Shows
Fiddle StudioMegan Lynch Chowning (John Rice)Great interview this month with seven time National Fiddle Champion and creator of the FiddleStar site, Megan Lynch Chowning! Megan doesn't compete in fiddle contests anymore, or judge them, or go to them, so I was very curious to hear about why. We talk about fiddling in California, fiddle contests, fiddle camps, and different kinds of learning and relating to fiddle music. Megan filled me in on the just-released John Hartman Fiddle Project Volume 2 that she co-produced.Megan Lynch Chowning is a seven time national fiddle champion, touring musician, Grammy-nominated recording artist, teacher, singer, and flatfooter. She's...
2025-03-1058 minFiddle StudioOliver Scanlon (Chris Glidden's)We’re having a conversation with Oliver Scanlon, a fiddler and traditional musician based in Syracuse NY. Originally from Vermont, Oliver learned fiddle from the great Pete Sutherland. He played, performed and recorded extensively with Pete over the last 10 years of Pete’s life with Pete’s Posse, playing for hundreds of contradances, concerts and festivals for their nine years as a trio, releasing eight recording projects along the way! Oliver's current dance band is Stove Dragon and he does professional sound and teaches lessons on fiddle and mandolin.Oliver and I talked about Pete Sutherland a great...
2024-12-0351 minFiddle StudioDakota Karper (Coyote Howl)An interview with West Virginia Old-Time fidder and fiddle teacher Dakota Karper. We talk about fiddle and banjo, starting her folk school the Cat and the Fiddle, improv and interpretation in Old-Time tunes, teaching beginners and developing young musicians using the Old-Time repertoire, and her Patreon which is an awesome resource!Dakota Karper, hailing from rural West Virginia, grew up immersed in the rich traditions of Appalachian Old-time music. From an early age, she embraced folk music, studying under master fiddler Joe Herrmann and honing her craft at the Augusta Heritage Center. Dakota also deepened her skills...
2024-10-2939 minFiddle StudioBruce Molsky (Can I Change My Mind)I was honored to chat with Bruce Molsky on the Fiddle Studio Podcast this month. Bruce has a new album out with Darol Anger called Lockdown Breakdown. We talk about getting into Old-Time and sticking with it over the years, trying to sound like your heroes, picking up new tunes, the Berklee American Roots music department, and what he listens for in old recordings. Bruce breaks down singing and fiddling at the same time and how to develop that slippery skill. We hear a track from the new album, Can I Change My Mind.Bruce...
2024-10-0141 minFiddle StudioAlicia Svigals (Dybbuk Honga)Klezmer violinist and composer Alicia Svigals is widely considered to be the world's leading klezmer fiddler, often called the Queen of Klezmer. She was a founder and a longtime member of the Grammy-winning group the Klezmatics. She has performed with and written music for violinist Itzhak Perlman. Alicia Svigals has worked with everyone in every possible way: soundtracks, compositions, genres, in plays, on tv, and on stages all over the world. She has a brand new album out called Fidl Afire!Alicia Svigals: https://aliciasvigals.com/Fidl Afire Album: https://borschtbeat.bandcamp.com/album/fidl-afire...
2024-09-0337 minFiddle StudioCharley Beller (Won't Come 'Till Morning)Hey, it's episode 100! We hear from Charley Beller, Irish flute and guitar player and contra dance musician from Baltimore, Maryland and my spouse. Charley has played guitar on most of the podcast episodes, but this is the first time he shares on the podcast! What's it like to learn a dozen musical instruments? Why would a person practice all the time? How does Charley view the first few months of learning a new skill?We also chat about Clifftop and Charley asks me about a few questions as well. The tune is Greg Hooven's Won't C...
2024-08-0641 minFiddle StudioConsider the mandolin (Shippensport)Have you thought about playing the mandolin? You could do worse. Welcome back to our regularly scheduled episodes, featuring a bunch of Old-Time tunes for the rest of June and July. We get caught up and talk about the mandolin. You may already know this, but the mandolin is tuned the same as a fiddle. Interesting!This week the tune is Shippensport, a G major reel based on West Virginia fiddler Burl Hammond's playing. This tune is very fun to play!Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books
2024-06-2513 minFiddle StudioBEST OF: Double Stops and Drones (Tail Toddle)Starting summer vacation this week so I'm replaying an episode I recorded in December of 2022 about double stops and drones. I'll be back next week with Old-Time tunes.My course for double stops and drones can be found here.This episode covers how Megan helps her students learn to play double stops and drones and presents a setting of Tail Toddle from a workshop with Jeremy Kittel at Fiddle Hell. The artist mentioned is Jeremy Kittel.Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books M...
