Listen to Jason
Ready to get started?
1) Choose your instrument and/or field of study!
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Also called a mountain dulcimer, this beautiful instrument has a haunting sound with a drone-like effect. Diatonic so it’s really easy to play! Great for old-time, bluegrass, and folk but so much more.
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Would you like to learn how to get better at putting the pieces of a song together? Do you want to learn how to find your own sound and squeeze the absolute out of your songs? Learn techniques of arranging your own music or for other people.
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Acoustic or electric. We can cover a wide range of musical styles from country, bluegrass, & swing, to pop, rock, blues, and more. My method concentrates on scale shapes which give you the freedom of exploring the entire fretboard without having to think about what you’re doing.
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I have a strong background in bluegrass, old-time, and Celtic mandolin styles but we can also cover rock, blues, and even jazz.
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I've been in four bands and dozens of ensembles over the years. In that time I've played with hundreds of musicians. I'd love to sit down with you and chat about practical ways you can become a better musician without playing a note.
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I've been writing songs for about 30 years. Whether you've never written a song or you've written dozens, I can help you come up with the right words, strengthen your phrases, and take your songwriting skills to the next level
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A great instrument for learning to play just about anything quickly. Four happy strings with a world of opportunities. Fun and satisfying.
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Your choice of a number of musical styles and genres from classical to bluegrass, old-time, western swing, jazz, celtic, and more.
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Proper breathing techniques, vocalizes, strengthening resonance and range, and more. The sky is the limit for musical styles. I’ve sung in multiple languages in everything from opera to country to jazz.
2) Book your time slot!
Session times are filling up fast, so don’t wait and book your slot today! You don’t have to prepay to book your lesson but if I get a paying student who wants your day/time slot they will have priority over a non-paying student.
3) Select a tuition plan and securely pay your tuition online!
Service personnel includes educators, members of law enforcement, armed forces, medical, fire, and their immediate familes. To qualify for our service personnel rate, please let me know how you serve and I’ll reply with a coupon code to get your special rate at checkout.
We can meet at your home or office, in our green room at Firewind Productions, or online! Available for students ages ten and up, all skill levels. I’ve been playing the guitar since 1986, years, the violin since 1988, and a number of other instruments for most of my life. I’ve studied classically in violin and voice and had both formal and informal private instruction across a wide range of musical genres and styles. I am also a classically trained vocalist (a high tenor).
Lesson Terms
My preference is to teach in your home or office. Students can often feel more relaxed and open to learning in their own environment and it can help to establish a habit of practice when they are learning in their own space.
I’ll travel to your place up to 10 miles away from Firewind Productions at no charge. For places 10-50 miles from Firewind Productions, there’s a $0.50/mile charge to cover gas and travel expenses. Alternatively, there are several places in Lewiston or the surrounding area that we can arrange to meet at. When my studio is available we can meet there. For locations more than 50 miles from the studio, please contact me for travel arrangements.
I’ve been in multiple bands and ensembles over the years. For the past 18 years, I’ve been the fiddle player for the progressive bluegrass band Wanigan, known for our wealth of original story songs. I studied Music Ministry at Northwest Christian University, where my primary instruments were voice and guitar. I’ve taught privately and at several bluegrass festivals. For more information, you’re welcome to read more about me here.
If you or your child have a strong desire to learn but you are unable to afford lessons, we may have a scholarship available. Please contact us for details.
All lessons are conducted as 30-, 60-, or 90-minute sessions, taught weekly. You choose the session length that works for you! Advanced students are encouraged to schedule 60 minute sessions so we can get as much accomplished as possible, but I don’t require you to do so. When we get started, we’ll agree on a weekly time slot that works for everybody.
Lessons start at $45 for a 30 minute lesson, $65 for a 60 minute lesson, or $75 for a 90 minute lesson. You’re welcome to pay by the lesson, or you can save by prepaying for a month’s, quarterly, biannual, or annual tuition. Prepaid tuition is a flat fee that cannot be pro-rated if a student misses a lesson. Students will make up all missed lessons on the fifth lesson day of the month as it occurs. Students are not charged extra for months with five lesson days.
During the months of December, July and August lessons will be pro-rated as necessary for vacations for the end of the year / summer holidays. If a student needs to take a break from lessons, I ask as a courtesy a one week notice before the start of the new month.
In the event of a health or family emergency, it is always my preference to schedule a make up lesson or pro-rating the monthly payment. All make up lessons or pro-rated payments are solely at my discretion. Refunds will not be given on missed lessons without at least 24 hours notice.
If I need to cancel a lesson that has already been paid for, credit in the form of a make up lesson or pro-rated payment will be made.
Any questions? Let me know!
Scholarship Program
We offer a scholarship program for students who are willing to learn but do not have the financial means to do so. This progam is funded solely by donors who have decided to prepay for lessons for others who cannot afford part or all of their tuition. If you would like to contribute to the student scholarship fund, please click the link below, and thank you!
“The Fiddle’s Playin’ You,” words and music by Jason Hackwith. Performed by Wanigan. Lead vocals and fiddle by Jason Hackwith. Mandolin: Tim Gundy. Banjo: Dale Vallandigham. Guitars: Mike Haberman and Warren Akin. Bass: Denis Hackwith. Copyright © 2013 by Wanigan. All Rights Reserved.
“If Two Shining Angels,” “I See You Lord,” “Angela,” and “Into the Flame” words and music by Jason Hackwith. Copyright © 1999-2020 by Jason C. Hackwith. All Rights Reserved.