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.
Fiddle classes
Level 1-2 (Absolute Beginners / Beginners) – Autumn term only
In the autumn term this class is open to absolute beginners, you never need to have played before! You will explore the sound of the folk fiddle, learn simple tunes, develop your rhythm, learn how to tune your instrument and develop your ensemble skills by learning and playing with others. This course aims to give you a solid grounding in both the basics of playing the fiddle and of traditional folk fiddle tunes and accompaniments. A great way to start your learning and prepare you brilliantly for approaching any style of playing with confidence and knowledge.
Please note that we only accept complete beginners during the Autumn term – there is no Level 1 class in the Spring.
Level 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, explore a wider range of fiddle music and build your confidence so you're session ready! By the end of the year you will be confident to play in a range of keys, understand and identify common structures and have begun building 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 band skills and build your confidence by learning and playing with others. This class is suitable for those returning to the violin after a break of any number of years, who are comfortable playing pitched notes with fingers.
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.
Pre-entry level requirements
Level 1
Suitable for absolute beginners and re-starters.
Please note that we only accept complete beginners during the Autumn term – there is no Level 1 class offered in the Spring term. Level 1 becomes Level 2 (Level 2-3 becomes Level 3).
Level 2-3
Students 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 4
Students 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!
Who leads the course?
Fiddle Levels 1-4 are taught by Ross Grant.
Ross Grant
Ross is a well- respected performer, composer and teacher. The last few years have seen him touring with Will Pound’s Through the Seasons, folk award nominee Georgia Lewis and contemporary folk ensemble Inlay, as well as a number of other recording credits. He has taught fiddle for over ten years, working on the highly acclaimed Sistema program, which aims to transform the lives of young people through music across the world. In addition, he also runs his own successful English Fiddle Weekend for adult learners, which sees its fourth year in 2022.
Fees
For termly fees please check the relevant booking page.
Advance booking is required.
Concessions are available to people who are in full-time education; in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance; in receipt of Income-Based Benefit (such as Income Support, Housing or Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit). For concessionary rates please call the box office on 020 7485 2206. The box office is open between 9.30 and 17.00 Monday to Friday. Evidence of concession will need to be provided before the start of term by emailing [email protected] with a copy of your supporting documentation.
Terms and Conditions
We cannot give you a refund for any missed classes, including absence due to self-isolation.
Refunds are given only if your course is cancelled or closed early.
If you enrol on a Sunday Folk Music Workshops course but decide after the first session but before the second class that it is not right for you, you can either:
- transfer your booking to another instrument. This depends on availability; if the course of your choice is full then we can reserve a place for you on the following term.
- or have the course fees refunded to you minus an administration charge of £15 (as long as you contact us before the second class of term).
Read more about Terms and Conditions
We run Sunday Folk Music Workshops in Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Melodeon Song and Ceilidh Band. Why not do several on the same day?
