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If you haven't been to the Fiddle School before you may not be sure of what playing level you should choose.  Below are some examples of the expectations for the three skill levels at the Fiddle School, Intermediate, Advanced and Super Advanced.  We ask that you pick a level in advance so that we can get an ideal of how many people to place in the classes and make sure that the class is held in a place that can accommodate that number of people. However, you are not committed to stay at that level.  If you find that you are uncomfortable with your first choice you should feel free to move to a different class.  You don't need permission to do that. 

 

Playing music by ear is essential for learning folk music, sheet music will not be available until after the Fiddle School had concluded with the exception of the ensemble people who need chord charts.  For people who primarily play using sheet music, it is recommended that they spend time listening to music and learning to play from a recording.  A couple of examples are given with the playing level description.  Once you have registered for the Fiddle School you will have access to all the tunes that have been taught at the Fiddle School in the past and it would be good to learn some of those tunes for practice and for jamming. 

 

You will find that every instructor has a different teaching and playing style.  Part of the Fiddle School experience is to learn to adjust to the teaching and playing styles of the instructors.  In addition to learning tunes that everyone can be comfortable playing, part of the experience is to push each participant to play at a higher level with something challenging to work toward. Expect to leave the West Denmark Fiddle School with many things to work on until the next Fiddle School.

 

Intermediate

For amateur fiddlers who have been playing for a few or more years and who are able to play with all four fingers in the first position.  You should be familiar with the third position and be able to play tunes in the major keys of G, D, A and C as well as E minor and A minor.  You should be able to learn tunes by ear and also have at least a basic ability to read music.

Tune example (“Kællingens Kat” – trad. Danish)

 

Advanced

For technically skilled and musical fiddlers who enjoy exploring the world of traditional music and who like to challenge and develop themselves as musicians.  You should be a “fast learner” and be able to pick up challenging tunes by ear including bowings and ornaments.

Tune example (“Svabo Polonaise” – trad. Danish)

 

Super Advanced

For very experienced fiddlers and fiddle teachers who need very little time to learn difficult tunes and can play in most common keys and positions on the violin.  Most of the class time can be spent on technique, ornamentations, and understanding various styles of music.

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If you have further questions please go to the contact page.

 

 

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