Fiddle Classes

A Technique a Week for Fiddle: Playing Well With Others

Sarah Comer

Four Thursdays, January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 7:45-8:45pm, $80.

This class is for intermediate fiddlers looking for ways to improve their playing and focus their practice time. Like other Technique a Week classes, each week you’ll learn a new tune to help you focus on a particular technique – this time geared toward helping you have more fun playing with others. Gain a better understanding of music theory and how to apply it to play backup for other fiddlers, practice picking up speed without losing control, and learn how to write a simple harmony part. All tunes will be taught by ear, and recordings and sheet music will be available for easy download through the class website. Questions? Email Sarah at fiddleteacher [at] hotmail.com.

Beginning Fiddle 2

Sarah Comer

Four Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $80.

Pick up where the last class, “Beginning Fiddle 1,” left off and fine tune your technique while learning a few more old-time tunes. This class is open to returning students and new students with basic violin/fiddle experience. Not sure if this class is right for you? Contact Sarah at fiddleteacher@hotmail.com.

Introduction to Cajun Fiddling

Tami Allen

Four Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $80.

Discover the traditional music of southern Louisiana, played for two-steps, waltzes, and jitterbug dancing. Cajun music was brought down by the French-speaking Acadiens of Canada, and simmered in a Louisiana gumbo of jazz, blues, and country music. Students will be introduced to simple melodies learned by ear, bowing rhythm, double stops, and the elements of a Cajun jam. If you can pick out a simple song like "happy birthday" by ear, you are ready for this class. At the end of this class you will have at least three new tunes to take to any Cajun jam. The final session will be a slow jam where fiddles play with Cajun accordion, guitar, and French vocals.

Beginning Fiddle 3

Sarah Comer

Four Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $80.

If you’ve taken the Fiddle 1 and 2 classes, or already have some experience with the fiddle, this class will give you an opportunity to expand your repertoire and improve your technique in a fun group atmosphere. We’ll work on four simple fiddle tunes and add on variations suited for each student's skill level. We'll also spend some time fine tuning your bow grip and firming up your understanding of how to play in different keys. Not sure if this class is right for you? Contact Sarah at fiddleteacher@hotmail.com.

Irish Fiddle 1

Aurora Burd

Next Session TBA

Delve into Ireland’s different regional fiddle styles. Develop the technique to get this sound in your own playing as we explore bowing techniques, cuts, and rolls, those fingering patterns regularly used as ornaments by Irish fiddlers. Use your improved bowing and ornamentation to develop more polished versions of traditional tunes (reels, jigs, etc.). Mainly by ear, but music will be provided. For advanced beginners with less than three years playing experience; be willing to play a tune or single-octave scale (e.g. G, D or A major) in front of a friendly group.

Accelerated Introduction to Irish Fiddle

Aurora Burd

Next Session TBA

Explore the rhythms, rolls, cuts, triplets, and myriad other ways to ornament and polish traditional Irish tunes. This course is similar to Irish Fiddle 1 & 2, but progresses at a faster pace and with more complicated versions of tunes. For intermediate players and up with at least three years playing experience who are comfortable playing the violin itself but are new to Irish fiddle; be willing to play tunes (from any style) or scales (major or minor, in first position) in front of a group. Mainly by ear, but music will be provided.