Associated Teachers.
Duane Whitcomb
Instructor, violin
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Duane Whitcomb is the founder and principal instructor of Creekside Strings. He has been teaching for 20 years and has built a strong fiddling community in the Rogue Valley. Parents appreciate his ability to inspire kids to practice and develop their skills while keeping his approach to music light-hearted and social. He brings together a background in classical music and fiddle music that allows for students to gain confidence in all musical styles.
Duane is also the founder of FiddleQuest, an online curriculum for teachers and students.
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Duane's studio is in Ashland.
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Tuition: $180/mo.
Contact: ​541.324.6851, duane@fiddlequest.com
Instructor, violin
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Rachel Buklad is a life-long musician accomplished in many instruments including the banjo, guitar, ukulele and fiddle. Rachel is adept at playing any song with any musician, in any musical setting. She specializes in teaching young children. Rachel's studio is in Talent.
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Tuition: $125/mo
Contact: 458.226.6173, bukladr@yahoo.com
Rachel Buklad
Instructor, violin
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Jessie Watson started playing the violin at age 5 and has extensive training in both classical and fiddle styles. She has a BA from Southern Oregon University with a minor in music. Jessie’s passion is to work with kids and adults alike, honoring each person’s uniqueness and helping them to find joy and a sense of self-accomplishment in whatever task is at hand. Jessie joined the Creekside team in the Summer of 2015. Jessie's studio is in Ashland.
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Tuition: $140/mo
Contact: 541.301.0354, jessielmonter@gmail.com
Jessie Watson
Instructor, violin
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Monika MacDougall began playing the violin soon after her daughter started learning in 2017 and developed a real interest in teaching young children and playing with others. Monika is remarkably creative and patient with young children (and parents!) as they start the journey of learning the violin. Monika's studio is in Ashland.
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Tuition: $120/mo
Contact: 530.925.9368, monika.olszynska@gmail.com
Monika MacDougall
Alina Rachal
Instructor, violin
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Alina Rachal has been playing the violin for over 20 years and teaching for more than a decade, but what really shines through is the joy she brings to each lesson. She loves turning music into a playful, creative space where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and grow in confidence.
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Drawing on a therapeutic approach, Alina helps kids not only build musical skill but also develop awareness, resilience, and a genuine love for music. Her unique style of teaching encourages parents to learn alongside their children—transforming lessons into a bonding experience that strengthens connection at home and makes music a shared joy.
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Tuition: $180/mo
Contact: 541.499.5927, clearair99@gmail.com