Testimonials
"Donna Turk is a very gifted teacher. She is able to draw out the best qualities in each student she works with and has the patience of a saint! Her commitment to nurturing musicality and working with a wide range of personalities is a testament to all of her successes."
Nolana Baillargeon – Executive and Artistic Director of the Calgary Fiddlers
Nolana Baillargeon – Executive and Artistic Director of the Calgary Fiddlers
"Donna has a way with being able to pick out skills that need improving with her students and teach in a fun, constructive way that always leaves the student feeling like they can accomplish anything."
Randy Sawatzky, Adult Student, MRU Fiddle Classes, Calgary, AB
I took up fiddling as an adult and achieved a decent intermediate level of playing when no matter what I tried, I could not progress any further. My goal is to be able to play with the Players, not watch from the sidelines. I tried regular in-person lessons and attended every camp and workshop I could without getting past this stumbling block but I was not willing to accept being “intermediate forever.”
Then I met Donna Turk. She is that rare combination of a professional performer and a gifted teacher, joyful about her music and passionate about passing it on to her students. In two very short sessions at a workshop, she identified the issue with my bowing arm technique that was causing my frustration.
I was leery of taking lessons on Skype. How could it be as good as face-to-face instruction? But in order to be Donna’s student, I was willing to try it. Now a year later, I know that Skype lessons with Donna are very effective, high quality, professional instruction. As well as intensive work on my bowing technique, she is expertly guiding me through all aspects of good fiddling. And as a bonus, I have my lessons in the privacy and comfort of my own home.
I highly recommend Donna Turk’s Skype lessons. Because of Donna, every lesson I am more skilled, more confident, more technically versatile and closer to my ultimate goal of being a Player.
Clare Pattison - Skype Student
Then I met Donna Turk. She is that rare combination of a professional performer and a gifted teacher, joyful about her music and passionate about passing it on to her students. In two very short sessions at a workshop, she identified the issue with my bowing arm technique that was causing my frustration.
I was leery of taking lessons on Skype. How could it be as good as face-to-face instruction? But in order to be Donna’s student, I was willing to try it. Now a year later, I know that Skype lessons with Donna are very effective, high quality, professional instruction. As well as intensive work on my bowing technique, she is expertly guiding me through all aspects of good fiddling. And as a bonus, I have my lessons in the privacy and comfort of my own home.
I highly recommend Donna Turk’s Skype lessons. Because of Donna, every lesson I am more skilled, more confident, more technically versatile and closer to my ultimate goal of being a Player.
Clare Pattison - Skype Student
Violin lessons via Skype have been a huge time and money saver! No more hours lost travelling back and forth in inclement weather. Lessons are done in my home and and I have extra time to get more work done. I also no longer require a babysitter for my younger children. Skype has been great!
Sue Iraschko - Skype Parent
I have been doing lessons on Skype with Donna most every week for the past year. It has been a very satisfactory experience and I actually prefer skype to 'in person'. Not only do I not have to travel, but scheduling is easier and it is an up-close experience. I highly recommend Donna as a fiddle teacher for any level, and also recommend the skype experience. Kathy Vander Reyden - Skype Student
Donna's excellent teaching skills shine through in every class. No matter how many she may have in a group, she always manages to give everyone what they need in order to enhance their playing, no matter their skill level. Add to that her love of fiddle music and teaching and you have the perfect recipe for success and a very good time.
Bonnie Cox - Adult Student, Calgary, AB
“I’m so glad the Skype lessons worked out so well. It’s surprisingly close to seeing her in person, and I’m grateful for that because it would have been really hard to find a teacher as good as Donna - I would have missed her a lot!!”
Natalie Krause - Skype Student
Natalie Krause - Skype Student
Donna is a great teacher because she is great and loves what she does, I would recommend Donna for all ages and it was been a great experience working with her in the Bow Valley Fiddlers.
Anna - age 12, Bow Valley Fiddler, Calgary, AB
I think that Donna is just wonderful, she has taught me so much. I love her so much as a teacher. she is so kind and has a lot to talk about. She is nice to be around and is so fantastic.
Zoe - age 12, Calgary, AB
Zoe - age 12, Calgary, AB
"I have found Donna to be kind, encouraging, patient and very understanding. Since she is also an extremely good and accomplished fiddle player, when she voices an opinion, I find that I have the confidence to believe her and am motivated to strive to incorporate her suggestions."
Ken Scott – Student, Calgary, AB
Donna is an excellent fiddle teacher for all ages and experience levels. She has the gift of motivating her students through her love of the instrument and her infectious enthusiasm. She also has the uncanny ability to identify the rough edges and challenging phrases, reduce them to bight-size chunks, and subsequently relish in our delight in mastering them. Thank you for all your efforts, Donna!
Ken Grandia - Student, MRU Adult Fiddle Classes, Calgary, AB
Ken Grandia - Student, MRU Adult Fiddle Classes, Calgary, AB
"We have had the tremendous benefit of having Donna teach our two daughters over a 12 year period as they evolved from beginner fiddlers through Bow Valley Fiddlers and Calgary Fiddlers. She nurtured their learning through fun strategies, a breadth of knowledge of music and styles and an extremely positive and caring atmosphere. Time spent under Donna's musical tutelage is time well spent."
Margaret Traboulsi - Parent, Calgary, AB
Donna is an excellent teacher, She has the ability to analyze her students technical needs and suggest changes that will improve her student' s performance. As an adult (senior) I enjoy learning with her.
Bill Dever - Student, Calgary, AB
Bill Dever - Student, Calgary, AB
