An interview with Jenna Moynihan, a fiddler and an extraordinary member of the Boston music community. Jenna performs with harpist Mairi Chaimbeul, the Seamus Egan Project, the Hanneke Cassel Band, and has appeared as a soloist at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops. In addition to touring, recording and teaching at fiddle camps, Jenna is also an Assistant Professor in the String Department at Berklee College of Music. Jenna Moynihan: https://www.jennamoynihan.com/ Bandcamp: https://jennamoynihan...
Mar 05, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Let's talk about the different kinds of fiddling you find around the US and Canada. I share what I know about the genres more closely related to dancing and dance music, and a little about fiddling along with songs. Our tune for today is a version of Billy in the Lowground in the key of A, played in either Calico (AEAC#) or Cross A (AEAE) tuning. I use cross A. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which h...
Feb 27, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 77
What?! Stop playing the fiddle? Why would I ever do a podcast on that topic, and who am I to tell anyone what they should do or not do? Our tune for today is Chinquapin Hunting, a three part tune in A, played in cross A tuning. (I originally put the wrong tune up- even I can't keep these Old-Time tunes straight- but it should be Chinquapin Hunting now!) Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has cours...
Feb 20, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Listen in to hear how you can supercharge your practicing, or at least give it a refresh. This is the last podcast devoted to a topic from my new course How to Play Faster , which is available now on Fiddle Studio ! A quick addendum to the description of mindful practice: I somehow blanked on the best use of slow, mindful practice: improving your tuning! Our tune for today is Old Granny Rattle Trap , interpreted from the fiddling of Natalie Padilla from an Old-Time jam in Northampton, MA. I play...
Feb 13, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Janie Rothfield is a powerhouse Old-Time fiddler and banjo player who performs and teaches at camps and weekends all over the country and the world! Janie shares what she thinks is important for fiddlers to learn and work on. Is it the fingering or the bowing? Hear all about Janie's Jumpstart camps and about her current projects. The tune today is Waiting for Sandy from Janie's album Out of Thin Air. Check out Janie's website to get the dates of her upcoming camps and performances! Reach me at m...
Feb 06, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Any time you mess with the left hand technique it's going to interfere with your playing. With this in mind how are some ways you can work on unlocking your hand gradually, or consider what's it like to drop everything and completely relearn the left hand. I made a mistake with the tune. I call it Fred Finn's in the podcast. That is a different reel. This reel is Fred Finn's #2, better known as Preston's . Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website f...
Jan 30, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Slow practice and rhythms are two different ways to practice and make your playing faster. But how does slowing down help? And how is that different from practicing with rhythmic variations? Our tune for today is Ne'er Shall I Wean Her, a jig from a session at the ArtHouse bar in Baltimore, Maryland. 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 23, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 72
How to create speed by taking the thinking out of the left hand. My current favorite exercise for beginning and intermediate players. The tune for today is Tommy Mulhaire's , a jig by Tommy Mulhaire (or maybe by Martin his son). 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 16, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 71
When I play out in the community and see folks who are still learning to play the fiddle, what is the biggest mistake I see them doing? Listen and find out! The tune today is The Birds , from a session with Brendan Hearn, Connor Hearn, and Dan Isaacson at the ArtHouse in Baltimore. 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 09, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 70
An interview with fiddler and clawhammer banjo player Brad Kolodner. We talk a lot about the banjo, but Brad does more than just banjo. Topics include growing up as the children of folk musicians, the commercialization of Old-Time music, and the lack of women on bills at Old-Time Festivals. Hear all about Brad's upcoming projects, links below. Features the tune Stony Run by Brad Kolodner from the album Stony Run from Ken and Brad Kolodner. Brad's website: https://www.bradkolodner.com/ Charm City...
