Fiddle lessons at MAFM are geared particularly toward acquainting the student with the techniques and unique stylistic requirements of fiddle playing in the Bluegrass and Old-Time style. We will work through fiddle tunes mainly from the Appalachian tradition, though will also dig into Irish and Scottish tunes as the student advances. The bulk of our fiddle study involves the study of Improvisation, Fiddle Accompaniment styles / Backup fiddle (which involves shuffle bowings and the prolific use of double stops, as well as occasional extended rhythmic techniques), Droning, Embellishing Melodies, and gaining fluency with a broad range of bowings, which gives the student expressive freedom and flexibility when playing any style of music. As with all study at MAFM, fiddle students are given listening assignments and encouraged to dig deeper into the fiddling traditions that interest them most.

** It is important to note that “proper violin technique” as emphasized in solo and ensemble playing in most settings, is in NO WAY exclusive from this style of playing. In fact, many students who work on fiddle styles in addition to their normal violin lessons find that the bowing techniques and the emphasis on double stops will improve their technique in a way that is useful in classical repertoire as well. Having said that, students who want to acquire highly refined classical violin technique should pursue lessons with a specialist in that discipline!

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