Sep
6
Fri
Fiddle Foundations
6th – 8th September 2024
Rydal Hall, Ambleside LA22 9LX
3.00 pm start and finish time.
Join Stewart in the beautiful surroundings of Rydal Hall in the Lake District for a weekend of intensive fiddle tuition. The workshop will typically take between 10 and 15 people from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. The residential weekend fee of £398 covers all food, tuition, daytime refreshments and two nights single occupancy accommodation, almost all of which is en suite.
The Fiddle Foundations workshop is a standard level technique course and is run as an opportunity for fiddle players to look at, in some detail, the fundamental building blocks that Stewart uses to create stylistic interpretations of tunes. He will be teaching some of the basic bowing patterns that help to bring out the distinctive flavour of the most common tune forms. For the left hand, he’ll be concentrating on hand frames and melodic motifs (those note patterns that occur again and again in folk tunes), as well as an approach to ornamentation which is designed to help players access ornaments in a way that is both natural for them and appropriate for the tunes. On this course, we’ll also spend some time looking at playing chords on the fiddle; intonation on two strings, bowing on two strings, and cool rhythms for accompanying tunes!
This course can accommodate a broad range of experience and ability, from competent beginner to upper intermediate, but is not suitable for absolute or early beginners. All tuition, resources, accommodation, food and daytime refreshments are included. Sheet music and mp3 files of the tunes covered are sent out in advance, detailed worksheets are provided, and recordings of exercises from the course are sent on to you afterwards.
For further information or to express your interest in this course, please email Ali (music@stewarthardy.co.uk)
We would expect participants to have most of the following skills:
- – playing simple dance tunes at steady to mid tempo (e.g. reels and jigs at 50-80 beats per minute)
- – able to clap in time to a tune
- – have basic control of the bow on the string
- – able to slur notes together
- – comfortable in the keys of G,D and A major and familiar with their note names
- – familiarity with C major
- – able to play basic scales without notation
- – able to play at least 2 tunes without notation
In addition fiddlers who attend these courses often have some of the following experience:
- – attend other fiddle workshops
- – play with a community folk music group
- – join in folk music sessions
- – receive tuition on the fiddle/violin
Sep
19
Thu
Stewart and Frank will be playing a private House Concert in Edinburgh on Thursday evening.
Music rooted in the traditions of Scotland,
the Borders and Northumberland
Fiddle virtuoso Stewart Hardy and superb Scottish guitarist Frank McLaughlin are a critically acclaimed duo who possess a rare musical kinship as they explore music rooted in the traditions of Scotland, the Borders and Northumberland while incorporating sensibilities from the worlds of classical, blues, klezmer and jazz.
As a duo they perform traditional and contemporary tunes stripped back to the bare essentials of fiddle and guitar.
With their long-term collaboration, they have achieved a deep and instinctive understanding of each other’s musical interpretations.
The unique and versatile approach Stewart and Frank bring to their music, combined with their ability to draw on a wide variety of styles, produces an uplifting and joyous performance.
Sep
20
Fri
Sep 20 @ 7:30 pm
Stewart and Frank will be performing an evening concert on Friday 20th September at the The Swallow Theatre in Dumfries & Galloway. Tickets are now available on their website. They are delighted to be playing at this lovely venue again! If you are in the area, or fancy taking a break in a beautiful part of the world, they would love to see you there!
Music rooted in the traditions of Scotland,
the Borders and Northumberland
Fiddle virtuoso Stewart Hardy and superb Scottish guitarist Frank McLaughlin are a critically acclaimed duo who possess a rare musical kinship as they explore music rooted in the traditions of Scotland, the Borders and Northumberland while incorporating sensibilities from the worlds of classical, blues, klezmer and jazz.
As a duo they perform traditional and contemporary tunes stripped back to the bare essentials of fiddle and guitar.
With their long-term collaboration, they have achieved a deep and instinctive understanding of each other’s musical interpretations.
The unique and versatile approach Stewart and Frank bring to their music, combined with their ability to draw on a wide variety of styles, produces an uplifting and joyous performance.
Sep
21
Sat
Stewart and Frank will be playing an evening concert in Wall Village Hall on Saturday 21st September, 7.30 pm start (doors 7.00 pm, ending approximately 9.30 pm).
Tickets are available via the Shop.
£12.50 / £8 (U19)
Wall Village Hall, Wall, Northumberland NE46 4DX
Music rooted in the traditions of Scotland,
the Borders and Northumberland
Fiddle virtuoso Stewart Hardy and superb Scottish guitarist Frank McLaughlin are a critically acclaimed duo who possess a rare musical kinship as they explore music rooted in the traditions of Scotland, the Borders and Northumberland while incorporating sensibilities from the worlds of classical, blues, klezmer and jazz.
