Coletrain Music Academy
Coletrain Music Academy

Classically trained, but oh-so-cool. We do things differently here.

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Classically Trained. Never Boring. Always Pro.

“Do you know the difference between a violinist and a fiddle player? One plays the strings, and the other plays strangs.”
– Coleman (Coletrain) Smith

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Select the method that’s best for you…

We have a variety of music lessons at CMA. We offer group classes and in-person private one-on-one lessons at our Buena Vista, Colorado studio, or virtual sessions from anywhere you call home. Find the method that’s right for you.

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Get to know Coleman Smith…

When Coleman isn’t teaching music lessons, you might find him touring with his band Rapidgrass, trail running in the mountains, conducting a classical orchestra, leading a workshop, or enjoying a late night fireside jam.

Private Music Lessons

We offer private one-on-one lessons with professionally certified instructors.

Tour Dates

From Europe’s largest bluegrass festival and workshop to some of the hottest bluegrass festivals that our nation has to offer, Coleman tours year round at a variety of venues and events across the globe.

Video & Virtual Lessons

For your convenience Coleman also offers a variety of virtual and video streaming lessons.

Festivals & Workshops

Together with his band Rapidgrass, Coleman helps put on multiple festivals a year bringing together incredible bluegrass musicians and local craft breweries.

e-Courses

To maximize your learning potential we offer a variety of specific workbooks to compliment each video lesson.

Consulting

Coleman has over 15 years experience putting together educational programs and music workshops at festivals and offers a variety of consulting services.

Join us for Camp Coletrain in Buena Vista, Colorado,
June 5-9, 2023!

Welcome to Camp Coletrain, a music workshop produced by Coletrain Music Academy! Our workshops offer instruction for first-time beginners to the advanced performing musician looking to gain more knowledge on their applied instrument. Our teachers are both renowned educators and avid performers. Our result-driven curriculum and real-world approach were created using proven methods that have helped countless students reach their musical goals. Be sure to sign up for our CMA E-Newsletter below to be the first to know when our discounted Early Bird Registration opens!

NOW OFFERING CMA E-LESSONS!

Our online lessons are professional and affordable and were created using our renowned result-driven curriculum and real-world approach. Starting at just $12, this is the online learning experience you’ve been searching for.

  • I have been taking CMA video lessons for several months now for guitar, and I really appreciate the quality and thoroughness of each lesson. This year I've learned so much about a wide variety of genres and have experienced continued technical improvement. I enjoy the convenience and efficiency of online lessons and would highly recommend this option with Coletrain Music Academy.

    Brin Riley

  • I have been studying violin with Coleman for five months. I have also had the good fortune of editing all and filming some of these video e-lessons. At age 70 and having received a masters degree, I can say that I have had many teachers over the years, and without reservation, I believe that Coleman is the best teacher I have ever had. I can assure you that he has put a great deal of effort into making these e-lessons and they do rival his one-on-one teaching, albeit without the personal touch. I highly recommend watching the e-lessons (as I have many many times!) And best luck with your learning, whether in person or virtually, at Coletrain Music Academy. Also highly recommend the music workshop for any level of musician.

    David Neal

  • Whether you are a more advanced violinist hoping to practice improvisation or a beginner wanting to learn a basic fiddle melody, you will get something out of these wonderful E-Lessons. The video quality, style of teaching, and lesson format are truly a step above anything else I have seen in the virtual learning space.

    Adeline Brown

  • Coleman is an amazing musician. Great classical technique, and is able to go off the page. Coleman owns any style he plays and is highly enthusiastic and inspirational to all.

    Keenan Christensen Fletcher / Music Teacher

  • Coleman is as enthusiastic about teaching as he is playing because it's music. After observing him teach a number of times, I think it's as simple as that – sharing passion for making music and inspiring by his enthusiasm.

    David Schiefelbein / Editor, Chaffee County Times

  • My son has been taking guitar lessons with Coleman for almost 2 years and we have been very impressed. Very professional but also keeps it real and interesting for a 13 year old. Definitely recommend Coletrain Music Academy! Also highly recommend the music workshop for any level of musician.

    Corey Johnson / Parent of Student

  • David Lawrence’s Gypsy Jazz clinic was a wonderful feature of the 2019 CMA Summer Workshop. David is beautifully proficient in this style of music and for those who are just starting, it is important for your first exposure to be done well and in a welcoming environment. The class was approachable for the newcomers and provided something for all levels. The key rhythm style “La Pompe”, also the name of David’s band, was explained and taught clearly. This technique is the heart beat pacing Gypsy Jazz and requires one on one time with a very good teacher to get it right from the beginning. David is that teacher. The new comers were taught a simpler rhythm as a stepping stone to the whole. For the more advanced students, David provided a great rhythm checkup, especially for those who might have strayed. Each student was given a clearly illustrated book of real life chords designed to allow you to work towards efficient chord transitions. This again is why a clinic is so important, the same fingering will not work for everyone. All of our hands are different, if a chord shape isn’t working for you, a great teacher will help you find one that does. This critical feedback will give you hope and make your sound unique to you. It is something you wont get from YouTube. The song offerings gave opportunities for all levels. Like all the CMA classes, the emphasis was on making music with friends. David’s classes were no exception. You are learning to collaborate and arrange (i.e. have fun and more fun) with friends. Once again David provided ideas for blending styles and making songs your own. Overall a great short stop for directions on your never ending journey through music.

    Matthew Maloney

  • I had an amazing time. Each day I learned things that totally reshaped the way I thought as a musician.

    Emily King / Flutist

  • My daughter learned so much and truly thrived in her first open jam session.

    Anne Hesh / Student's Parent

  • Best music workshop I've ever attended! The instructors were super pro and the scenery was spectacular!

    Gary M. / Fiddle Player

  • Coletrain Music Academy has been the best resource to help me nurture my little girls love of music. She has learned to focus better, follow directions and the way she's learned to read music from left to right and looking ahead at what's next, translated to her learning to read earlier too. I've learned new ways to connect with her and how to help her learn and value hard work.

    Christine W. | Student's Parent

  • My 8-year-old daughter is in her 2nd year of lessons with Coleman and I am continually impressed. He perfectly balances the challenges of playing well and fostering a love for the instrument. Highly recommend!

    Gayla B. / Parent of Student

  • It was an incredible honor to play with Coleman Smith, who is one of the best fiddle players in the country.

    Steve Young / Singer Songwriter

“We believe music and art should be accessible no matter your age, where you come from, or where you call home.”

CMA is so much more than a music school. We have made it our mission to make professional music education accessible to the masses while simultaneously creating intentional support around musicians and artists.

Join us for a Workshop…

Our workshops cater to a wide variety of skill sets. From beginners to advanced performing musicians looking to gain more knowledge on their applied instrument.

Rapidgrass Music & Rapidgrass Festivals

The celebration of mountains and whitewater rapids is the inspiration for everything Rapidgrass. The Internationally acclaimed mountain music is influenced by an active, outdoor lifestyle. Brought together through music and love for mountains, they define modern, acoustic, Colorado mountain music.