What’s your biggest fear about jamming? Recently we asked you on social media to share what makes you feel nervous about jamming. You gave us lots of wonderfully candid responses, including: Not knowing the jam etiquette of a particular genre Not playing as well as I...
Today, we are beginning our "Fiddler Spotlight" column. Every so often, we'll introduce you to a fiddler who we think you'll enjoy getting to know. To start us off, here's a dear friend who I grew up with: Luke Price. I met Luke at Weiser (the National Oldtime...
by Katie Glassman I began going to the National Oldtime Fiddler's Contest in 1994. It takes place in Weiser Idaho and hence, all of us regulars call it "Weiser." Over the years, those trips to Weiser always gave me that needed jolt of inspiration, friendship, and...
Growing up, music gatherings like fiddle camps and contests were my absolute favorite thing in the world. Each year, I looked forward to these gatherings like other kids looked forward to Christmas or trips to Disneyland. I could not imagine anything more perfect than...
I must have been about ten years old when I discovered Andy Stein on the car radio while my parents were listening to "Prairie Home Companion." Sure I was young, but I remember his music as a sort of revelation. He was one of the first jazz violinists I'd EVER heard,...
Have you had the pleasure of listening to Duke Ellington's Jazz Violin Session? Recorded in 1963 but not released until two years after Ellington's death in 1976, these sessions feature Ellington and members of his orchestra plus three paramount jazz violinists: Svend...
A strong fourth finger is essential for good fiddling, but often that strength is difficult to develop. Especially if you don’t often use your fourth finger or you’re new to using it, this finger may put up a fight when you try to get it to do your bidding. But don’t...
As of the publication of this, it's December 20th, and that means that there's cheesy Christmas music pouring from every speaker you find. Even though I gripe about certain songs, I love the way good holiday music can set a warm, cheerful mood. That's why we put...
Often, adults say to me, “I wish I’d never stopped playing ___________ (insert instrument here) when I was a kid. But it’s too late now.” I have news for you: it’s never too late to come back to your instrument or pick up a new...
By Celeste Johnson People often ask me why I like fiddle contests. They seem like an odd thing to many people. “So you’re telling me that you get up on stage to be judged on purpose?!” And when it’s put that way, I see how contests can be off-putting. But when I go to...
We’re so excited to release our newest lesson on August 24th. This is one of the most jam-packed, content-rich lessons we’ve ever released in Fiddle School. It’s a goldmine of information to improve your musicianship and technical ability. Here are some FAQs and our...
What’s your favorite kind of jam session? Do you love playing in unison with other fiddlers or do you prefer to be the only one in the hot seat? Do you prefer taking improvised solos on the fly or playing crafted breakdowns? Do you like to sing or is that best left to...