Class Description - Fiddle Classes
The following general descriptions apply primarily to melody instruments.
Traditional singing and accompanying instruments like bodhran, guitar, harp,
and piano will have somewhat different descriptions.
Please see the individual descriptions for each class for more details.
Starter: Certain instruments (fiddle, harp) offer starter sections for those who are new to the instrument. These classes cover starting technique and care of the instrument and serve as an introduction to Irish music. Depending on skills recognized or obtained, students may move up to Beginner classes sometime during the quarter.
Beginner: These classes are for those who are new to the instrument or have limited skills. Note that some instruments will have "Starter" classes due to the nature of the instrument. Students will become familiar with their instruments and will learn to play simpler Irish tunes by ear at slower speeds; tunes that are taught may not be on the tune list for the quarter but may be in the Riley 'Common Core'. Students will learn about the different types of traditional Irish tunes.
Intermediate: Students should have previously been in a Beginner class (or the equivalent in outside private lessons) or have played the instrument for some time in Irish or related styles. Students will continue to learn tunes by ear, with a focus on the current quarter's tune list. Students will learn to play at faster tempos and begin to learn Irish ornamentation and style.
Advanced: These classes are for those who are quite familiar with their instrument and Irish music. Tunes will be taught with the goal of attaining playing them at 'Riley Speed', which can be heard by listening to the tunes on the website. There will be continued emphasis on ornamentation and style, using the current quarter's tune list.
Fiddle Classes
| Class | Teacher | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fiddle 0 Fundamentals (Absolute Beginner) |
Hollie Greenwood | 9:00 | |
|
Fiddle 0 Repertoire (Absolute Beginner) |
Justine Cefalu | 9:00 | |
|
Fiddle I (Beginner) |
Hollie Greenwood | 10:00 | |
|
Fiddle II (Intermediate) |
Justine Cefalu | 10:00 | |
|
Fiddle III (Advanced) |
Hollie Greenwood | 11:00 |
This class is for all students who are new to the instrument and have never played violin or fiddle. The class covers starting technique, care of the fiddle and bow and is an introduction to Irish music. When a student is ready, the teacher will recommend they move to Fiddle 0 Repertoire. If you wish to start a child as early as age 5, please contact the teacher to discuss.
In this class, students will learn a few introductory tunes and scales, and will begin learning the skills to learn tunes by ear.
This class is for students who have played the instrument before and have limited skills on the instrument and limited bowing technique. Emphasis will be on learning the tunes by ear and practicing technique at slower speeds. If you have played violin in the past, even well, but are unfamiliar with the bowing techniques in Irish fiddling, you should start here. With experience in violin, you may move up to other classes sooner. For those students who have not played violin, you will develop playing skills while learning the bowing techniques associated with Irish music and may remain in the class longer than those with prior experience.
Students will continue with bowing previously studied. The tunes will be practiced at a little faster pace and additional bowing techniques will be introduced, including Irish reels and hornpipes. You will begin to learn various left hand techniques, including cuts and rolls, which are prevalent in Irish music.
This class is for students who have been recommended to move up by instructors after they have taken Fiddle 2 or the equivalent. There will be more emphasis on bowing styles, left hand techniques and you will begin to learn about bowing pressure skills. The teaching in this class will focus more on the level of play of those in the class and build the skills needed to progress. You should be able to play some tunes at "Riley speed" in this class, which can be heard by accessing the Riley website and listening to tunes from some of the quarters.