Course description
The fiddle is one of the most well-known and popular instruments, its versatility spanning many genres and making it popular in many traditions worldwide. Folk fiddle playing is a fluid technique that can change as much with the individual player as it does with regional style. This course aims to introduce traditional fiddle tunes and accompaniments and open the door to developing personal style. Material will be predominantly English but will also include tunes from other European and American traditions.
The groups have a laid back and friendly approach, and allow a variety of abilities to co-exist happily. Learning will be done by ear with recordings provided online after each session.
The class is for everyone over the age of 16. Young people aged 12 to 16 are welcome when accompanied by a paying responsible adult.
Level 2-3 (Beginners / Improvers)
You will start with simple traditional folk fiddle tunes in a greater range of keys and rhythms than at beginner level, and move on to more complex tunes by the end of the year. Alongside learning lots of great tunes, this year is about building a wider musical understanding that will prepare you to build your own style, and fully explore fiddle music. By the end of the year you will be confident to play in a range of keys, explore and absorb the structure and understand and be ready to build your own style and repertoire. You will start to explore the limitless role of the fiddle in folk music, learn great tunes, improve your rhythm and build your confidence by learning and playing with others. This class is suitable for anyone returning to the violin after a break of any number of years!
Level 4 (Intermediate)
This course aims to immerse you in fabulous folk fiddle music in a range of keys, rhythms and structures. You will have ample opportunities to refine, develop and explore personal style, explore the limitless role of the fiddle in folk music, learn great tunes, improve your rhythm and build you confidence by learning and playing with others. We will improve skills in ornamentation and double stopping, as well as improvising variations and accompaniments. Besides students who feel ready to progress from level 3, this class is suitable for students who are new to folk repertoire but have a good working knowledge of the instrument.
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Suitability - Who should attend?
Level 2-3Students should be able to hold the instrument and bow confidentially, make a reasonable sound, and know how to play one-octave G, D major and A major scale. Previous experience of folk not required. Level 4Students should know their way around the violin in 1st position effortlessly, and be comfortable with basic scales and arpeggios in at least G, D, A, C major and E, B, G, D minor. Previous experience of playing folk is not required, but a willingness to try playing by ear is!