2024-06-1808 minFiddle StudioEllery Klein (York Street Stepper)This week I have a conversation with Irish fiddler Ellery Klein. Ellery Klein performs across New England with the fiddle, flute, and guitar trio Fódhla and nationally with the three-fiddle Celtic powerhouse group, The Bow Tides, whose debut album, Sailing On, was released in 2022. She also teaches fiddle to all ages in the Boston area and beyond.Ellery graduated with a major in instrumental music from Cincinnati’s public magnet School for Creative and Performing Arts in 1992. She received an MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the University of Limerick in 2001. She toured nationally with the...
2024-06-1139 minFiddle StudioHarmonizing on the fiddle (Stoney Steps)Let's talk about playing harmonies on the fiddle. How can you get started with learning and playing harmonies and how do you get better at coming up with them on the fly?Our tune this week is the Irish single reel in D, Stoney Steps.Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp 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!
2024-06-0408 minFiddle StudioAndrew VanNorstrand (Lost River)Andrew VanNorstrand performs with his brother Noah VanNorstrand and Chris Miller in the Faux Paws, a contemporary folk band that plays fiddle tunes and original songs with just about the best groove around. The Faux Paws are making an album and you can get involved and find out more here. The time window is closing soon!Andrew grew up playing fiddle and guitar and touring with his family band Great Bear and dominating the contra dance scene, playing every contra dance and festival you can imagine all over the US, and recording albums including “Dancing Again” and “Rawr!”...
2024-05-2840 minFiddle StudioNovels with fiddlers (Donnybrook Fair)If you're a reader and a fiddler, here are some recommendations for books from children's books to YA and general fiction that feature fiddlers and fiddling. Some of these books have even been known to inspire folks to pick up the fiddle!Kids books:Mole musicJust Enough and Not Too MuchFiddling SamNina’s WaltzA Fiddle for AngusYA or chapter books: The New PolicemenLittle House on the PrairieA Girl of the LimberlostFiddle FeverThriller/Detective:Violin con...
2024-05-2114 minFiddle StudioTrying a Tune in Different Keys (Maid of Mt. Kisco)We talk about the personalities of the different major and minor keys. What makes C sound so different from A on the fiddle? Why do players try out a tune in different keys, and how do the keys lay out on the instrument?Our tune is the Irish E minor reel Maid of Mt. Kisco. Love this one!Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp 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!
2024-05-1411 minFiddle StudioRachel Eddy (Rose in the Mountain)This is my second conversation with Rachel Eddy, since I forgot to record the first one! We talk about finding flow in fiddling, learning tunes off recordings (or not), remembering tunes, singing, some great stories about Rachel's dad and his fiddle journey, and some ideas for fiddle students to help relax and get balanced while playing. Rachel Eddy (they/them) hails from West Virginia, where they grew up steeped in Appalachian music and dance. Rachel’s multi-instrumental talents and soulful singing bring a powerful energy to the stage. In addition to being a performer, Rachel is passionate abo...
2024-05-0742 minFiddle StudioTapes on the Fiddle (Broken Down Gambler)We're talking about tapes on the fiddle, or stickers, or fingerboard stick on charts, or whatever you're curious about. Did you use tapes when you started? What are they useful for and how long does it make sense to use them?Our tune is Broken Down Gambler, an Old-Time reel in G.Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp 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!
2024-04-3010 minFiddle StudioArticulation on the Fiddle (Dusty Miller)When I talk about articulation I'm referring to the beginning of the note, or the attack, and how long the note is generally. Articulation, or catching the string, or getting a "scrubby" sound, has a huge effect on your sound. Our tune is Dusty Miller, an Old-Time modal reel in A.Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp 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!
