Classes for fiddle

The Scots Music group has a wide range of classes for learning fiddle (full details of the classes are at the foot of the page). Below is a brief description of what students can expect the classes to focus on at each level. It is meant as a guide only, to help students to enrol in a class at a level that suits them, and is not an exhaustive list. When students move from one level to another, they can expect to consolidate what they have already learned. (You may find it helpful to check the level before the one you are thinking of enrolling in, to see if you have already mastered these skills)

Absolute Beginners Suitable for people who have never played fiddle/violin before

  • Holding the instrument and bow
  • Playing all the open strings on the fiddle. Placing the fingers
  • Learning what the notes are
  • Playing some simple traditional tunes in easy keys
  • Starting to learn to play by ear

Beginners For people who have played for up to a year already

  • Beginning to join tunes together into sets
  • Phrasing
  • Playing tunes slowly
  • Learning tunes in different rhythms

Improving Beginners For people who have been playing for around 2 years, or are returning to fiddling after a long break

  • Playing in minor keys
  • Playing tunes with more complex rhythms
  • Improving tone

Lower Intermediate For people who have been playing for around 3 years

  • Getting a feel for the music
  • Ornamentation
  • Starting to learn some different bowing patterns
  • Playing tunes in more difficult keys

Upper Intermediate

  • Beginning to arrange tunes
  • Working towards playing with others
  • Playing in a range of keys
  • Learning quickly by ear
  • Playing up to speed

Advanced

  • Learning how tunes and repertoire can be used (eg playing for dancing)
  • Continuing to develop technique
  • Playing in different positions

Advanced Technique

  • Bowing strathspeys
  • Learning more about ornamentation and bowing patterns
  • Learning more unusual tunes

More information here on buying and repairing fiddles, and other fiddle related topics

Fiddle - Absolute Beginner 6.05pm

Learn basic fingering and bowing techniques, holding the instrument, getting a good sound, some basic music theory, and get a feel for Scottish music

You should have a fiddle to bring to the class.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an absolute beginners level class

Thursday at 6.05 - 7.35pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Isla Ferguson - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Absolute Beginner 7.45pm

Learn basic fingering and bowing techniques, holding the instrument, getting a good sound, some basic music theory, and get a feel for Scottish music

You should have a fiddle to bring to the class.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an absolute beginners level class

Thursday at 7.45 - 9.15pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Isla Ferguson - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Absolute Beginner (January)

Learn basic fingering and bowing techniques, holding the instrument, getting a good sound, some basic music theory, and get a feel for Scottish music

You should have a fiddle to bring to the class.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an absolute beginners level class

Thursday at tbc Boroughmuir School

tutor: - no tutor - - terms: spring, summer

Fiddle - Beginner 6.05pm

Gain more confidence in playing and build your repertoire of tunes and tune types.

This class is suitable for people who have been playing for about a year.

Watch a video of a beginners class learning a tune.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an beginners level class

Thursday at 6.05 - 7.35pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Sarah Hoy - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Beginner 7.35pm

Gain more confidence in playing and build your repertoire of tunes and tune types.

This class is suitable for people who have been playing for about a year.

Watch a video of a beginners class learning a tune.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an beginners level class

Thursday at 7.35 - 9.05pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Morag Brown - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Improving Beginner 10am

Build on basic skills, consolidate technique, and learn more about tone and rhythm.

Watch a video of an improving beginners level class learning a tune.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an improving beginners level class.

Thursday at 10 - 11.30am St Colm's Church

tutor: Jenny Gardner - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Improving Beginner 6.05pm

Build on basic skills, consolidate technique, and learn more about tone and rhythm.

Watch a video of an improving beginners level class learning a tune.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an improving beginners level class.

Thursday at 6.05 - 7.35pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Morag Brown - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - String Circle 7pm

This class is a fun place to try some new things…

Working at your own pace, we’ll be focusing on producing better tone, and developing relaxed playing with a strong sense of rhythm, rather than learning tunes. Most of the tunes we do learn iwilll be common session tunes. The class can help with individual issues that participants might need to address.

Suitable for fiddle players for any level from improving beginners onwards.

Tuesday at 7 - 9pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Ros Gasson - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Lower Intermediate 7.35pm

Strengthen what you have learned and progress to different types of tunes, new bowing styles and tunes in different keys

Watch a video of a lower intermediate level class learning a tune.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in a lower intermediate level class.

Thursday at 7.35 - 9.05pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Sarah Hoy - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Upper Intermediate 11.45am

We’ll be working on technique and having fun playing as a group. We’ll focus on different tune types in various different keys, and develop our ornamentation and arranging skills.

Watch a video of an upper intermediate level class learning a tune.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an upper intermediate level class.

Thursday at 11.45am -1.15pm St Colm's Church

tutor: Jenny Gardner - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Upper Intermediate 7pm

We’ll be working on technique and having fun playing as a group. We’ll focus on different tune types in various different keys, and develop our ornamentation and arranging skills.

Watch a video of an upper intermediate level class learning a tune.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an upper intermediate level class.

Thursday at 7-9pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Donald Gorman - terms: autumn, spring, summer

Fiddle - Advanced 7pm

This class aims to build on repertoire, learning how tunes can be used (e.g. playing for dancing) and focusing on more complex keys and positions. We will work on technique, ornamentation, the understanding of regional styles and the development of your own style.

Watch a video of an advanced level class learning a tune.

Watch a video of a typical tune that might be taught in an advanced level class.

Thursday at 7 - 9pm Boroughmuir School

tutor: Eilidh Steel - terms: autumn, spring, summer