Ways to learn

PRIVATE LESSONS | In-person & Online

A lifelong student of folk music, Dakota finds immense joy in teaching and sharing her knowledge. In 2017, after returning to her home in West Virginia from Baltimore, MD, she committed herself to full-time music instruction. As her passion spread, so did her student base, eventually outgrowing her home teaching space. In 2019, Dakota founded The Cat and The Fiddle, a traditional roots music school in Capon Bridge, WV. There, she continues to teach and inspire students of all ages, passing on her deep understanding of old-time fiddle and clawhammer banjo.

As both an old-time music enthusiast and a classically trained violinist, Dakota blends the best of both worlds. She incorporates the technique and posture of classical violin into the rich tunes of old-time music, offering students a well-rounded musical education. In keeping with the folk tradition, much of her teaching is done by ear, though she introduces music theory and reading as students advance. Dakota welcomes students ages 7 and up.

To schedule your first class visit: https://TheCatandTheFiddle.as.me/DakotaKarper

2025 Camps and Festivals:

This year I have the great privilege at teaching and performing at a number of camps and festivals. If you want to come spend multiple days learning with me, hearing my music or dancing to my tunes, check out one of the opportunities below!

Staunton Old Time Gathering | Instructor| Staunton, VA -- Jan 31 - Feb 2

Dare to be Square DMV | Workshop Musician | Dumfries, VA -- May 9-11

Helvetia Hoot | Workshop Musician | Helvetia, WV -- May 30- June 1

Common Ground on the Hill | Traditions Week 3| Instructor | Westminster, MD -- July 14-18

Augusta Heritage Center | Summer Old-Time Week | Staff Musician | Elkins, WV -- July 20-26

Augusta Heritage Center | October Old-Time Week |Instructor | Cass, WV -- Oct 15-19

PATREON:

Through Patreon, I have created a budget friendly way for you to learn to play the fiddle on your own time. For a $10 per month subscription you have access to a well organized archive of 100+ of my pre-recorded classes, videos and folk tales to get you on your way. Besides this I am continually adding new, exclusive content. Find out more at: www.patreon.com/dakotakarper

Reviews: 

"Dakota's class was well-organized and fun, but it was most notable for giving me a better understanding of how chords mesh with the fiddle tunes and how the fiddler can steer the chords of the rhythm players by choosing drones and double-stops. It was the best explanation that I've heard of chords in the context of fiddle tunes. I would take her class again." - Casey M.  (Augusta Heritage Center | October Old Time Retreat 2023)

"Dakota is an amazing fiddle instructor.  In her intermediate class at Augusta Heritage Center’s October Old-Time retreat, Dakota provided a good mix of technique, theory, and learning new tunes.  She was well-prepared with specific learning objectives and also accommodated the students’ goals.  She followed through, keeping us “on task” so that we could accomplish these goals.  Dakota’s instruction was highly interactive; she frequently asked for the students’ observations and welcomed questions.  I especially appreciated Dakota’s lessons on bowing techniques, chord theory, and starting tunes with “potatoes.” " - Elizabeth R. (Augusta Heritage Center | October Old Time Retreat 2023)