2024-04-2310 minFiddle StudioSigning up for a Fiddle Competition (Old Billy Hell)Have you wondered what it's like to compete in a fiddle competition? So have I. So I signed up for one and we'll see how it goes. I talk a little about how I'm planning to prepare.Our tune for this week is Old Billy Hell, a half length crooked Old-Time tune. Our album release party contra dance will be May 30th at 7pm in Baltimore at the Mobtown Ballroom. Come on down!Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to f...
2024-04-1613 minFiddle StudioBEST OF: Practicing With the Metronome (House of my Own)A repeat this week, as my family is on spring break. This very early episode has been pretty popular, and has a lovely slip jig for the Irish fiddlers. It's never a bad time to break out the old metronome. I'll be back with Old-Time tunes for you next week! -MegThis episode features the fiddle tune House of My Own and describes working with the metronome and how it could help your fiddling. Slow tempos for fiddling are 70-80 bpm (beats per minute) and tempos for dancing are 110-120 bpm.Reach me a...
2024-04-0907 minFiddle StudioTricia Spencer (Big Taters in the Sandy Land)This week we have an interview with Tricia Spencer! Tricia is a well known, award winning Kansas fiddler who grew up on her family’s farm learning the tradition of old-time fiddling knee to knee from her grandpa and grandma, Vernon and Iona Spencer.Tricia takes us on a deep dive into Kansas and midwest fiddling, how she thinks about the left hand and the fingerboard, and a primer for finding your place in the Old-Time community. And I didn't forget to ask what it's like having another fiddler as a partner in music and in life.
2024-04-0249 minFiddle StudioProblematic Tune Names (Magpie's Nest)Have you ever been uncomfortable saying the name of a fiddle tune? How about tunes with slurs in the title or the Irish tune I Buried My Wife and Danced on her Grave?Without using racial slurs, I discuss problematic fiddle tune names, how I think about them and approach them.Find the Contranella album here: https://megwobus.bandcamp.com/album/contranellaOur tune is Magpie's Nest, an Irish reel.Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to...
2024-03-2611 minFiddle StudioGripping the Fiddle (Madam if You Please)This week we talk about where the fiddle neck meets the hand. Different ways to grip the neck of the fiddle and how it can change- even while you're in the middle of playing!Our tune is Madam if You Please from a jam at the ArtHouse Bar. Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp 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!
2024-03-1909 minFiddle StudioThe Five-String Fiddle (John Blessing's Delight)Hear all about playing and performing on the 5 string fiddle with a bonus question from last week with Jenna Moynihan. Hear about Jenna's fiddle and how she uses it! Jenna's Interview: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2040333/14620847John Blessing's Delight is an Irish jig in G major.Reach me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp 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!
2024-03-1210 minFiddle StudioJenna Moynihan (Brenda and Bill's)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.bandcamp.com/Mailing List: https://www.jennamoynihan.com/scheduleThe tune for this week i...
2024-03-0534 minFiddle StudioGenres of Fiddling (Billy in the Lowground A)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.comBandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which...
2024-02-2714 minFiddle StudioWhen to Stop Playing the Fiddle (Chinquapin Hunting)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.comBandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to fiddle is Fiddle Studio which has...
2024-02-2015 minFiddle StudioSupercharge Your Practice (Old Granny Rattle Trap)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 the tune in cross A, strings...
2024-02-1316 minFiddle StudioJanie Rothfield (Waiting for Sandy)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 meganbeller@fiddlestudio.comBandcamp Yo...
2024-02-0639 minFiddle StudioUnlocking the left hand (Preston's reel)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.comBandcamp YouTube Fiddle Studio books My website for learning to f...
2024-01-3012 minFiddle StudioSlow practice vs. rhythms (Ne'er Shall I Wean Her)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.comBandcamp 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!
2024-01-2309 minFiddle StudioMoving around the circle of fifths (Tommy Mulhaire's jig)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.comBandcamp 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!
2024-01-1610 minFiddle StudioThe biggest mistake I see (The Birds hornpipe)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.comBandcamp 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!
2024-01-0912 minFiddle StudioBrad Kolodner (Stony Run)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 Junction: https://www.charmcityjunction.com/The Baltimore Old-Time Festival: https...
2024-01-0244 minFiddle StudioBEST OF: How to play in tune (The Kilmovee)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 Theory, Alice Kanack, and the fiddler Dermot Grogan.
2023-12-2610 min