I am pleased to present the Learning Fiddle with Irish Music (LFIM) materials as a foundational approach to learning the fiddle through Irish tunes and songs. At its core, this method teaches students to play by ear while introducing technical and musical skills in a clear, step-by-step progression.

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More broadly, this series represents the culmination of over 25 years of teaching experience, including more than a decade of developing, testing, and refining these materials in the studio. Throughout that time, I have continually evaluated their effectiveness and adapted them to support students as they learn to play the fiddle through Irish music. I am deeply grateful to the many students who engaged with these evolving resources and contributed to their development through their dedication and perseverance.

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My Suzuki teacher training has been instrumental in shaping this approach. It allowed me to identify the essential skills required for Irish fiddle playing and to organize them in a structured, sequential manner that reflects the pedagogical strengths of the Suzuki method, while placing particular emphasis on the stylistic and technical elements unique to Irish music. As with the Suzuki method, learning by ear remains a central focus of the LFIM materials.

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In addition to developing resources for students, I have drawn on teacher training programs and the insight of respected colleagues to create guidance for educators on how to effectively use these materials. LFIM is most successful when taught by instructors who have received training or mentorship in this approach, as many of the skills embedded within each tune benefit from informed guidance, careful observation, and intentional teaching.

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I am deeply grateful to my children, Ben Vanorny (piano) and Claire Vanorny (fiddle), who recorded the LFIM development tracks, as well as to my colleagues Brian Miller (guitar/bouzouki) and Norah Rendell (vocals), who collaborated with me on the final recordings. While the written music serves as a helpful aid for learning, the recordings provide the richest insight into the style and character of the music.