Darol Anger’s Bluegrass (& Slightly Beyond) Fiddle-ology Workshop

One of the most influential fiddlers alive, Darol Anger is a popular clinician and Berklee professor with his own online Fiddle School at Artistworks.com. He has helped drive the evolution of the string band through pathbreaking ensembles such as his Republic Of Strings,  Turtle Island String Quartet, the David Grisman Quintet, Psychograss, the Duo, and other ensembles. He has played and studied Bluegrass music all his life. More than traditional fiddling, a high level of ensemble skills are required for Bluegrass Fiddling.

The Bluegrass & Beyond Fiddle-ology workshop will probably include (but not be limited to)
* Soloing:
Prepared or improvised solos
Playing and quoting lead melodies
Quoting important historical fiddle solos  Uncle Pen
Harmonizing melodies
* Backup skills:
Techniques for playing fills     Generating counterlines harmonies and double-stop textures
Rhythms, bow shuffles, and the Chop
Also to be included in the Intensive:
* Playing fiddle tunes at high speeds and difficult keys
* Intonation exercises
* “Problem” areas of the fiddle
* High positions on the neck
* Other issues that might be diminishing our ability to have fun because they are difficult.

Folded into the session, we’ll examine tonal concepts, phrasing, rhythm techniques, the Blues melodic environment, look at the Dominant 7th Cycle, and analyze some standard tunes to freshen, polish and possibly ruin them.

Participants can expect to come away with new or improved techniques and insights that will lend to increased understanding, ease, and fun when playing Bluegrass fiddle in either an accompanying or a solo role. Knowledge of these ideas and techniques will greatly increase fiddlers’ musical confidence and spontaneity in a Bluegrass jam or band.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email ErinB.COTFA@gmail.com. Sign up today, space is limited!

50% of this workshop’s proceeds will go to support the Colorado Old Time Fiddlers’ Association.