problem was resolved. Technology can be unpredictable, but our music—and our community—keeps going strong.

Holiday Season At Granby Music

Granby Music Academy is heading into a busy and joyful season, and we have several concerts coming up that bring our students, our choir, and our partners together. This time of year always reminds us why community music matters. It gives people a place to gather, a way to share their voices, and a chance to keep old traditions alive while making room for new ones.

On November 30 at 2pm, the Granby Choir and our students will present a selection of holiday songs at Kellogg Hall. This has become one of our favorite events of the season. The mix of returning singers, new students, and families filling the room gives it a feeling you can’t quite create anywhere else. The songs are simple and heartfelt, and the atmosphere always leans toward warmth and belonging.

On December 6 at 8pm, Adam Sweet and Brian Bender will perform at the Song & Story Swap at The First Church, 165 Main St. in Amherst. Adam will represent Granby Music, bringing his blend of traditional and original work, and Brian will be joining him on piano. Performances like this connect the Academy with the wider musical community in the Valley, and it’s always encouraging to watch those partnerships grow.

Looking ahead, we’ve begun planning our annual Spring Concert to benefit the Granby Preservation Society at Kellogg Hall. This event continues to bring together musicians, neighbors, and supporters of local history. It’s an important part of our year, and the early preparations are already underway.

As we move into this new season, we’re also inviting new members to join both the Granby Choir and the Granby Orchestra. These ensembles welcome singers and players of all levels. There are no auditions, no fees, and no pressure. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a musical group that values tradition, community, and steady growth, this is your chance. We would be glad to have you with us.

If you’d like to join, volunteer, or simply learn more, reach out anytime. I can prepare another version with direct contact details if you want them included in the post.

Honoring Those Who Served: A Message from Granby Music

Today, we pause to honor the men and women who have served our country with courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of the values that define our nation: service, unity, and perseverance.

At Granby Music, we believe that music—like service—connects people. It builds community, fosters understanding, and gives voice to gratitude. This week, we’re proud to offer a special discount for veterans and active military members as our small way of saying thank you.

Whether you’re learning an instrument for the first time or returning to a lifelong passion, we welcome you to join our musical family. Let us help you find peace, expression, and joy through music.

From all of us at Granby Music—thank you for your service.

#VeteransDay #GranbyMusic #ThankYouVeterans

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.

Granby Music Rental Program

 2023 Rentals

A notice about the violin rental program: we still have student violin outfits (Palatino) for rent.  The cost is $30 a month with a $200 deposit (refundable).   The minimum rental period is 3 months.  The outfit comes with a padded case, carved solid wooden violin, wooden bow, rosin and case straps.  It's missing a shoulder rest.  We have them for sale for $25 each.  You can upgrade to Adam Sweet's Fiddler's Bow for an additional $125 (and get to keep the bow) as the wooden bow that comes with the case is only mediocre.

Mandolin rental program: we have a wide variety of options this year.  For example, you can rent a Mando Mo A or F style mandolin with a hardshell case for only $75 a month (and a $500 refundable deposit).  These are gorgeous mandolins!  Air-dried tonewood, American steel frets, German Optima hand-wound strings, solid tailpieces, TUSQ nuts, MOP and Abalone inlay and Brekke adjustable bridges.  We can't believe we can offer these instruments for rent.  The program is rent to buy.   50% of the rental fee goes to the purchase of the instrument!  Email info@sweetmusicstudio.net with the word "mando mo rental" in the subject line to get some more information about that.  You can set up a time to try out the instrument in person (socially distanced of course), or Adam can play it for you online so you can see it and hear what it sounds like before renting it.

In addition to mandolins, we have mandocellos and mandolas for rent.  Please ask!

A Post by Adam Sweet, CEO: What are some good fiddle tunes for a beginner?

So as you know, I teach violin and many fiddle styles including celtic, bluegrass, klezmer, jazz, western swing, texas style and Quebecois.

Someone recently asked me to suggest some tunes a beginner can learn.  I decided to include some more advanced  tunes as well

Camptown Races comes to mind, as does Liza Jane, Buffalo Gals, Shady Grove (it's in Bm but doable), Shortnin' Bread, Oh, Susanna, Cindy, Dixie, Wildwood Flower, Soldier's Joy, Going to Boston, Flop Eared Mule, Skip to My Lou, Girl I left Behind Me, Old Joe Clark, Cripple Creek...all basically level 1 tunes except maybe the last 3 or so.

Slightly more advanced would be Mississippi Sawyer, Arkansas Traveler, Rose Tree, Over the Waterfall, Newcastle, Southwind, Si Beg Si More, Sandy River, Salt Creek, Chinky Pin, Cotton Eyed Joe, Cameron Highlanders, Scotland the Brave, Harvest Home, Ash Grove, Amazing Grace, Swinging on a Gate, Fisher's Hornpipe, Snowflake Reel

Every fiddle player needs to learn the "double shuffle" bowing pattern. Here are some good tunes to practice with it:

Orange Blossom Special, Back Up And Push, Rubber Dolly,.

Now we get into some jigs! Here are some easier ones: Irish Washerwoman, Garry Owen, St Patrick's Day (inna mornin), Haste to the Wedding, Road to Lisdoonvarna, Swallow Tail, Kid on the Mountain and Pipe on the Hob.

How about some Polkas? I like: As we Went Out On The Ice, Kangaroo, Kerry, Spare Leg, Andy Boyle's, Britches full of Stiches.