Spring Old-Time Fiddling Single Session

Service Description

8 Sundays 3:00-3:50pm Instructor: Rafe Wolman Class Dates: 2/4, 2/25, 3/10, 3/24, 4/7, 4/28, 5/12 and 5/26 Ages: All In this class we will learn Old-Time fiddle tunes by ear - listening (including to recordings at home), watching and imitating. We’ll focus on the rhythms, ornaments, bowing, and other techniques that give the music its distinct sound. For old tunes, we’ll work on playing them quicker and adding ornaments, variations, etc. and explore how to improvise our own variations. Old-Time music is fiddle-based music from the South and West of what we know as the United States. It has African, European, and Native American influences, with driving rhythms and different techniques than those used in classical music. Depending on the interest of the group, we may venture into other related fiddle styles: blues, Cajun, bluegrass, swing, Caribbean fiddle, etc... This is a course for pre-teens to adults who play violin. Violas and mandolins are welcome. Cellos and basses too, especially if you’re willing to learn and play basslines. Other instruments by special arrangement. No experience playing Old-Time or other fiddle music is necessary, but students should be willing to learn entirely by ear and try new things. Students should have some experience with their instrument, and be comfortable playing their instrument in first position in different keys (high and low fingers). We can choose repertoire based on the overall experience range of all the students in the session. This listing is for signing up for a single session of this series. If you'd like to register for all 4 of either session, please see the other listings for Old-Time Fiddling. We strive to ensure accessibility of our programs to all members of the community. Classes are offered on a sliding scale. Please choose the tuition rate that is right for you. $17 - SUSTAINABLE: The per-student cost to sustain this program. $12 - ACCESSIBLE: Discounted tuition to support access to music for all. $22 - EQUITABLE: Help us keep PVS programs accessible to all. To explore additional financial support options, contact us at music@pvso.org or (413) 773-3664.

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