Fiddle classes have either three or four periods per day, depending on the day of the week. The detailed daily schedule for 2011 is under development and will be posted on this page before camp starts. Campers may participate in or audit any classes. They may wish to try a second instrument; fiddlers opting to take other classes as well as fiddle may find they have to skip a fiddle class or two (though we try to schedule the other classes to avoid this). The Beginner and Very Beginner fiddle classes have different schedules. The piano, guitar and pipes classes have limited enrollment to allow for greater individual attention.
In 2011 we will offer fiddle classes on six levels: Very Beginner, Beginner, Intermediate I (slow speed), Intermediate II (medium speed), Intermediate III (fast speed), and Advanced (wicked fast!). Fiddlers will choose one primary level, and may change this level during the school week. They may audit other levels as long as they do not appreciably change the pace of those classes. Fiddlers auditing a higher level class must not slow the class by making demands on the teacher that are not appropriate for that level, and fiddlers auditing a lower level class must not demand that the teacher go faster than what the majority of the students can handle. Similarly, other instruments are welcome in fiddle classes, but their owners are responsible for working out whatever compatibility issues they may encounter without placing undue demands on the teachers or slowing the classes.
Piano, guitar and pipes classes will be designed according to the individual needs of the students. Logistical details will be provided at camp.
For all instrumentalists, the ability to read music and play by ear are both useful. Most classes will be taught by ear, but sheet music for all tunes taught in class will be provided before the end of camp.
Level Descriptions
In order to maximize each camper’s success, it is important that everyone be placed at the level that best corresponds to their abilities. We reserve the right to reassign any camper on the recommendation of their instructor.
Very Beginner
To be a Very Beginner, you should:
Have a violin
Be interested in learning Scottish fiddle
Beginner
To be a Beginner, you should have the Very Beginner prerequisites, plus:
Know the names of the strings
Be able to hold the fiddle and bow without assistance
Have previous exposure to fiddling or violin playing (any amount)
Intermediate I
To be an Intermediate I student, you should have the Beginner prerequisites, plus:
Know the names and corresponding finger positions of the notes on all 4 strings (1st position)
Be able to tune your own violin, with or without a tuner
Have learned by ear before OR have considerable experience learning from notes (in any tradition including classical)
Intermediate II
To be an Intermediate II student, you should have the Intermediate I prerequisites, plus:
Understand some elements of music theory (e.g. circle of keys, time signatures)
Be reasonably technically proficient
Be prepared to move relatively fast; you may have found Intermediate I too slow
Intermediate III
To be an Intermediate III student, you should have the Intermediate II prerequisites, with above-average technical proficiency and learning speed
NOTE: At the Intermediate III and Advanced levels, students are expected to move with the class; if unable to keep up, they should consider dropping back a level.
Advanced
To be an Advanced student, you should have the Intermediate II/III prerequisites, plus:
Be highly technically proficient
Be able to learn rapidly/move very fast; you may have found lower levels too slow
NOTES: (1) Youthful synapses may be helpful, but please note that this class is NOT limited to teenagers – don’t be scared off if you are an adult!
(2) At the Intermediate III and Advanced levels, students are expected to move with the class; if unable to keep up, they should consider dropping back a level.
