I offer Scottish folk fiddle* lessons for adult beginners and improving beginners in my lovely garden music room at my home in
south-east Edinburgh EH16.
* A fiddle is exactly the same instrument as a violin. Calling it a fiddle denotes that the style of music played on it is folk, rather than classical, jazz etc.
Want to know more or book a lesson?
Just get in touch:
07780 001540
c.clarke01@btinternet.com
- “I’ve got a fiddle and a bow. Now what?!”
- “I want to get good enough to play in pub sessions.”
- “I want it to sound nicer when I play.”
- “Hm, bowing is tricky – how can I get better at it?”
- “I want to learn more folk tunes that I can play with other people.”
- “I’ve taught myself up till now, but I think I’ve reached the stage where I need a bit of help.”
- “I’ve learned at fiddle classes, but I’d really like a bit of individual guidance.”
- “I learned fiddle as a kid, and now I’d like to start up again.”
A bit about me
My name’s Beth and I’ve been playing Scottish folk fiddle for nearly 30 years (which I can hardly believe!). Folk style is easier to learn than classical, so you can reach a level where you can join in with others, at a pub session for example, more quickly than you might think.
I’ve played in lots of local amateur bands, including Shindiggery, a 9-piece folk band which performed a sell-out Fringe show. I’ve also played with Breton musicians in France, and been the fiddler in a pop covers band. As well as fiddle playing, I love to sing, and I write and perform my own songs on the mandola.
I love playing in sessions and for dancing – in fact I love playing, full stop. Playing with other musicians is such a wonderful way to get to know people and enjoy spending time together, sharing an activity that you all get so much pleasure from.
I am currently the Slow Session tutor at the Scots Music Group, and have taught session tunes workshops. I still play regularly in sessions, and have been playing for ceilidhs with the very popular Da Hooley ceilidh band for some 15 years.
As a session and dance band player, I see rhythm as very important, as well as developing a relaxed style that will enable you to play comfortably. I took up the fiddle in my twenties when I moved up to Edinburgh from London, so I know what it’s like to be an adult learner.
The garden music room
Here’s where the lessons happen. The garden music room is at the bottom of my garden. It is private and sound and insulated. It is also thermally insulated and heated, which keeps it cosy and warm in the winter. It has a lovely view of the garden, and I like to watch the birds at the feeder while I practise.
What do the lessons cost?
Lessons are generally 3/4 hr and cost £30.
If you prefer 1 hr, the price is £40.
“I’m really enjoying your classes and your approach to teaching. Fresh and thoughtful and very helpful for my learning.” MH, Edinburgh, October 2024
