Scots Music Group fiddle classes
The Scots Music group has a wide range of classes for learning fiddle. See the panel on the right for a full description of what classes at each level will focus on.
For more information on an individual class, click on the 'watch a video’ links to view a short video of a typical tune that might be taught at this level of class, or a short clip of students learning part of a tune.
More information here on buying and repairing fiddles, and other fiddle related topics
Get a feel for Scottish music.
Learn how to hold the fiddle and bow, basic fingering and bowing techniques, getting a good sound and some basic music theory.
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
This class starts in the Autumn Term and students then continue in this class through to the Spring & Summer Terms.
Thursday at 7-9pm Boroughmuir School
tutor:
Mhari Duncan
- terms: autumn, spring, summer
Prices and enrolment...
This is a NEW Absolute Beginners class starting in the Spring Term.
Get a feel for Scottish music.
Learn how to hold the fiddle and bow, basic fingering and bowing techniques, getting a good sound and some basic music theory.
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 7-9pm Boroughmuir School
tutor:
Abi Sutton
- terms: spring, summer
Prices and enrolment...
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 - 9pm Boroughmuir School
tutor:
Paul Murray
- terms: autumn, spring, summer
Prices and enrolment...
Building on basic skills, this class will focus on
- becoming comfortable playing in different keys
- using bowing patterns to develop style and rhythm
- improving tone and technique
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 7 - 9pm Boroughmuir School
tutor:
Lucy MacRae
- terms: autumn, spring, summer
Prices and enrolment...
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 - 9pm Boroughmuir School
tutor:
Donald Gorman
- terms: autumn, spring, summer
Prices and enrolment...
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:
Sarah Hoy
- terms: autumn, spring, summer
Prices and enrolment...
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
Prices and enrolment...
Other events for fiddle
- No upcoming events at the moment.
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Information on fiddle class levels
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
