About Me - Learn Fiddle Tunes with Cristina

My Story

My story began with an episode of Sesame Street when I was five years old. I saw Itzhak Perlman playing the violin, and after saying, “I want to do that!” enough times over the next few weeks, I had a violin and a teacher.

Exploration

I explored bluegrass, country, folk, Celtic, jazz, blues, and more. I’ve played in many bands in many genres. But my favorite will always be bluegrass. There’s something about the old-time feel, simple melodies, and sweet harmonies that just keep me coming back again and again.

Cristina violin photo for Muddy Basin Ramblers "Hold That Tiger" album

Cristina playing violin, portrait by Marylou Chibirka

Expertise

I studied intensely as a classical violinist until the age of 20, and majored in violin performance for two years in university before I decided to explore other styles of music.

Cristina playing and singing with Bug Tussle

Explanation

I’ve been a teacher all my life. I taught music lessons throughout and after university. I taught English and music for ten years in Taiwan. And now I want to teach YOU all of my favorite fiddle tunes (and probably a few more).

Cristina playing with Muddy Basin Ramblers at Taiwan Concert Hall's Jazz Festival at CKS Memorial Hall square — Muddy Basin Ramblers at Taiwan Concert Hall’s Jazz Festival at CKS Memorial Hall square

Some of my projects

My journey as a fiddler…

Eva Katherine and the Lonesome Souls, Pennsylvania, USA

Let’s Learn Fiddle Tunes Together

Fiddle Tutorials

Sheet Music