Scottish Fiddle
What is Scottish fiddle?
Scottish Fiddling is part of the Celtic tradition that has been around since the 16th century. With music being passed down by oral tradition and music collections, music collections, and new tunes being composed today, a huge repertoire has developed. Though several regional styles (Shetland, Northeast, Highland/West Coast/Gaelic, Borders, Cape Breton) have developed with unique characteristics, “snap bowing” is the distinguishing feature of all Scottish fiddle music.
Why teach it?
With connections to the Classical genre, Scottish fiddle music is a great way for children and adults to continue working on their technique and musical training while also learning a different style of music. Meredith believes that learning Classical and Scottish music hand in hand has broaden her musical understanding and technique. In the same way that learning a second language deepens one’s understanding and appreciation of their first language, learning another style of music gives a deeper understanding of Classical music. And Scottish music is just plain fun and interesting..
Skype Lessons
Finding a Scottish fiddle teacher in your area can be a challenge. Lessons over Skype or FaceTime can give the same experience of learning and is most beneficial to a student who has at least 2 years of playing experience. A typical lesson is 1 hour every other week unless otherwise requested. You will learn tunes by ear and by music, learn about Scottish history and culture relating to tunes being taught, and Traditional ornamentation.
The Suzuki Method
What is the Suzuki Method?
"More than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach." (Suzuki Association of the Americas)
Why teach it?
As a fellow Suzuki student, Meredith believes that her success as a musician and as a person is largely credited to the Suzuki Method. With the Suzuki approach, parental involvement is critical in order for the child to learn and grow with their instrument over the years. She believes that the Suzuki Method gave her a strong technical foundation, which enabled her to excel in both Classical and alternative music styles later on.
More information
To read more about the Suzuki Method click here
Click here to view Meredith's profile on SAA