Fiddle
Lesson 1. Miss Stewart of Grandtully
Alistair begins the course by teaching a piece by one Scotland’s master fiddlers Niel Gow in one of the styles of music most closely associated with Scotland – the Strathspey. He delves
Intermediate Fiddle
Learn some classic tunes and lesser known ones in this course pitched for the intermediate player
The Intermediate Fiddle Course is aimed at those who can already play the fiddle and are looking to expand upon their repertoire and technique.
The keys covered in the course are ones that most will be familiar with including – G, D and A Major, and perhaps some newer keys including E and B Minor.
Different styles of tune are also covered including a Retreat March, Reels, Jigs and Strathspeys, with downloadable sheet music for each.
Your Tutor - Alistair McCulloch
Alistair McCulloch hails from Ayr in Scotland and is one of the country’s best known fiddle performers, teachers and composers with many appearances on radio and television. Past winner of many fiddle championships, Alistair is fiddle instructor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
The Alistair McCulloch Trio features Aaron Jones of Old Blind Dogs, and former Capercaillie whistle wizard Marc Duff. His playing has seen him confirmed “as one of the finest fiddlers and composers of his generation” by The Living Tradition.
Lessons in Course
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Fiddle
Lesson 2. Struy Lodge
In this lesson Alistair teaches the bagpipe reel Struy Lodge by Willie Ross of The Scots Guards. Alistair takes the piece step by step before teaching some ornamentations that can be added
Fiddle
Lesson 3. Miss Campbell of Sheerness
Alistair looks at the first jig in the course – Miss Campbell of Sheerness. A great jig in E minor often played at sessions. Again, he breaks the tune down before looking
Fiddle
Lesson 4. The Stronsay Waltz
Alistair slows the tempo a little and looks at a lovely Orcadian waltz composed by Pye Chalmers, popular on the session scene. This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login
Fiddle
Lesson 5. David Hopes’ Welcome to Santa Monica
Alistair introduces one of his own compositions written after a memorable trip the USA on a National Trust for Scotland trip showcasing The Gregg Violin. This Post is only available to
Fiddle
Lesson 6. Donald Shaw and Margaret
Alistair teaches another reel, this time one written in the 19th century which appears in the recently republished Elizabeth Ross manuscripts (found here).Elizabeth Ross was the Laird of Raasay’s niece and her
Fiddle
Lesson 7. Leaving Glasgow
Alistair changes tempo and teaches a slow air this time – Leaving Glasgow.It’s a gaelic piece called Fàgail Ghlaschu, which translates as Farewell to Glasgow, although it is more commonly known as
Fiddle
Lesson 8. Christmas Rose
Alistair plays a 3/4 Retreat March named after a flower pulled from the snow on Christmas Day. This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login
Fiddle
Lesson 9. Miss Farquarson of Invercauld
Alistair teaches another Strathspey, this time from the pen of William Marshall of Fochabers who was born in 1748. This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login
Fiddle
Lesson 10. The Eavesdropper
This time Alistair turns his attention to a very melodic jig called The Eavesdropper. This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login
Fiddle
Lesson 11. The Herra Boys
Alistair looks at another March this time, The Herra Boys, written by Pat Shuldham Shaw, who is more well known for the tune Margaret’s Waltz. This Post is only available to
Fiddle
Lesson 12. Harris Dance
Alistair finishes his Intermediate course looking at a Hebridean Reel called Harris Dance. This Post is only available to subscribed members. Login
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