Fiddle/Violin/Erhu Classes

BRT Fiddle Students 2022

Cathy teaches both PRIVATE LESSONS (from her home) and GROUP CLASSES (at the Blackstone River Theatre). Her approach to teaching beginners is 'classical' in fundamentals, form and technique. The repertoire, however, is folk/fiddle from a wide variety of cultures, styles and eras.

Cathy has been the fiddle/violin instructor at the Blackstone River Theatre (BRT) since 2006 , teaching beginning levels through advanced, for ages 16 - 80! The spirit of group classes is that of engagement, fun, support and community. Please feel free to call/email Cathy with any specific questions you might have about private or group lessons, or method approach.

BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATRE FIDDLE CLASSES/LEVELS

• Total Beginner Fiddle Classes (ADULT)
  This course is for true beginners just starting out on their fiddle journey! The beginner class includes: fundamentals of playing the fiddle (fingering and bowing technique), instrument care, tuning the strings with confidence, and learning simple tunes and exercises by both ear and notation. A recording device is recommended for each class along with a music stand. Students need to bring their fiddle and bow to first class!
   
• Continuing Beginner Fiddle Classes
  This class is the next level after you have completed a Beginner level class at Blackstone River Theatre (or elsewhere). Often times a student will take the beginner class twice before moving on. Placement at the discretion of the instructor.
   
• Intermediate Fiddle Classes
  This class (or classes) is for those who have taken four or more 6-week sessions at Blackstone River Theatre, or have equivalent experience, and are continuing to build their fiddle skills and repertoire of fiddle tunes (American, Celtic and more).
   
• Advanced Intermediate Fiddle Classes
  This class (or classes) is for fiddlers who have played for two years or more, or by discretion of the instructor. General fiddle proficiency (intonation, bowing, fingering) as well as comfort with sight-reading or reading notation is needed. This class includes: learning a broad repertoire of fiddle music (American, Celtic and more), playing by ear, performance skills and comfort, beginning ornamentation of tunes, session and jam etiquette. A recording device and music stand are recommended for each class.
   
• Advanced Level Fiddle Classes (two levels)
  These classes are for independent fiddle players who are comfortable with notation/sight reading, and have a general mastery of their instrument. The advanced classes includes: ear training and memorization of tunes, as well as exploration of improvisation and harmony. Placement in this class level will be at the discretion of the instructor and there are two levels to allow us to place "like" levels together. Recording device and music stand are recommended for each class. Players at this level will, on occasion, also learn tunes/repertoire for performance at Blackstone River Theatre events such as the Blackstone River Theatre Craft Fair and the Summer Solstice Festival.

CLASSES

WINTER 2023 Fiddle Classes
 4-Week Winter Session: January-February

• TUESDAY Fiddlers: 7:15 - 8:30 p.m.
  January 3rd & 10th (with the 17th as a snow/make-up date if needed) and February 21st & 28th
   
• THURSDAY Fiddlers: 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
  January 5th & 12th (with the 19th as a snow/make-up date)  and February 16th & 23rd

SPRING 2023 Fiddle Classes
8-Week Spring Session: March, April, May (skipping 1st week of April/May)

• TUESDAY Fiddlers: 7:15 - 8:30 p.m.
  March 21st & 28th; April 11th, 18th, 25th; and May 9th, 16th, 23rd
   
• THURSDAY Fiddlers: 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
  March 23rd & 30th; April 13th, 20th, & 27th; and May 11th, 18th, 25th

HOW TO REGISTER

Sign up and pay for one session at a time or for both!

CLASSES WILL BE FOR INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVEL FIDDLERS ONLY
If you have any questions about which level you should attend or IF you should be in either class at this time, please email Cathy directly so she can make that determination and THEN register with me!

HOW TO REGISTER FOR ANY BRT CLASSES
If you are interested in any class, please:

1. E-mail russell@riverfolk.org  to pre-register.
2. EMAIL PIC OF YOUR VACCINATION CARD TO ME BEFORE START OF CLASS. I WILL DELETE THE  EMAIL ONCE IT'S NOTED.
3. Bring a check payable to Blackstone River Theatre to the first class.