Fiddle Fun Flex - Learn Fiddle Tunes and Play by Ear on Violin or Viola

Learn fiddle tunes the traditional way - by ear! This course is perfect for violin and viola players with at least a year of playing experience. Classical students will explore a new genre of playing. Fiddle students will pick up a new tune. Using a tune teach format, students will practice their listening skills. We'll also discuss the format of traditional fiddle tunes and learn some music theory. Students will learn some of the history of each tune.

Every week will feature video instruction of traditional tunes in a different key. Learners will experience scales and arpeggios for each week's tunes. Folk and fiddle tunes have plenty of opportunity for improvisation and embellishment. Videos will include tips for improvising and including fiddle techniques. Beginners through advancing musicians will learn techniques to improve their fiddle playing. 

Experience fiddle tunes in a friendly and encouraging format. Students will interact with the teacher and one another as they demonstrate and practice their new tunes. Students will build community with fellow fiddlers each week.

Interactions include: 
Posting videos of daily practice in the Outschool classroom. Receive teacher and peer feedback.
Video scavenger hunt challenges. Find and share your favourite versions of the fiddle tunes.
Call and response challenges. Each fiddler will post part of the tune following the call and response format.
Jam along videos. Learners will post videos of their own version for others to play along with.
Classroom discussion and Q&A. Share questions, ideas, and inspiration with the group.
Weekly Schedule:

Week 1 (February 15) - D Major.
Learn the D major scale, D Pentatonic scale, and arpeggios.
Featured Tunes - Soldier's Joy and St. Anne's Reel
Featured Skill - Smooth string crossings
Week 2 (February 22) - A Major
Learn the A major scale, A Pentatonic scale, and arpeggios.
Featured Tunes - Salt Creek and Cherokee Shuffle
Featured Skill - Bowing options and slurs
Week 3 (March 1) - G Major
Learn the G major scale, G Pentatonic scale, and arpeggios.
Featured Tunes - Blackberry Blossom and Golden Slippers
Featured Skill - Figure 8 Bowing
Week 4 (March 8) - C Major
Learn the C major scale, C Pentatonic scale, and arpeggios.
Featured Tunes - Billy in the Lowground and Down Yonder
Featured Skill - Shuffle Bow
Week 5 (March 15)
Modal Tunes and minor scales
Featured Tunes - June Apple and Kitchen Girl
Featured Skill - Improvising