KeyReel Raskolenko holds an Artist Diploma from Texas Christian University (2018) and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music (2005). He began his musical training in 1989 and has performed across Europe, Asia, and North America for nearly 30 years.

His experience spans a wide range of styles, including classical solo, chamber music, symphony orchestra, Celtic, swing, and improvisational music.

KeyReel has been teaching since 2007, starting with classical music and later expanding into Celtic traditions. In addition to this program, he offers private violin, fiddle, and viola lessons, focusing not only on technique, but also on musical understanding, ear training, and overall artistic development.

Check more at www.key-reel.com

Yes – the program is open to both kids and adults.
We currently offer two separate class times (see schedule above), and students are placed into the most suitable group.

At the end of the semester, all students come together for a recital.
We may perform some of the same tunes across groups, though not necessarily the entire program – it depends on the semester.

For example, both groups shared some of the same tunes during the Fall 2024 semester.

At this time, we do not offer classes for double bass.

We may open enrollment for bass players in the future, but it is not available at the moment.

We focus on Celtic music – a broad term that includes traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany, as well as related styles found in Canadian (especially Cape Breton) and American traditional music.

It is primarily instrumental music made up of short pieces called tunes, traditionally played for dancing and now also performed in concerts.

This program is designed for students with at least some playing experience.
Starting as a complete beginner in a group setting can feel overwhelming.

However, we’d still love to hear from you.

You’re welcome to fill out the form or send us a message — we may consider opening a beginner group in the future based on interest.

In the meantime, we also offer private lessons to help you build a strong foundation — including proper technique, instrument setup, and learning simple tunes.

Feel free to reach out using the form below  or visit our Private Lessons page to get started.

Absolutely – we’re happy to help!

You have a few options:

• You can use the form to schedule a quick Zoom meeting – in this case, you don’t need to record or upload a video at all.
• You can fill out the form  (only required fields marked with * are needed) and ask any questions about the program, including help with video submission.
• You can also contact us directly through our social media, such as WhatsApp.

Feel free to reach out in whatever way is easiest for you – we’ll guide you through the process.

Short answer – NO*

The goal of the program is to help you learn and play by ear.
Instead of relying on sheet music, we train your listening skills so you can pick up tunes directly in class and reproduce the style, phrasing, and details of traditional music.

* Sheet music may be provided later in the program if needed.
However, in this style of music, it serves more as a basic reference — outlining notes and rhythm, but not capturing the full expression and nuance of the tune. 

Here is an example:

We typically cover around 3–4 sets of music per semester, which usually adds up to approximately 9–14 tunes.

In some semesters, we may cover more. For example, in Winter 2023 we worked on 5 sets, while in Fall 2024 we covered 3 sets and one slow tune (about 10 tunes total).

The exact number can vary depending on the group and the pace of the class.

We’re open to discussing alternative scheduling options.
It depends on the number of new sign-ups and overall availability.

If you’re interested, we still encourage you to sign up – even if the current class times don’t work for you.

If there is enough interest for a different day or time, we may be able to form an additional group or adjust the schedule.

At the end of each semester, students perform in a live recital.
Each recital takes place at a different local venue — previous locations include Plano, Allen, and McKinney.

All performances are recorded, and you will receive your own copy.

Students also have the opportunity to perform with a live band, experiencing the real feel of a traditional music community on stage.

North Texas Celtic Strings is also a regular participant in the North Texas Irish Festival, performing there every year in March.

Some of the venues we have performed at include:

• Allen Public Library
• The Flute Shop (Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company)
• The Celt Irish Pub
• Gillespie’s Tavern at Shire

At the end of the year, students receive a North Texas Celtic Strings certificate of completion.

This is a continuous program – students may continue from semester to semester.
Enrollment is done per semester, and full tuition applies for each semester.

Yes – we now offer an online participation option.

This option is more flexible and offered at a lower cost.
It is a great fit if you are not planning to attend in person or perform at the recital.

Online students receive access to tunes, selected instructions, and program materials.

If you would like to eventually join in person or perform with the group, a more thorough evaluation (Zoom meeting or audition) will be required.

Please contact us for current pricing and details. Yes – please feel free to fill out the form. It only takes a few minutes, and you don’t need to complete everything – just the required fields.

If you miss a class, you’ll be able to catch up using video recordings.

All students have access to a shared Google Drive folder, where class recordings and additional materials are uploaded and updated weekly.

Please note that recordings are a helpful backup option, but not the same as participating in the class in real time.

We offer several payment options, including Zelle, PayPal, checks, and cash.

Payment can be made either for the full semester or on a monthly basis.

Please note that tuition is fixed due to the nature of group classes and facility rental.
We ask that you be ready to commit your time for the duration of the semester.

For more details, please refer to the previous FAQ sections.