Jan 02, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 69
FIRST AIRED ON JANUARY 10th 2023 (BEST OF) Let's talk about how to improve your tuning on the fiddle. If you're struggling with this, you're not alone! We'll explore three key elements in tuning your hand on the fiddle; where your hand is on the fingerboard, finger spacing and placement, and the art of micro-adjustments. This episode presents a setting of The Kilmovee from a session at the Arthouse Bar and covers how Megan works with her students on playing in tune. I mentioned Music Learning Th...
Dec 26, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 68
What is it that makes fiddling sound like dance music? Why does it sound so different when you hear a classical violinist play a fiddle tune, what's missing? We're talking about the variety of accents, volume, and quality of tone within the running notes of a fiddle tune. It's what makes the music sound like fiddling! We present a setting of the French Canadian fiddle tune La Moquine by Claude Méthé that I learned at a jam at Fiddle Hell. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube...
Dec 19, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 67
How does jamming help with your fiddle playing and how does practicing help your fiddle playing. We dive into this topic, exploring how each can help you improve on the fiddle and when one might be a little more useful to meet a specific playing goal. Our tune this week is called Sleeping on the Floor , from the French Canadian song Ma Pallaissse by La Bolduc. UPDATE: I discovered Mary Bolduc's connection to this tune after I recorded the podcast, so the composer/collector note is an update to w...
Dec 12, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 66
This week we hear from New England fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger. Lissa has been performing and recording New England fiddle and folk music for the past 20 years. Her fiddling is one of a kind, intensely danceable, with virtuosic technique and fluidity. She shares what it was like to fiddle as a kid, traveling to fiddle contests in Maine, her experiences studying music at the New England Conservatory, and her latest projects to come out of the period of the pandemic. Lissa Shneckenburger is well...
Dec 05, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 65
The bow hair can be flat. The bow can tilt away from you. The bow can tilt towards you. How does tilting the bow affect your tone and why and how do different players in different genres use this technique? The tune today is Half Past Four , a tune played by blind fiddler Ed Haley from West Virginia. This setting is from the Baltimore Old-Time Jam. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses an...
Nov 28, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Harmonies are a great addition to fiddle tunes, in most cases, and with some exceptions and guidelines. Get the lowdown on when it's appropriate and welcome to harmonize, a little about why you might not want to harmonize in an Irish Jam, and how to get started learning and creating your own harmonies. Our tune is a setting of Boys Them Buzzards are Flying by Gary Harrison from the Baltimore Old-Time Jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery in Baltimore, Maryland. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio....
Nov 21, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Does playing faster make it better? As a fiddle teacher, I've got a lot to say about this. It's pretty common for intermediate students to play faster just because they can, but I'm here to suggest a better way. Our tune is a setting of Gilsaw , a tune collected from Pete McMahon as played at the Baltimore Old Time Jam. 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 1...
Nov 14, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Casey Murray is a cellist who fiddles on the cello! They also play fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin. They teach and perform in the Boston area with the band Corner House, play contra dances, and collaborate with a wide range of folk and trad musicians. Hear how the cello, an unusual instrument in folk music, became Casey's voice and passion and what it was like to study folk music at the Berklee School of Music. Casey's website Casey's instagram Album After the Sky Weeps The tune this week is...
Nov 07, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Cross Tuning is changing the tuning of the strings of the fiddle from the traditional G-D-A-E to better match the key of the tune. It's mostly used in Old-Time music. We talk about different ways to cross tune, why it's done, and how it feels to play in a different tuning. It's not as hard as it sounds! We present a setting of All's Quiet from Meg's new album Broke the Floor, from Meg Wobus and Charley Beller. Find the album here: megwobus.bandcamp.com . Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com ...
Oct 31, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Let's talk about playing by ear. How to start learning it, how to get better at it, and what the challenges are. Playing by ear is an integral part of fiddling in all folk traditions. For some it comes naturally, but others of us have the learn to do it from scratch. We also present a setting of Heater Don't Stop from Meg's new album Broke the Floor. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has courses ...
