Read the course descriptions below or choose your class now.
Violin: Learn to Fiddle - Beginner I (Fall)
Support your practical studies with theory
Delve further into the language of music with Introduction to Music Theory. You’ll learn more about notation, key signatures, time signatures, intervals, chords, the workings of melody, harmony, and rhythm. You will improve your basic skills for reading music.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, or a music aficionado looking to explore favourite works across many styles and genres, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of music.
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Can't keep your feet from moving when you hear that Celtic-Canadian fiddle?
If you have never touched a violin or fiddle (a violin is the same as a fiddle) but would like to learn, this course is for you! We will be starting with how to hold the fiddle, and we will end up with learning basic tunes. Some prior basic musical knowledge is helpful but not a pre-requisite.
Please contact the instructor, Rose Bolton, for more info or if you're not sure which level you should choose:
[email protected].
Violin: Learn to Fiddle - Beginner II (Winter)
Can't keep your feet from moving when you hear that Celtic-Canadian fiddle?
This is a beginner class is for those who have some musical knowledge. We will be continuing where we left off, from Beginner I, starting with basic tunes, and working towards playing simple jigs and other basic Celtic-Canadian tunes.
Please contact the instructor, Rose Bolton, for more info or if you're not sure which level you should choose: [email protected].
Violin: Learn to Fiddle - Intermediate I (Fall)
We will make "Maple Sugar" "Down Yonder" while the "Old Man and The Old Woman" enjoy a "Mug of Brown Ale" and the "Arkansas Traveler" has his/her Whisky Before Breakfast". (For those of you who are wondering about that last sentence, these are the names of well loved Celtic and Canadian fiddle tunes, and we will be covering them in this course!)
Engage in a comprehensive study of the history and performance of one of Canada's most enduring cultural forms while developing your musicianship and technical skills in a fun, easygoing atmosphere suited to the upbeat music under study. Slurring patterns, off-beat accents, ornaments and further exploration of the four main Celtic-Canadian rhythms feature prominently in the course work.
Prerequisites: For those who have played violin for at least a year, and done some learning by ear.
Please contact the instructor, Rose Bolton, for more info or if you're not sure which level you should choose: [email protected].
Violin: Learn to Fiddle – Intermediate II (Winter)
This class continues from where we left off in Learn to Fiddle - Intermediate I.
Prerequisites: For those who have played violin for at least a year, and done some learning by ear.
Please contact the instructor, Rose Bolton, for more info or if you're not sure which level you should choose: [email protected].
Violin: Learn to Fiddle - Intermediate III & IV (Fall & Winter)
This class is designed as an extension to the Intermediate classes (I and II) specifically for the group of students who took the intermediate classes in 2018-19, who have moved beyond the Intermediate course, but are not yet ready for Learn to Fiddle – Advanced.
Prerequisites: For those who have taken Violin: Learn to Fiddle – Intermediate.
Please contact the instructor, Rose Bolton, for more info or if you're not sure which level you should choose: [email protected].
Violin: Learn to Fiddle - Advanced I (Fall) (Irish Fiddling in Canada)
Irish Fiddling is one of the most influential styles in Canada, with jams in all major cities, and a history that goes back to the early 19
th century. Full of unique bowings and ornaments, it is known for its lyrical and intimate style, full of lovely melodic detail, great for playing alone or in groups. Polkas, jigs, slip jigs, hornpipes and reels – we will work through common tunes slowly by ear, working on details of bowing and ornamentation as we go. You will have recordings and sheet music to help you and a great group atmosphere to carry you forward.
The 2021 Fall term will be offered in person and online.
Contact the instructor, Anne Lederman, for more info:
[email protected].
NOTE: Students who complete Advanced I or II Learn to Fiddle can move on to
small ensemble Tamarack'er Down: Celtic-Canadian Orchestra.
Violin: Learn to Fiddle - Advanced II
This class is a continuation of
Learn to Fiddle - Advanced I (Fall) (Irish Fiddling in Canada) and is for those who have played for at least a couple of years and who want to delve further into the techniques and repertoire of a particular style of fiddling in Canada. The course alternates between Scottish, French-Canadian/Métis, Old Time Canadian and Irish, or a combination of them.
Contact the instructor, Anne Lederman, for more info:
[email protected].
Prerequisite: Learn to Fiddle – Intermediate II, Advanced I, or permission of the instructor.
NOTE: Students who complete Advanced I or II Learn to Fiddle can move on to
small ensemble Tamarack'er Down: Celtic-Canadian Orchestra.