A new Wednesday evening course in traditional fiddle styles from Ireland, Scotland and the USA with Manchester’s own emerging folk fiddle star Emma Sweeney.
7.30-8.30pm Beginners
8.30-9.30 Intermediate to Advanced players
Wether you are a folk fiddler wanting to branch out, learn a new style and some fresh tunes or a classical violinist who feels that you are tied the ‘dots’ on a page with no freedom to express yourself in the way you want to, this course has something for you….
The course is for folk fiddlers who want to learn a new style and for classical players who want to branch out and learn folk music in the aural tradition. It is for beginner players with a minimum of two or more years of playing experience players and confident intermediate to advanced players with several years of playing/ learning experience. (If you are not sure about this contact us HERE for some guidance).
Over the space of 5 weeks Emma will teach a selection of Bluegrass, Scottish and Irish tunes. Participants will explore some of the techniques that make the distinctive sounds of each style. The course will be taught aurally but sheet music can also be made available for individuals who need it. The course is for violinists who already play, but you don’t need to have any prior knowledge of traditional folk styles.
Emma Sweeney is a Songlines Award nominated fiddler whose roving debut album Pangea has confirmed her status as one of folk music’s rising stars. Emma’s unique style combines her trad Irish background with a fusion of world influences, drawing upon her experience of teaching music in India, and touring across Europe.
A distinguished and experienced live performer, Emma has played alongside a whole raft of traditional musicians, including Mike McGoldrick, John Doyle and Mick O’Brien. She has also recently supported Paul Weller in a guest appearance with The Rails.
In a review of one of her live shows, Songlines said that “Emma’s control of the fiddle was enviable, and it really seemed an extension of her arm as she played through speedy, intricate phrases and slides with gentle ease”.
Released in January 2013 and produced by McGoldrick, Pangea brings together a diverse mixture of trad jigs and reels, fluidly blended with Emma’s own compositions. It also features a bluegrass waltz, an Indian-influenced piece and an original take on Nick Drake’s A Place to Be.
“A classy debut” – The Guardian
“Jaw-dropping stuff that will engage both musician and layman alike.” – UK Folk Music
It is recommended that participants bring a recording device such as a phone or mp3 recorder to the lessons if they have one. In each lesson Emma and Thea will teach a tune by ear.
Learning resources and further listening material will be available at each session.
Venue: The Picturehouse at Band on the Wall
Day: Wednesday
Times: Beginners 7.30-8.30pm. Intermediate / Advanced 8.30-9.30pm.
Dates: November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, December 3rd.
Cost: Full £75, Conc £65 (Full time student, OAP, unwaged), Per-session, £18
(Concession places are subject to production of proof of eligibility at first session)