Group Course for Beginners
Comments from Students
Teacher
Schedule & Fee
Enrolment
The Irish fidil (the name derives from Vitula, the Roman goddess of victory and jubilation) has existed in one form or another for nearly a thousand years. It is not clear precisely what kind of instrument the early fiddles were, and today’s fiddle is actually a classical violin, introduced here from Italy around the middle of the sixteenth century – although the way it is held and the methods of playing it are very different. In any case the fiddle is arguably the most widely-used instrument in the performance of traditional music.
Designed for absolute beginners, this 10-week course introduces students to the basics of playing this subtle and demanding instrument – holding, bowing, fingering, etc. – and guides them through the main forms of traditional music (jigs, reels, hornpipes, airs, etc.), including some of their many variations. Regional and individual playing styles will also be covered, giving the student an important first source of repertoire.
Participating students will need to have a violin (fiddle) to bring to class and to practice at home. If you do not already have an instrument for this course, please note that Waltons music shops offer suitable instruments, some of which are available on payment plans, for students at the New School. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
Introducing Fiddle is one of our group courses for beginners. Private, partner, group and intensive fiddle lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Traditional Instruments for more information.
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Comments from Students
'I really enjoyed this course. In such a short space of time I feel I have learned loads, and I look forward to improving.'
– L. Butler
'A great teacher who offers excellent tuition catered around each individual student's needs. One of the best.'
– A. Carroll
'Truly amazed at how far I have gone in such a short period. At Christmas I couldn't even hold a fiddle, but I was playing tunes by St. Patrick's Day!'
– P. Hogan
'The tuition was excellent. I learned a lot in a positive and pleasant way.'
– D. Brennan
'I really enjoyed the course and have signed up for the continuation group. I found the delivery of lessons very effective and benefited hugely from them.'
– P. Needham
'When I took music lessons as a child I hated the regimen of scales, etc. with no tunes. In ten weeks I can play five tunes that folks can recognise.'
– N. Traynor
'Introducing Fiddle was a really enjoyable course. All of the tunes I learned were broken down and made easy to learn and pick up. The teacher was extremely helpful, accomodating and approachable, and this gave me the confidence in going on to learn the fiddle.'
– C. Finn
'I was over 50 and wanted to learn to play the fiddle, I signed up for my first set of classes (10). I nervously attended my first class in Waltons and I needn't have worried. The admin staff were so welcoming and light hearted and made me feel at ease. My class teacher Sinead has a very natural way of teaching; she is so patient and encouraging and there is a relaxed atmosphere in the class. I will be starting my sixth set of sessions with Waltons at Easter.'
– M. Ferns
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Sinéad Madden, Teacher
Sinéad started playing the fiddle at the age of seven and went on to study both classical piano and violin, all the while playing numerous fleadhs and sessions nationwide. After moving to Dublin in 1994, she studied music at Trinity College Dublin, graduating with a BA. During this time she began a performing career that has included collaborations and performances with such artists as Moya Brennan (Clannad), Jim McCann (The Dubliners) and Aoife ni Feartagh. Sinéad has toured extensively in Scandinavia, Asia, America and Europe, and guested with various artists such as ten-time All-Ireland champion Seamus Connolly and the Dublin City Orchestra, as well as playing support to the legendary Drifters frontman Ben E. King. Her recent musical projects include the solo album Honey Promises (2009), featuring Moya Brennan and Cormac de Barra; The Beehive Suite, with uilleann piper Darach De Brún; and Urbanethnic, with the Dublin-based group Rinka. She also selected and performed the tunes for the Waltons publication, 110 Best Irish Fiddle Tunes, volume 2. Sinéad has taught fiddle to hundreds of students at the New School for over a decade, and she also co-facilitates our Sounds Irish outreach workshop.
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2013-2014 First Term Schedule & Fee
To be confirmed.
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Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2013-2014 General Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places are limited to eight.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
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