Ever felt like an outsider at a music jam? How about worrying that your age — too young or too old — could be a barrier to acceptance? You're not alone. Today, we unravel the tension, anxiety, and complexities of "jam drama" - those feelings of exclusion and self-consciousness that musicians often grapple with. This episode features the tune Walking in My Sleep from the Baltimore Square Dance at the Mobtown Ballroom. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books M...
Aug 08, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 48
This episode presents a setting of Polska från Tenala from the EP Postcards by Alyssa Rodriguez and dives into Alyssa's history as a fiddler and composer, and her study of Scandinavian music and nyckelharpa. Alyssa's website is alyssafiddle.com and you can find her preorder and backing for the Tales and Tunes book on Kickstarter . Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list a...
Aug 01, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 47
This episode presents a setting of The Hunter's Purse from a session at Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia and gives tips for how to practice scales, for beginning fiddlers to advanced. The artists mentioned are Talya Raitzyk, Paddy Killoran, John Glatt, Paddy Maloney, Pat Kilduff, Kevin Burke, Hanneke Cassel, Megan Lynch Chowning and Andre Brunet. The Scale books are Barbara Barber's Scales for Young Violinists and Scales for Advanced Violinists, the Carl Flesch Scale System, and Meg's book Fiddle St...
Jul 25, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 46
This episode presents a setting of Bill Malley's from a session at Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia and give you tips for taking- or giving- a fiddle lesson. The artists mentioned are Bill Malley, Martin Hayes, Joe Bane, and John Naughton. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Jul 18, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 45
This episode presents a setting of New Mown Meadows from a session at Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia and describes the challenges of using the left hand pinky and how to get better at using it. The artists mentioned are Miguel Oliveira, Lynn Blakeslee, and the etude book is School of Violin Technics by Henry Schradiek. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 F...
Jul 11, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 44
This episode presents a setting of Pat Mahon's Jig from a session at Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia and discusses Irish Session Etiquette and where it can go wrong. The artists mentioned are Contranella, Pat Mahon, Dermott Grogan, Brian Boyce, Darin Kelly, and Eaman Kelly. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Jul 04, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 43
This episode presents a setting of Candy Girl from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and talking all about different kinds of shoulder rests and options for using them. The shoulder rests I talk about are a foam shoulder rest, a KUN, Bon Musica, viostrap, and Piestro. The artists mentioned are Uncle Bunt Stephens, Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Brittany Haas, and Mike Seeger. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studi...
Jun 27, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 42
This episode presents a setting of Farewell to Princeton from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and talks about high and low 2s on the fiddle. The artists mentioned are Clyde Davenforth, Ray Aldon, and Emily Shaad. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Jun 20, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 41
This episode presents a setting of Five Miles of Ellum Wood from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and dives into that age old question, what is the difference between the violin and the fiddle? The artists mentioned is Bruce Greene and his CD Five Miles of Ellum Wood: Old Time Kentucky Fiddle Solos. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Jun 13, 2023•8 min•Season 1Ep. 40
This episode presents a setting of Money Musk from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and talking all about how shifting up into positions works on the violin or fiddle. The artists mentioned are Rodney Miller, Paul Gifford, Jean Carignon, The Highwoods String Band, The New Lost City Ramblers, Delaware Water Gap, and Cranberry Lake. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing li...
Jun 06, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 39
This episode presents a setting of Chips and Sauce from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and discusses positions on the fiddle, what they are and what they are used for. The artists mentioned are Ira Bernstein, Earl White, and the Onlies. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
May 30, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 38
This episode presents a setting of Flatwater Fran by Phil Cunningham from a session at the Arthouse Bar and covers strategies for starting the fiddle from scratch, or as a complete beginner. The artists mentioned are Phil Cunningham, Johnny Cunningham, Planxty, Silly Wizard, and Aly Balin. Megan's book for beginners is called Fiddle Studio Book 1 and her course is Fiddle Studio Course 1: Starting From Scratch . Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My webs...
May 23, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 37
This episode presents a setting of In Memory of Coleman by Ed Reavy from a session at the Arthouse Bar and dives into everything we know about how fiddle tunes get composed. The artists mentioned are John Wobus, Taylor Swift, Rick Rubin, Mark Irwin, Ed Reavy, Michael Coleman, Joe Reavy and Tommy Caulfield. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes...
