Read the course descriptions below or choose your class now. Please contact the instructor, Rose Bolton, for more info or if you're not sure which level you should choose: [email protected].
Beginner I | Beginner II | Intermediate I | Intermediate II | Intermediate III | Intermediate IV | Advanced I | Advanced II | Advanced III | Advanced IV
Learn to Fiddle - Beginner I (Fall)
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.
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.
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.
Learn to Fiddle – Intermediate II (Winter/Spring)
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.
Learn to Fiddle - Intermediate III & IV (Fall & Winter)
This class is designed as an extension to the Intermediate classes (I and II), and will continue with a range of repertoire drawn from various folk fiddle traditions across Canada, continuing to reinforce the techniques learned in Intermediate I/II – modes, off-beat accents, developing good bow technique and tone, learning by ear in a range of keys/modes, and, of course, great tunes.
Prerequisites: For those who have taken Violin: Learn to Fiddle – Intermediate I/II or are at an equivalent level.
Learn to Fiddle - Advanced I (Fall) (Cape Breton)
This class is for students who have previously taken
Intermediate III/IV or have been playing for at least three years, having covered the basics of fiddle technique. Like the Intermediate classes, Advanced I/II continues to introduce the participants to fiddle tunes from throughout Canada and the British Isles, broadening one’s repertoire of tunes. Playing at a slower speed than Advanced III, we develop the skill of learning by ear, and work on the art of timing – playing with the rhythm that will inspire people to tap their toes! Like the intermediate classes, technique is still covered. This class is for students who need a bit more experience before they can join Advanced: French Canadian, or Celtic Ensemble.
Prerequisites: For those who have taken Violin: Learn to Fiddle – Intermediate III/IV or have played for at least three years.
Learn to Fiddle - Advanced II (Winter/Spring) (Cape Breton)
This class is a continuation of Learn to Fiddle - Advanced I (Fall) (Cape Breton) 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.
Prerequisite: Learn to Fiddle – Intermediate II, Advanced I, or permission of the instructor.
Learn to Fiddle - Advanced III (Fall) (Acadie/Québec)
For those who have played for at least 4 years, and/or have completed Advanced I/II. This class focusses on specific traditions, and changes every year. Fall 2023 will focus on Acadian and Québécois repertoire,
Known for its driving rhythms with bow and feet and its irregular forms. We will work on tunes that are often played at local sessions. These may involve some altered tunings, double-foot clogging and lots of “joie de vivre.” As with all Celtic-Canadian Fiddle classes, tunes will be taught by ear and played in class without music. Students will have access to slow and fast recorded versions of the tunes and sheet music to work with at home.
Learn to Fiddle - Advanced IV (Winter/Spring) (Tradition TBC)
For those who have played for at least 4 years, and/or have completed Advanced I/II. This class focusses on specific traditions, and changes every year.