Oct 24, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 59
In this episode we cover how and why we put sets of fiddle tunes together, both for contrdances, and in Irish sessions. How do fiddlers decide what tunes, what order, and how to string them together? We also present a setting of Charley's Waltz from Meg's new album Broke the Floor. Find the album here: megwobus.bandcamp.com . 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...
Oct 17, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Is it better to sit or stand to play the fiddle? Sure, we know that in the end you should do whatever works for you, but there must be a reason classical violinists always stand to play except in orchestra. But fiddlers always seem to be sitting unless they are performing. What's the deal? We present a setting of On the Loose from Megs's new album Broke the Floor from Meg Wobus and Charley Beller. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learni...
Oct 09, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Discover the captivating journey of Irish fiddler Joanna Clare, from her first toe-dip into the world of music through the Suzuki Method to the high-stakes sphere of traditional Irish music competitions. Hear about Joanna's years of lesson with legendary teacher Brian Conway and how it shaped her approach to the fiddle. Joanna also fills us in on her musical collaborations in Baltimore with Billy McComisky and others, and her passion for composing fiddle tunes. This episode features the g minor ...
Oct 03, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Step into our shoes as we guide you along creating an album as independent musicians. Brace yourself for a fascinating dive into the artistic process, engaging in discussions about the significance of selecting music that resonates, arranging that music into a harmonious blend, and maintaining the rhythm with the help of a metronome. We reveal the trials and triumphs of long practice sessions, the anxiety of studio recordings, and the meticulous task of putting together the final masterpiece. Th...
Sep 26, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Ever felt the stirring call of the fiddle after a prolonged break, but felt anxious about picking it up again? Today, we're going to hold your hand through this journey. We'll share effective strategies to help you ease back into practice, while tackling the physical and mental challenges that come with it. We'll talk about revisiting old tunes, exploring new music related to your current life phase and even creating your own compositions. The key is to be gentle with yourself, take it slow and ...
Sep 19, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 54
This episode discusses what to do about a locked-up right wrist. If your bow arm is stiff and you're not sure why and you don't know how to fix it, get some tips on why a loose, flexible arm can help your tone and the best ways to work on it. We present a setting of Tighe's Rare form the Arthouse Bar in Baltimore Maryland. 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 To...
Sep 12, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Noah VanNorstrand, a fiddler, singer, mandolin player, and percussionist joins us to discuss his unique approach to music and fiddling. Alongside his brother Andrew, Noah spent his childhood homeschooling and playing for contra dances, where he developed a habit for creating his own tunes instead of practicing existing ones. Hear all about Noah's new debut solo album Share the Moon. We present the tune Sure Does! from Noah's album. Find Noah's music at greatbearmusic.com . Reach me at meganbelle...
Sep 05, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Ever had a fiddle mishap that made you gasp, or laugh out loud? Welcome aboard! This episode delivers a hilarious set of instrument horror stories from the Facebook Fiddlers Association. From snapped bows to fiddles left in hot cars and even those accidentally run over, you'll find yourself either cringing or chuckling at these tales. And yes, your host Meg Wobus Beller has her own horror story to share. This episode also presents a setting of Jaybird from the Baltimore Old-Time jam at the Peabo...
Aug 29, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 51
The bow is a crucial if under appreciated component of fiddling, and in this special Bow Studio episode, we dive into the whys and hows of bow selection, care, and handling. We'll touch on everything from the nuances of holding rosin, to the significance of tightening and loosening, and even the fascinating materials used in their creation. This episode features the tune New Five Cent Piece from a Baltimore Square Dance at the Mobtown Ballroom. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com Bandcamp Y...
Aug 22, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Is speed really a necessity when it comes to playing the fiddle? We're about to challenge your preconceived notions in this comprehensive episode that dives into fast fiddle playing methods. Mastering fast reels isn't an overnight project. By the end of this episode, your perception of speed will be transformed and you'll have tips to play fast, feel settled, and never be in a rush. This episode also presents a setting of Hollow Poplar from the Baltimore Square Dance at the Mobtown Ballroom. Rea...
Aug 15, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 49
