Celeste Johnson

A five-time national fiddle champion, Celeste Johnson has over a decade of teaching experience with folks of all ages and levels, including first-time players, adult learners, and experienced musicians. As a teacher, her mission is to pass on traditional fiddle styles and make them accessible to people of all ages and experience levels.

Raised in the Texas-style fiddling tradition, Celeste's love of fiddling extends far beyond the fiddle contests where she first learned to play. She performs and teaches within a variety of genres, including Western Swing, traditional swing, hot jazz, country, Bluegrass, and more.  Celeste is a five-time champion at the National Old Time Fiddle Contest, the 2019 Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle champion, the 2023 RockyGrass Fiddle champion, a two-time Rocky Mountain Regional Fiddle Champion, and a multiple-time Colorado State fiddle champion in her division. Some of her students have gone on to win state and national titles themselves.

As a teacher, Celeste's sole focus is fiddling. It's her priority to pass on these traditional acoustic genres with authenticity, all the way down to each bow pattern within the tune. Celeste specializes in teaching the nuances that allow you to sound like a real deal fiddler (not a classical player). If fiddling is where your passion lies , Celeste is here to help you dive deep and achieve that genuine fiddle sound.

Celeste teaches all ages and has extensive experience working with brand-new beginners all the way through advanced fiddlers. Whether you're just picking up the fiddle for the first time or you've been playing for years, you'll find a clear path to your musical goals (and musical joy!) in lessons with Celeste.

What students have said about Celeste:

"Celeste has a gift of honing in on exactly what I need, conveying these insights in a way that makes sense, and ultimately bringing out the best in me. I end up sounding better right then and there." -Lisa P.

"Celeste is always able to hear and see the areas in a song that need basics reinforced for me, and explains technique in a way that I totally understand. She is so calm and kind! I feel that my learning curve has accelerated with Celeste's help." -Sharon W.

"Celeste is THE best teacher I’ve ever had for anything. She’s very calm, and lessons are relaxed, fun, productive and never boring. Her method is exceptionally effective, without stress or frustration. I HIGHLY recommend her for both people who have played music and those with absolutely no musical experience." -Melissa M.

"Celeste has been teaching my son since he was 6 years old.  He's now almost 16 and still excited to work with her every week. She's taught him how to be a well-rounded, independent learner and constantly develops his creativity. Celeste is kind, very patient, and knowledgeable with a lifetime of experience in fiddle music." -Rachel Q.