Fiddlin' Red joins music conservatory

It’s been a long time coming — but as Fiddlin’ Red says with a grin, “It’s taken us this long, and now we’re holding hands.”

Longtime musician, teacher, and instrument repairman Fiddlin’ Red has officially joined forces with the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, now located at 110 Main Street. The partnership between Red and Conservatory founder Karin Wedemeyer has been years in the making — fittingly marked by a photo of the two standing near the entrance to the Conservatory, holding an old-fashioned clock to celebrate that, finally, it’s time.

Red began his teaching career in 1968, early on working for the renowned Dobro Guitars and Rickenbacker Guitar Company before settling into thirty years of teaching, repairing, and honing his craft in Colville, Wash. It was there that a former boss encouraged him to check out Sandpoint — a town in need of a skilled repairman. Fifteen years ago, Red took that advice and moved to Sandpoint — right around the same time the Music Conservatory opened its doors.

Back then, Wedemeyer and Red explored the idea of teaming up, but with no building of their own, the timing wasn’t right. “Now it is,” Wedemeyer says with a smile. “The Conservatory has grown into a community home for the performing arts, and Red has been part of this town’s musical journey all along. Bringing him into the fold just makes sense.”

Though Red will remain independent, his presence at the Conservatory adds an exciting new chapter for both. He’ll continue doing what he does best — instrument repair, teaching, and retail — and wants the community to know he keeps a healthy stock of reeds and can handle repairs for band and vintage instruments alike.

Already, Red’s expertise is making an impact: he’s helping to maintain the Conservatory’s iconic Instrument Library, a community treasure of more than 200 instruments available for children and youth throughout Bonner County. The musical library allows students to check out an instrument just like a book, and even exchange instruments as they grow or advance in skill, ensuring that every child can continue to learn, play, and find their musical voice — regardless of financial means.

The staff at the Conservatory are thrilled to welcome another talented musician into their musical family. Red’s knack for fixing just about anything has already proven invaluable—most recently when his repair skills came in handy for a non-musical instrument: a stubborn first-floor window that refused to shut. It’s just one more example of his practical ingenuity and the can-do spirit he brings to the Conservatory.”

After decades of music, craftsmanship, and care for both instruments and the people who play them, it seems the moment has finally arrived. For Fiddlin’ Red and the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint — it’s time. 

Even though Fiddlin’ Red’s Music has moved, he would like the community to know that customers may continue to reach him at the same phone number, 208-265-6355.