As a duo they perform traditional and contemporary tunes stripped back to the bare essentials of fiddle and guitar.
With their long-term collaboration, they have achieved a deep and instinctive understanding of each other’s musical interpretations.
The unique and versatile approach Stewart and Frank bring to their music, combined with their ability to draw on a wide variety of styles, produces an uplifting and joyous performance.
Sep
22
Sun
Stewart and Frank will be playing a Sunday afternoon concert in Gallery Forty5, Felton on Sunday 22nd September, 4.00 pm start (ending approximately 6.00 pm).
Tickets are available via to buy online in the Shop.
You can also purchase tickets in person from Gallery Forty5 (01670 783424 / feltongallery45@gmail.com)
£12.50 / £8 (U19)
Gallery Forty5, Main Street, Felton, Northumberland NE65 9PP
Venue website: Gallery Forty5
Music rooted in the traditions of Scotland,
the Borders and Northumberland
Fiddle virtuoso Stewart Hardy and superb Scottish guitarist Frank McLaughlin are a critically acclaimed duo who possess a rare musical kinship as they explore music rooted in the traditions of Scotland, the Borders and Northumberland while incorporating sensibilities from the worlds of classical, blues, klezmer and jazz.
As a duo they perform traditional and contemporary tunes stripped back to the bare essentials of fiddle and guitar.
With their long-term collaboration, they have achieved a deep and instinctive understanding of each other’s musical interpretations.
The unique and versatile approach Stewart and Frank bring to their music, combined with their ability to draw on a wide variety of styles, produces an uplifting and joyous performance.
Oct
4
Fri
Repertoire for Mixed Instruments
4th – 6th October 2024
Shepherds Dene, Riding Mill, Northumberland NE44 6AF
4.00 pm start and finish time.
For players of all instruments of intermediate level and above, focusing on great tunes and harmonies, building confidence in accessing repertoire and playing with style.
Join Stewart in the beautiful retreat venue of Shepherds Dene, for a weekend of learning tunes and harmonies. The workshop is aimed at intermediate players of any instrument (including transposing instruments), focusing on melody tuition, and will run from 4 pm on Friday until 4 pm on Sunday afternoon. The workshops will be taught “as if by ear”, with the phrases broken down into recognisable motifs, and with enough repetition for those learning by ear. Notation will be provided and can be used as a remider after the course, or at any point for reassurance.
All tuition, resources, accommodation, food and daytime refreshments are included in the course fee. Sheet music and mp3 files of the tunes covered are sent out in advance, full worksheets of the tunes taught are provided, and any recordings from the course are sent on to you afterwards.
For further information or to express your interest in this course, please email Ali (music@stewarthardy.co.uk)
Oct
13
Sun
Stewart will be offering a day-long workshop for Advanced fiddle players on Sunday 13th October, 10:00 to 17:00 with fabulous tunes to learn and useful techniques to improve your playing and to take away to apply to your other repertoire.
This will be a single-day workshop in line with the JSArts Advanced Fiddle course (and similar to Level 3/4 of North East Fiddle School, for reference). If you have been on an Advanced workshop before, or believe you are at the right level to benefit from the workshop, you are very welcome to apply to book – the final decision on suitability will rest with Stewart.
The cost will be £50 for the day, with tuition, basic notation and audio provided in advance, and full worksheets (and any follow-up materials) and teas & coffees included – please bring your own lunch.
Bookings are open now – please email Ali to request a booking link.
Oct
19
Sat
Oct 19 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
I’m really looking forward to this afternoon at The Lit and Phil Society in Newcastle with two great friends who I had the pleasure of working with at HISS for many years. In the first concert, I’ll be playing fiddle to Mary Tyer’s collection of recorders and flutes as well as backing some of her terrific renditions of traditional ballads. Mary is such a fine story teller in song! Straight after that, I’ll be providing musical examples on the fiddle for the wonderful Dr Amelie Addison during her fascinating talk on William Shield and his connections with folk music. It promises to be a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon, so if you can make it, come along and say hello.
Oct 19 @ 2:15 pm
William Shield and his Folk Music Connection
Talk by Dr Amelie Addison with Stewart Hardy~
I’m really looking forward to this afternoon at The Lit and Phil Society in Newcastle with two great friends who I had the pleasure of working with at HISS for many years. In the first concert, I’ll be playing fiddle to Mary Tyer’s collection of recorders and flutes as well as backing some of her terrific renditions of traditional ballads. Mary is such a fine story teller in song! Straight after that, I’ll be providing musical examples on the fiddle for the wonderful Dr Amelie Addison during her fascinating talk on William Shield and his connections with folk music. It promises to be a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon, so if you can make it, come along and say hello.
