Fiddle Studio

Casey Murray is a cellist who fiddles on the cello! They also play fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin. They teach and perform in the Boston area with the band Corner House, play contra dances, and collaborate with a wide range of folk and trad musicians. Hear how the cello, an unusual instrument in folk music, became Casey's voice and passion and what it was like to study folk music at the B...

Cross Tuning is changing the tuning of the strings of the fiddle from the traditional G-D-A-E to better match the key of the tune. It's mostly used in Old-Time music. We talk about different ways to cross tune, why it's done, and how it feels to play in a different tuning. It's not as hard as it sounds! We present a setting of All's Quiet from Meg's new album Broke the Flo...

Let's talk about playing by ear. How to start learning it, how to get better at it, and what the challenges are. Playing by ear is an integral part of fiddling in all folk traditions. For some it comes naturally, but others of us have the learn to do it from scratch.  We also present a setting of Heater Don't Stop from Meg's new album Broke the Floor. Thanks for listening! My Fiddle...

In this episode we cover how and why we put sets of fiddle tunes together, both for contrdances, and in Irish sessions. How do fiddlers decide what tunes, what order, and how to string them together? We also present a setting of Charley's Waltz from Meg's new album Broke the Floor. Find the album here: megwobus.bandcamp.com . Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for th...

Is it better to sit or stand to play the fiddle? Sure, we know that in the end you should do whatever works for you, but there must be a reason classical violinists always stand to play except in orchestra. But fiddlers always seem to be sitting unless they are performing. What's the deal? We present a setting of On the Loose from Megs's new album Broke the Floor from Meg Wobus and Charl...

Discover the captivating journey of Irish fiddler Joanna Clare, from her first toe-dip into the world of music through the Suzuki Method to the high-stakes sphere of traditional Irish music competitions. Hear about Joanna's years of lesson with  legendary teacher Brian Conway and how it shaped her approach to the fiddle. Joanna also fills us in on her musical collaborations in Baltimore with...

Step into our shoes as we guide you along creating an album as independent musicians. Brace yourself for a fascinating dive into the artistic process, engaging in discussions about the significance of selecting music that resonates, arranging that music into a harmonious blend, and maintaining the rhythm with the help of a metronome. We reveal the trials and triumphs of long practice sessions, the...

Ever felt the stirring call of the fiddle after a prolonged break, but felt anxious about picking it up again? Today, we're going to hold your hand through this journey. We'll share effective strategies to help you ease back into practice, while tackling the physical and mental challenges that come with it. We'll talk about revisiting old tunes, exploring new music related to your c...

This episode discusses what to do about a locked-up right wrist. If your bow arm is stiff and you're not sure why and you don't know how to fix it, get some tips on why a loose, flexible arm can help your tone and the best ways to work on it. We present a setting of Tighe's Rare form the Arthouse Bar in Baltimore Maryland.  Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for...

Noah VanNorstrand, a fiddler, singer, mandolin player, and percussionist joins us to discuss his unique approach to music and fiddling. Alongside his brother Andrew, Noah spent his childhood homeschooling and playing for contra dances, where he developed a habit for creating his own tunes instead of practicing existing ones. Hear all about Noah's new debut solo album Share the Moon. We presen...

Ever had a fiddle mishap that made you gasp, or laugh out loud? Welcome aboard! This episode delivers a hilarious set of instrument horror stories from the Facebook Fiddlers Association. From snapped bows to fiddles left in hot cars and even those accidentally run over, you'll find yourself either cringing or chuckling at these tales. And yes, your host Meg Wobus Beller has her own horror sto...

The bow is a crucial if under appreciated component of fiddling, and in this special Bow Studio episode, we dive into the whys and hows of bow selection, care, and handling. We'll touch on everything from the nuances of holding rosin, to the significance of tightening and loosening, and even the fascinating materials used in their creation. This episode features the tune New Five Cent Piece f...

Is speed really a necessity when it comes to playing the fiddle? We're about to challenge your preconceived notions in this comprehensive episode that dives into fast fiddle playing methods. Mastering fast reels isn't an overnight project. By the end of this episode, your perception of speed will be transformed and you'll have tips to play fast, feel settled, and never be in a rush....

