Fiddle Tutorial - The Irish Washerwoman

Free online fiddle tutorial - learn an Irish jig, the Irish Washerwoman

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The Cape Breton Fiddlers association

In February, 1972, a CBC documentary entitled The Vanishing Cape Breton Fiddler was produced by Ron MacInnis. The premise of this film was the traditional Cape Breton violin music was in a state of decline, and that it would soon disappear entirely! Reaction to this documentary was swift and disbelieving. The most notable achievement of the film was that it shook Cape Bretoners out of their complacency, and it made them aware of that, quite possibly, the Cape Breton Fiddle was facing extinction.

Father John Angus Rankin was one of the key people who vowed that this would never happen! A group composed of Frank MacInnis, Father Eugene Morris, Burton MacIntyre, Archie Neil Chisholm, Father John Angus Rankin, Rod Chisholm, Judge Hugh J. MacPherson, Anne Marie MacDonald, Jeannette Beaton, Joey Beaton, and Ray MacDonald met as a result of a letter sent out by Frank MacInnis. This group discussed the possibility of forming some kind of a fiddlers' festival. This dedicated group of people decided to proceed with the concept; thus, the very seed of the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association began. Because of the efforts of this determined group, the first Festival of Cape Breton Fiddling was held in Glendale in July 1973. Over one hundred and thirty proud Cape Breton fiddlers arrived in Glendale that weekend and gave one of the greatest concerts ever witnessed in Cape Breton. Several thousand people made up the audience.

Preparation for the successful 1973 festival gave birth to the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association, and its work continues today. The Association's main mandate has been to preserve and promote traditional Cape Breton fiddle music. Since its inception, it has provided workshops and opportunities for its members to learn new tunes and techniques, it has published tunes written by its members, and it has provided venues for musicians to perform for thousands of people. It has nurtured and supported its members to excel; as a result, many of our wonderful members are now performing worldwide. Our membership has increased to include both local, national, and international members. We have been included in several publications, and we have some wonderful recordings to our credit. Cape Breton fiddle music is alive and flourishing both on the Island and throughout the world; and the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association is proud to have played a significant role in this resurgence.
Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts

The Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts was established in 1938 by a Presbyterian Minister, Reverend A.W.R MacKenzie. It is located at St. Ann's and is one kilometer off the Trans-Canada Highway (Exit 11) on the world-renowned Cabot Trail. The Gaelic College ahs gained an international reputation for its contribution towards the promotion and preservation of the culture of the Scottish Highlanders who had settled in Cape Breton.

The College is home to the Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association, and it is here that our monthly practices, as well as our annual Festival of Cape Breton Fiddling, are held.

Celtic Colours International Festival is an Island-wide festival with a wide array of events-ceilidhs, concerts, square dances, milling frolics, and Celtic workshops. It features some of the finest Celtic musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers, and cultural bearers from around the Island and around the world. The Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association will be performing at one of the evening concerts held in the beautiful Hall of the Clans at the Gaelic College.

For information about the Gaelic College or Celtic Colours International Festival, contact:

Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts Society
Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts
P.O. Box 80
Englishtown, Nova Scotia
B0C 1H0
Email: info@gaeliccollege.edu
Web Site:www.gaeliccollege.edu

Celtic Colours Festival
363 Charlotte Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 1E1
Phone: 902-562-6700
Fax: 902-539-9388
URL:www.celtic-colours.com

Fiddlers Retreat

Fiddlers Retreat was established in 2005 by Theresa Bourke, musician and teacher. Having toured the world as a fiddle player with internationally renowned Irish dance shows Theresa decided the time had come to set for herself a new challenge.

She loved the idea of creating a holiday concept where musicians would visit her region and get to experience a real and authentic insight into Ireland by staying with her, learning traditional Irish music in the mornings, seeing the historic and scenic sights during the afternoons and going out to the sessions at night.

The Irish Fiddle and Culture Holiday was created.

On many occasions the partners of the musicians also wanted to come and enjoy the Fiddlers Retreat experience too, but without the Irish fiddle tuition. An alternative holiday packages for non-musicians was compiled.

The Ireland Appreciation package was created to include an array of different activites throughout the 6 night stay.

All holiday packages are designed and created specifically with you in mind and are tailor made to suit individual and group requirements.

Through the varitey of activities you will be welcomed into the heart and soul of the real, country Ireland.

Theresa made her dream a reality and now welcomes people from all over the world, both musicians and non-musicians.


Teachers at Fiddlers Retreat.

Theresa is the main fiddle teacher at Fiddlers Retreat and on occasion brings in other excellent and experienced instrumental, Irish language, Irish dancing teachers to take some classes.


Orchestra, Music Camp and Master-class availability:

Due to her experience as a teacher and performer Theresa is in demand as a teacher at fiddle camps both in Ireland and abroad.

Theresa also conducts master classes to orchestras and large music groups/schools visiting Ireland. Please contact her if you have an enquiry and wish to make a booking. Alternative accommodation is arranged to suit large groups.


School Tours

Fiddlers Retreat is an ideal and unique school tour option availavle to student groups over the ages of 16.

Packages are tailor made to suit group requirements.


Corporate Gifts and Team Building

The gift of a Fiddlers Retreat experience is often given to company employees. We also cater for Team building eemployee opportunities where a private and secluded location is guaranteed, new and creative challenges are the focus of the music lessons and sociable opportunities are pleantiful during the afternoons and evenings.

Irish Fiddle Holidays for Adults

Irish fiddle lessons and courses for complete beginners and Level 1 and 2 intermediates

Kerry Fiddles specialise in fiddle virgins.
Even if you have never played any musical instrument before, by the end of the week you’ll be playing your first tune on the fiddle! Morning classes are a hoot, there’s no music theory, no pressure and no rush. Afternoons are free to explore the most beautiful part of Ireland.
For Intermediates, it’s a chance to devote a week to your music, to getting new tunes, improving technique and learning how to teach yourself.

We do our best learning when we’re relaxed, so don’t expect a studious music course. Though we aim to motivate, lay solid foundations and teach effective practice, our main concern is that you have fun.

Morning classes are held at our house, in a spacious music room with great acoustics and mountain views! Though it feels spectacularly remote, we are only 4 miles from Kenmare.


Afternoons are free for you to do what you want. There are loads of ideas on our 'Free Time' page and all are within easy driving distance of Kenmare

Most evenings will be spent at sessions in and around Kenmare. If there are any gigs on in the Kerry/Cork area we’ll try and get to those too. If you’re up to playing sessions, you’ll be very welcome to join us for tunes on Monday and Tuesday nights in Crowley’s bar.

Any of you familiar with Bristol Fiddles will know about our Weekend Workshops with Kevin Burke, Tommy Peoples, Brendan McGlinchey, Paul O'Shaughnessy, Ciaran Boyle, Pete Challoner, Des Hurley, Bernard and Gerard KilBride, Joe Scurfield and Henry Sears.

We're planning to put similar workshops on in Kenmare. Send us your e-mail address if you'd like advance notice.

http://www.kerryfiddles.com/