Janie Rothfield Old Time Fiddle Class Descriptions

Beginner Fiddle:  We will start off by learning how to hold the fiddle and bow properly and get started playing open strings, some simple rhythms and putting your fingers down to play notes, scales and some simple melodies!  Rhythm is the most important part of fiddling and the focus of the beginner classes is to use repetition and muscle memory to help you get playing quickly!  You will learn everything by ear by using your voice, body movement and by breaking down the melodies phrase by phrase to make it easier to process and remember!   We will also listen to original source recordings of older generation old time fiddlers from Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky.

Intermediate Fiddle:  This class will focus on adding a variety of tunes to your repertoire with special attention to learning a variety of bowing rhythms and patterns to add more musicality and speed to your playing!   All tunes will be taught by ear, and Janie will help you with strategies to learn how to pick up a tune “on the fly” at jams and from old source recordings.  We will also work on chords, harmony playing and how to play duets with clawhammer banjo and guitar (Janie plays these instruments too!).  We listen to original source recordings of fiddlers such as Uncle Bunt Stevens, Snake Chapman, Tommy Jarrell and Uncle Norm Edmonds and learn some of their tunes, too!

Advanced Fiddle:  This class will delve into more complicated and challenging tunes, with an emphasis on tone, melodic and bowing expression and interpretation of the traditional tunes.  We will take melodies and explore how to express yourself with old time music-Find your style and sound!  Janie will work with you on chords, developing melodic improvisational variations and more advanced bowing with a variety of tunes such as reels, waltzes and rags.  We will also do in depth listening to a variety of original source recordings of our favorite tunes for the nuggets of melody and rhythm that makes old time music so special.  As part of our learning process we will listen in depth to source recordings for the musical and rhythmic nuggets that defined their style. 

Instrument and Accessories

Violin and bow:  Please make sure your instrument and bow are in good playing condition with fine tuners on the tailpiece (you can get a tailpiece that has the tuners as part of the tailpiece OR add tuners individually to your instrument, new strings and maybe a bow rehair if necessary.  If you are using a shoulder rest and are able, go to a store to try out a variety of them. I can help with advise on setting it up for you in the right place and height.

Strings: I use Helicore Medium Strings.

Electronic Clip on Tuner:  Snarks work well and are moderately priced, but they break easily.

Rosin:  There is a variety of rosin available at different prices. If you are not sure, go for the middle priced green!