Ever felt like an outsider at a music jam? How about worrying that your age — too young or too old — could be a barrier to acceptance? You're not alone. Today, we unravel the tension, anxiety, and complexities of "jam drama" - those feelings of exclusion and self-consciousness that musicians often grapple with. This episode features the tune Walking in My Sleep from the Baltimore Sq...

This episode presents a setting of Polska från Tenala from the EP Postcards by Alyssa Rodriguez and dives into Alyssa's history as a fiddler and composer, and her study of Scandinavian music and nyckelharpa. Alyssa's website is alyssafiddle.com and you can find her preorder and backing for the Tales and Tunes book on Kickstarter . Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling f...

This episode presents a setting of The Hunter's Purse from a session at Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia and gives tips for how to practice scales, for beginning fiddlers to advanced. The artists mentioned are Talya Raitzyk, Paddy Killoran, John Glatt, Paddy Maloney, Pat Kilduff, Kevin Burke, Hanneke Cassel, Megan Lynch Chowning and Andre Brunet. The Scale books are Barbara Barber's Sca...

This episode presents a setting of Bill Malley's from a session at Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia and give you tips for taking- or giving- a fiddle lesson. The artists mentioned are Bill Malley, Martin Hayes, Joe Bane, and John Naughton. Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for the Complete Beginner is FREE on Amazon ! It has over 30 easy beginner fiddle tunes with sheet...

This episode presents a setting of New Mown Meadows from a session at Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia and describes the challenges of using the left hand pinky and how to get better at using it. The artists mentioned are Miguel Oliveira, Lynn Blakeslee, and the etude book is School of Violin Technics by Henry Schradiek. Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for the Complete Beg...

This episode presents a setting of Pat Mahon's Jig from a session at Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia and discusses Irish Session Etiquette and where it can go wrong. The artists mentioned are Contranella, Pat Mahon, Dermott Grogan, Brian Boyce, Darin Kelly, and Eaman Kelly. Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for the Complete Beginner is FREE on Amazon ! It has over 30 e...

This episode presents a setting of Candy Girl from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and talking all about different kinds of shoulder rests and options for using them. The shoulder rests I talk about are a foam shoulder rest, a KUN, Bon Musica, viostrap, and Piestro. The artists mentioned are Uncle Bunt Stephens, Uncle Jimmy Thompson, Brittany Haas, and Mike Seeger. Thanks for listening! My Fi...

This episode presents a setting of Farewell to Princeton from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and talks about high and low 2s on the fiddle. The artists mentioned are Clyde Davenforth, Ray Aldon, and Emily Shaad. Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for the Complete Beginner is FREE on Amazon ! It has over 30 easy beginner fiddle tunes with sheet music, tab, and a link to a...

This episode presents a setting of Five Miles of Ellum Wood from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and dives into that age old question, what is the difference between the violin and the fiddle? The artists mentioned is Bruce Greene and his CD Five Miles of Ellum Wood: Old Time Kentucky Fiddle Solos. Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for the Complete Beginner is FREE on Am...

This episode presents a setting of Money Musk from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and talking all about how shifting up into positions works on the violin or fiddle. The artists mentioned are Rodney Miller, Paul Gifford, Jean Carignon, The Highwoods String Band, The New Lost City Ramblers, Delaware Water Gap, and Cranberry Lake. Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for the...

This episode presents a setting of Chips and Sauce from a jam at the Peabody Heights Brewery and discusses positions on the fiddle, what they are and what they are used for. The artists mentioned are Ira Bernstein, Earl White, and the Onlies. Thanks for listening! My Fiddle Studio Book 1: Fiddling for the Complete Beginner is FREE on Amazon ! It has over 30 easy beginner fiddle tunes with sheet mu...

This episode presents a setting of Flatwater Fran by Phil Cunningham from a session at the Arthouse Bar and covers strategies for starting the fiddle from scratch, or as a complete beginner. The artists mentioned are Phil Cunningham, Johnny Cunningham, Planxty, Silly Wizard, and Aly Balin. Megan's book for beginners is called Fiddle Studio Book 1 and her course is Fiddle Studio Course 1: Star...