CELTIC FIDDLING
Celtic Fiddling: From the so-called “Celtic” areas - Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany (with resonances in Denmark and Scandinavia), as well as parts of Canada and the U.S. These are old, aural traditions, based on particular dance rhythms with their own unique styles of bowing and ornamentation. Many important rhythmic and melodic aspects of these traditions are not notatable, and can only be learned by ear. In other words, you can't learn to fiddle from a book!
So, listen every chance you get, hang out with good fiddlers, ask questions, observe, imitate and use your ears! The world of fiddling awaits you
NEW KIDS GROUP:
The Scratchy Cat
Ensemble, launched January, 2007. For children aged 11-15, with at least
1 year of violin or fiddle background. A wonderful way for young people to get involved in the world of fIddling--rhythms, tunes, and learning how to bring it all together into a performance. Please contact Anne
for details.
GROUP CLASSES
For Adults: Anne offers classes co-sponsored by Worlds of Music Toronto (www.worldsofmusic.ca) and the World Music Centre of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, at 3 levels: Beginner, Intermediate (have played for 1-2 years) Advanced (more than 2 years).
Classes run in 14-week sessions, beginning in September and the end of January. Advanced classes are on specific styles, as follows:
Beginner: Mondays, 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Intermediate: Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m.
Advanced: Thursdays. Sept.-Jan: Scottish (6:00-7:45) French-Canadian/Metis (7:45-9:30). Jan-May: Irish (6:00-7:45), Old TIme Canadian (7:45-9:30)
For further info consult the RCM Community School Calendar, World Music
Centre or e-mail Anne. For Registration, please go to www.rcmusic.ca or
call the Royal Conservatory of Music: (416) 408 - 2824.

PRIVATE FIDDLE LESSONS
For adults beginner to advanced and kids - intermediate to advanced. Contact Anne for more info.
SPECIAL WORKSHOPS
Anne has taught folk fiddling from many traditions to both children and
adults, at festivals, fiddle camps, classical string camps, in groups and
solo. People learn to internalize tunes and rhythms through singing and
playing, so that the music becomes truly part of them. She specializes in
the following kinds of workshops:
Metis and/or French Canadian Fiddling
One of the great, but little-known styles of North America, Metis fiddling is a wonderful blend of Scottish, French, Native Indian and old-time North American traditions developed in the early fur trade days of the Canadian northwest. Acompanied by clogging, Metis tunes are highly irregular in form, but always rhythmic and always beautiful. The tradition overlaps greatly with French-Canadian tunes as played in Quebec and Acadia.
Klezmer and/or Ukrainian Fiddling in Canada
These eastern European styles have a strong base in city and country life in many parts of the country. Although overlapping in repertoire, each has a unique style and character.
Canadian Fiddle Styles
Anne has learned from many wonderful Canadian musicians from several traditions: Metis and French-Canadian, Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Irish, Ukrainian, Klezmer and "Old-Time". This workshop can be given as a one-time demonstration or as an extended immersion into selected repertoire over several days.
Fiddling for String Kids
An introduction to some of the rhythms, ornamentation, bowing and general character of traditional North American styles of fiddling for children studying classical violin. Children develop their ear by learning tunes aurally. They also develop their internal rhythmic sense and learn about chording, harmony and improvisation on the fiddle. Perfect for summer music camps.