Introduction: I am available for one-on-one lessons or for small group (class) sessions for all levels -- novice, intermediate and advanced.
My workshops consist of interactive lectures and hands-on instruction in various fiddle styles including bluegrass, old time, country and western swing. Discussions about the history and development of fiddle styles are also included focusing on technique. Q and A is encouraged. Students should have at least a beginner's skill level.
I offer school programs for preschool through high school. These consist of lecture, demonstration and interactive lessons. College programs consist of lecture, demonstration and performance.
The lectures may cover the following:
* history of traditional fiddle tunes and their integration into the American musical culture
* tunes and styles as they were adapted from Scottish, Irish and other roots and incorporated into bluegrass
* development of traditional fiddle music as influenced by other musical genres, such as blues, Cajun, cape breton, jazz and big band and variations in styles as fiddle music became an integral part of bluegrass music
* non-bluegrass fiddle styles such as Cajun, western swing, jazz, blues, acoustic swing, folk, rock and country genres
* discussion of such iconic and influential artists as Stephane Grappelli, Joe Venuti, Vassar Clements, Benny Martin, Stuff Smith, Johnny Gimble, Bob Wills, Jean-Luc Ponty, Tommy Jackson, Buddy Spicher, Bobby Hicks and Kenny Baker
I also offer residencies and camps. These are extended-stay programs (2-7 days) targeting intensive, hands-on instruction.
Below are sample instructional programs for individuals and workshops residencies, as follows:
Old Time Fiddle Basics:
* simple old-time tunes
* the basic shuffle
* playing two strings at once
* sample tunes: Angelina Baker, Turkey in the Straw, Get Along Home Cindy and Old Joe Clark
Continuing Old Time:
* advanced bowing patterns
* open tuning
* recognizing chord changes
* sample tunes: Cluck Old Hen, Black Mountain Rag, Bonaparte's Retreat and Midnight on the Water
Bluegrass Basics:
* constructing a bluegrass fiddle solo
* bluegrass fiddle styles
* how to play in a bluegrass band
* harmony and double stops
* sample tunes: Blue Moon of Kentucky, Can't You Hear Me Calling and Little Georgia Rose
Continuing Bluegrass:
* double shuffle bowing
* second and third positions
* sample tunes: Orange Blossom Special, Back-Up and Push, Big Mon and Gold Rush
Country Basics
* constructing a country fiddle solo
* country fiddle styles
* how to play in a country band
* harmony and double stops in a country band setting
* sample tunes: Alabama Jubilee, Please Release Me and Together Again
Continuing Country
* distinctive attributes of country styles
* performing in a country band
* sample tunes: Faded Love, Take Me Back To Tulsa, Panhandle Rag and Crazy Arms