May 16, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 36
This episode presents a setting of Forget Me Not by Larry Redican from a session at the Arthouse Bar and discusses the dos and don'ts of violin and fiddle bowgrips. The artists mentioned are Larry Redican, Frank O'Higgins, Jack Coen, Paddy O'Brien, and the dance teachers Peter and Cyril McNiff. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
May 09, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 35
This episode presents a setting of Tatter Jack Walsh from a session at the Arthouse Bar and talks about the different ways you can play backup on the fiddle. The people mentioned are Noah VanNorstrand and John Mac Walter. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
May 02, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 34
This episode presents a setting of Winder Slide by Joe LaRose from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and dives into why fiddle tunes have repeats (and if you have to do them). The artists mentioned are Donna Herbert, Becky Tracy, Joe LaRose, Bruce Molsky, Rayna Gellert, and Bill Dillof. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Apr 25, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 33
This episode presents a setting of Buck Mountain from a jam at the the Peabody Heights Brewery in Baltimore and discusses what vibrato is, when to use vibrato in fiddling and how to get started learning to vibrate! The artists mentioned are Alice Kanack, Napoleon Bonaparte Chisholm "Uncle Nip", The Virginia Vagabonds, and Armin Barnett . Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing...
Apr 18, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 32
This episode presents a setting of Sadie at the Back Door by Jere Canote from a jam at the the Peabody Heights Brewery in Baltimore and gives you advice on how to improve your tone on the fiddle or violin! The artists mentioned are Jere Canote and Greg Canote. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Apr 11, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 31
This episode presents a setting of Booth Shot Lincoln from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery in Baltimore and discusses scales, what they are good for and why play them (or not)! The artists mentioned are Bascom Lamar Lunsford and Marcus Martin. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Apr 04, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 30
This episode presents a setting of The Coming of Spring by Paddy O'Brien from a session at the Arthouse Bar in Baltimore and discusses discusses up and down bows, what they are, and how to use them in fiddle tunes! The artists mentioned are Paddy O'Brien, Seána Davey, Stephen Doherty, and Líosa Murphy. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Mar 28, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 29
This episode presents a setting of Trip to Birmingham , a reel by Josie McDermott from a session at the Arthouse Bar in Baltimore and discusses addresses the question of why fiddlers might want to learn to read music! The artists mentioned are Rachel Eddy, Matt Muloy, and Josie McDermott. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Mar 21, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 28
This episode presents a setting of Fly in the Porter, a jig by Paddy O'Brien from a session at the Arthouse Bar in Baltimore and discusses how to get started making up your own music and your own tunes on the fiddle! The artists mentioned are Alice Kanack, Lynn Blakeslee, Paddy O'Brien, and Billy McComiskey. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tun...
Mar 14, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 27
This episode presents a setting of Grieg's Pipes from a session at the Arthouse Bar in Baltimore and discusses playing fiddle for live dancing and dancers! The artists mentioned are Rachel Eddy, Ken Kolodner, David Smuckler, Richard Osban, and the Flanagan Brothers. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Mar 07, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 26
This episode presents a setting of Hob Dye from a jam at R House in Baltimore and discusses how to get really, really good at the fiddle! My weight lifting coach is Emily Socolinsky, my husband the flute player is Charley Beller. The artists mentioned are Kenny Hall and Jim Ringer and the website is Slippery Hill. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fidd...
Feb 28, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 25
This episode presents a setting of Jefferson City by Bill Katon from a jam at the R House in Baltimore and discusses how to amplify a fiddle in the studio and on stage. The artists mentioned are Contranella, John Wobus, Pete Showman, Bill Katon, and Howard Marshall. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Feb 21, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This episode presents a setting of Shenandoah Falls from a jam at R House in Baltimore and discusses how much your string matter for playing the fiddle The strings mentioned are Dominant, Obligato, and Pirastro strings. The artists mentioned are Pete Sutherland, Carol Robinson, Jeremiah McLane, and Leah Blackwell and the band the Clayfoot Strutters. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses a...
Feb 14, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 23
This episode presents a setting of Little Billy Wilson from a session at the R House in Baltimore and discusses all the aspects parts of Old-Time fiddle style. The artists mentioned are Brad Kolodner, Ken Kolodner, Uncle Jimmy Thompson, and Eck Robertson. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Feb 07, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 22
This episode presents a setting of Give Me Your Hand by Rory Dahl O'Kane from a session at the Arthouse bar in Baltimore and discusses how to get better at playing the fiddle without actually playing. The artists mentioned are Liz Carroll, Turlough O'Carolan, Rory Dall O'Kane, Rory Dall Morrison, and Francis O'Neill. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 F...
Jan 31, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 21
This episode presents a setting of Dinny O'Briens by Paddy O'Brien from a session at the Arthouse bar in Baltimore and discusses how fiddle tunes look different written down from how they sound, and how to learn fiddle style if you can't read it off the page! The artists mentioned are Andrew VanNorstrand, Paddy O'Brien and his father Dinny and daughter Eileen, and Joe Madden. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle...
Jan 24, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This episode presents a setting of Maudabawn Chapel from a session at the Arthouse Bar and explains how Megan helps her students deal with stage fright and nerves. The artists mentioned are Ed Reavy, Kevin Burke, Martin Burns and Brendan McGlinchey. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses and a mailing list and my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes !...
Jan 17, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 19