Nov
1
Fri
JSArts Fiddle Technique
1st – 3rd November 2024
Rydal Hall, Ambleside LA22 9LX
3.00 pm start and finish time.
£398 fully inclusive (except bar drinks)
Join Stewart in the beautiful surroundings of Rydal Hall in the Lake District for a weekend of intensive fiddle tuition. The workshop will take a maxiumum of around 14 participants and will run from 4 pm on Friday until 4 pm on Sunday afternoon.This course can accommodate a broad range of experience and ability, ranging from competent beginner to upper intermediate, but is not suitable for absolute or early beginners. All tuition, resources, accommodation, food and daytime refreshments are included. Accommodation is in single occupancy rooms, almost all of which is en suite. Sheet music and mp3 files of the tunes covered are sent out in advance, detailed worksheets are provided, and recordings of exercises from the course are sent on to you afterwards.
These courses are centred around the technical issues that come with playing fiddle music, with as much emphasis on the how, as there is on the what. Focusing on left-hand and bowing technique, with stylistic interpretation of the music a key feature, these workshops delve deep into the tunes, extracting exercises to improve technique and allow its application to a wider repertoire. Tunes are carefully selected for their technical or stylistic content whilst also baring in mind practical considerations such as their usefulness in folk music sessions or as dance repertoire. The tunes are taught ‘as if by ear’, meaning they are taught phrase by phrase at a tempo and with sufficient repetition to enable learning without recourse to reading notation, but with notation available at any point should that be desired or necessary. This encourages the development of aural pattern recognition and general musicality, enhancing musicianship and the enjoyment of playing music in social settings.
For information this or future courses, please email Ali (music@stewarthardy.co.uk)
**Covid-19 Update
This course will be run in accordance to our Covid-secure Music Workshop Guidelines, and is subject to any restrictions applicable at the time, and any coronavirus protocols from the venue. Please do not travel to the venue if you feel unwell or have cold-like symptoms.
~ ~ ~
Standard Level courses are aimed at fiddle players with a broad range of experience and ability, from competent beginner to upper intermediate, but please note they are not suitable for absolute or early beginners. We would expect players to have most of the following skills:
- – playing simple dance tunes at steady to mid tempo (e.g. reels and jigs at 50-80 beats per minute)
- – able to clap in time to a tune
- – have basic control of the bow on the string
- – able to slur notes together
- – comfortable in the keys of G,D and A major and familiar with their note names
- – familiarity with C major
- – able to play basic scales without notation
- – able to play at least 2 tunes without notation
In addition fiddlers who attend these courses often have some of the following experience:
- – attend other fiddle workshops
- – play with a community folk music group
- – join in folk music sessions
- – receive tuition on the fiddle/violin
Recordings
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🎧 Tune Vault ✨Number 100 ✨ 😊Wow! This has come around so quickly… the 100th deposit into The Tune Vault. I am so pleased to make this 'The Road to the North' by Alistar Anderson (Alistair Anderson Music Page), a man who has had so much influence on my music making and my work… and there is a veritable host of us who could say the same thing. Many thanks, Alistair, for your generosity and your wonderful music.
The Road to the North (Alistair Anderson)
I first heard this tune on the LP Steel Skies, which was a suite of tunes composed and arranged by one of the great ambassadors for the musical traditions of the North East of England, the concertina virtuoso and Northumbrian piper, Alistair Anderson.
The Road to the North (Alistair Anderson) | The Tune Vault
youtu.be
The Road to the North (Alistair Anderson)- The Tune Vault by Stewart HardyI first heard this tune on the LP Steel Skies, which was a suite of tunes composed...
📌 Stop Press! A place has become available on our residential fiddle course this weekend: 3pm Friday to 3pm Sunday at Rydal Hall, Ambleside.Sadly, due to illness, someone has had to cancel. We have been fully booked since places went on sale in January, so if you were disappointed not to get a place, or now find yourself available, this is your chance!
🎻 This is an excellent opportunity to develop your fiddle playing - we spend time learning tunes, but also the techniques required to really bring them to life. We work on dexterity, intonation, tone and bowing, with exercises as well as real tune examples, which will improve your skills across all of your repertoire. The course is aimed at intermediate players, with tunes broken down into phrases and built back up, with lots of repetition and suggestions for bowing and ornaments. The evening sessions are also lots of fun, sharing tunes, with music provided.
It is a wonderful group of people whare are booked on, and a lovely venue. The price includes a single occupancy en suite bedroom, all meals and daytime refreshments, notation and audio files in advance, the teaching, follow up materials - and plenty of time for fiddle talk in the breaks!
Please send a message or an email if you are interested in coming along 😊
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