I'm new to this site, and it appears to be primarily, if not entirely, Irish-oriented, but I'm going to Scotland in early April, and I would love to take a fiddle lesson or two or attend a fiddle workshop while I'm there. I'm a competent amateur violinist (I read music well) interested in learning fiddle techniques and tunes. My trip will probably begin in Edinburgh, with a drive up to Inverness, then down along the Great Glen to the Fort William area, then around Kilmartin for four or five days, ending in Glasgow, for a total of two weeks. The four of us will probably have two cars, so I could split off from the group to go to some appropriate location. Any contacts are welcome, whether individual fiddlers who teach, music stores that offer lessons, workshops, organizations, whatever. Sessions, too.
While you're in Inverness, drop into Balnain House. It has a small museum of Scottish traditional music, a bookshop, a weekly session, and all the information you'll need regarding tuition etc.
Visit this site: http://www.alpscotsmusic.org/
I attended the whistle class of this organization. Maybe you can have a look at one of the fiddle classes.
And when you are in Edinburgh, don't miss the session at Sandy Bell's, which is near Bobby and the national museum. Seven days a week, always featuring one or two fiddles.
We were up in Edinburgh just this summer, and had a couple of great sessions in a pub near the Royal Mile. Not being the most observant person, I can't remember the name of it.
However, if you walk away from the Royal Mile down a street called Black Friars, you'll see the YHA (possibly on Cowgate?) walk up the street to the right of it, turn right and there's a pub again on your right. There's probably an easier way to get to it, but this worked for us.
Have a great time. =)
Balnain is closed. The books did not balance unfortunately. A new pub has opened in Inverness called Hootananny's. It has music most nights with both local bands and 'names'. They are also trying to build up classes. I'm not sure if they have a website yet but you could phone nearer the time. There is an open mike session at the weekend, Sunday I think. Bruce MacGregor from Blazin' Fiddles is organising the music and has booked a wealth of talent so far. Hopefully this will continue. Have a good holiday with good tunes.
We've got just what you are looking for right here in Falkirk, 12miles from Stirling and 24miles from Edinburgh.
Classes are held on Tuesdays, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. in the Community Education Base, in Park Street, Falkirk.
At present Four levels of tuition are offered in traditional fiddle playing each night so you would fit in just fine. Oh and after classes we move to nearby pub for a proper session.
There is a possibility this venue might change in the near future say keep a note of my email address for future reference.
If there is anyone else interested in improving their playing please come along.
barrie@bainsford.co.uk
I know this is a very old thread, but in case anyone is looking for classes, the Scots Music Group in Edinburgh run a variety of weekly classes, teaching fiddle, guitar, mandolin, moothie, melodeon, accordion, Scottish smallpipes, whistle and song. and also several mixed instrument groups.
Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
Hello from Texas ---
I'm new to this site, and it appears to be primarily, if not entirely, Irish-oriented, but I'm going to Scotland in early April, and I would love to take a fiddle lesson or two or attend a fiddle workshop while I'm there. I'm a competent amateur violinist (I read music well) interested in learning fiddle techniques and tunes. My trip will probably begin in Edinburgh, with a drive up to Inverness, then down along the Great Glen to the Fort William area, then around Kilmartin for four or five days, ending in Glasgow, for a total of two weeks. The four of us will probably have two cars, so I could split off from the group to go to some appropriate location. Any contacts are welcome, whether individual fiddlers who teach, music stores that offer lessons, workshops, organizations, whatever. Sessions, too.
Thanks!
# Posted on October 14th 2002 by carolsviolin
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
While you're in Inverness, drop into Balnain House. It has a small museum of Scottish traditional music, a bookshop, a weekly session, and all the information you'll need regarding tuition etc.
# Posted on October 14th 2002 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
I know a few people who give lessons in Edinburgh.I'll get their phone numbers later to-day.
# Posted on October 14th 2002 by eddiem
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland/Balnain House
I thought Balnain House in Inverness was closed last year - did it re-open?
# Posted on October 14th 2002 by Kenny
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
Visit this site: http://www.alpscotsmusic.org/
I attended the whistle class of this organization. Maybe you can have a look at one of the fiddle classes.
And when you are in Edinburgh, don't miss the session at Sandy Bell's, which is near Bobby and the national museum. Seven days a week, always featuring one or two fiddles.
# Posted on October 15th 2002 by slainte
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
Sorry, I'm out of touch. It's 5 years since I was there.
# Posted on October 15th 2002 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
We were up in Edinburgh just this summer, and had a couple of great sessions in a pub near the Royal Mile. Not being the most observant person, I can't remember the name of it.
However, if you walk away from the Royal Mile down a street called Black Friars, you'll see the YHA (possibly on Cowgate?) walk up the street to the right of it, turn right and there's a pub again on your right. There's probably an easier way to get to it, but this worked for us.
Have a great time. =)
# Posted on October 16th 2002 by Caitriona
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
Balnain is closed. The books did not balance unfortunately. A new pub has opened in Inverness called Hootananny's. It has music most nights with both local bands and 'names'. They are also trying to build up classes. I'm not sure if they have a website yet but you could phone nearer the time. There is an open mike session at the weekend, Sunday I think. Bruce MacGregor from Blazin' Fiddles is organising the music and has booked a wealth of talent so far. Hopefully this will continue. Have a good holiday with good tunes.
# Posted on October 19th 2002 by akenatune
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
We've got just what you are looking for right here in Falkirk, 12miles from Stirling and 24miles from Edinburgh.
Classes are held on Tuesdays, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. in the Community Education Base, in Park Street, Falkirk.
At present Four levels of tuition are offered in traditional fiddle playing each night so you would fit in just fine. Oh and after classes we move to nearby pub for a proper session.
There is a possibility this venue might change in the near future say keep a note of my email address for future reference.
If there is anyone else interested in improving their playing please come along.
barrie@bainsford.co.uk
# Posted on October 20th 2002 by barrie
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
Thanks to all who replied. It's all very helpful.
# Posted on October 30th 2002 by carolsviolin
Re: Fiddle lessons or workshops in Scotland
I know this is a very old thread, but in case anyone is looking for classes, the Scots Music Group in Edinburgh run a variety of weekly classes, teaching fiddle, guitar, mandolin, moothie, melodeon, accordion, Scottish smallpipes, whistle and song. and also several mixed instrument groups.
Full information on the website at http://www.scotsmusic.org/classes/ (the old website address given by slainte above no longer works)
Cheers
# Posted on September 16th 2010 by Ros G