Since the invention of the violin, the music of its unschooled alter-ego, the fiddle, has excited people to dance, evoked the devil and the spiritual, echoed the human voice and heart. It is an instrument that has made its way into the core of many different traditions and it speaks an international language understood worldwide. Fiddle Week at the Swannanoa Gathering celebrates that universality with classes in traditional and contemporary styles including Irish, old-time, bluegrass, Canadian, swing, Swedish, and blues. In addition, this year we’ve expanded our offerings with an eastern European fiddle class and a class in playing for contra dances. The week also includes classes in guitar and bass, focusing on accompaniment in these styles, and there are related offerings for the fiddle’s first-cousin, the mandolin, and its big sister, the cello. Classes in technique and improvisation will help move students to a new level of careful focus or expanded thinking. The class schedule has been structured in such a way as to allow students to explore a rich variety of fiddle styles each day. Each instructor teaches different levels in their area of expertise, and students are asked to place themselves in the appropriate level. As requested by our students, we have added classes at the beginning/intermediate level: old-time, blues and technique, for students who want to gain confidence in learning and playing by ear, and for students who are newer to the instrument. For the intermediate classes, it is recommended that students have mastered beginning skills, be able to tune their instruments, keep time, play the principal scales cleanly, and know how to play a few tunes with confidence. This level is also appropriate for advanced players who would like to explore a style that is new to them, or for experienced players who need to get more fluent playing by ear. The advanced classes are designed to build on previous experience in the style. Advanced students should be able to easily learn by ear, have a basic repertoire in the style, and be comfortable playing in more difficult keys. The beginning fiddle class is designed to help brand-new fiddlers get off to a good start. We also place an emphasis on exploring what it takes to play with other musicians. There will be a special class time for students of any skill level to form bands, and with the guidance of instructors, arrange and rehearse with the option to perform at the student showcase on Friday evening. Fiddle Week runs concurrently with our Traditional Song Week, and students may take classes in either program, as well as take advantage of our Children's Program. You can view classes here as well as staff bios. Or go directly to an individual instructor's
bio by clicking on one of the names to the right. Fiddle Week runs concurrently with our Traditional Song Week, and students may take classes in either program.
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