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Updated in [October 16th, 2023]

What does this course tell?
(Please note that the following overview content is from the original platform)
These free online fiddle lessons are ideal for anyone who has completed our basic Beginner 1 course and wants to progress, or for any beginner who has mastered playing the D, A and E strings and moving between strings. Here, professional performer Doireann Ní Ghlacáin builds on the basics that any beginner fiddle player needs to know, reinforcing the importance of playing the notes clearly and tunefully and the method of moving the bow across the strings for a fuller sound. From the way the bow is used to the small ornamentations that add colour to the sound of Irish tunes, there are many techniques that distinguish Irish fiddle playing from the classical violin. Learning these from an accomplished fiddle player is key to being able to reproduce traditional tunes and eventually achieving the desired speed of playing. These lessons will build on your repertoire and teach you the rhythms and tunes of a double jig, jig, hornpipe and finally, a reel, with the notes provided in the resource section of the course.
The lessons begin with the double jig, 'My Darling Asleep'. Doireann breaks the tune down into parts and encourages you to play by ear. The next tune you will learn is the jig, 'The Gander in the Pratie Hole' and Doireann introduces the 'slur' bow technique in this lesson. Slurring involves changing notes while continuing to move the bow in the same direction and is one of the basic tools of ornamentation. A hornpipe is next with the well-known tune, 'The Rights of Man'. Doireann describes the rhythm of a hornpipe and the history of the tune and encourages you to incorporate the slurring bow technique into your playing. The final tune of this nine-part course is the reel, 'Little Bag of Spuds'. This short tune will help you to learn to play more quickly. Again, Doireann gives examples of where the slur bow technique can be added in the last of these easy-to-follow fiddle lessons.
If you’re relatively new to the Irish fiddle and want to broaden your repertoire and learn how to recreate authentic traditional Irish sounds, this free online fiddle course provides the perfect training. Our tutor, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin is a recording artist and performer who has toured internationally from her home in the west of Ireland, the hub of Irish Traditional music. Apart from performing, Doireann also presents live coverage of Irish music programmes for the national Gaeilge TV station TG4. A native Irish speaker and an accomplished musician in her own right, Doireann comes from a famously musical family, with many fiddle players, especially on her paternal side. Her maternal grandfather was the composer Seán Ó Riada who is widely hailed as instigating the revival of the traditional Irish music scene of the 20th century. By completing this course, you can learn those all-important techniques that are fundamental to developing as a fiddle player. You can also gain certification by passing the end-of-course assessment. Begin the course and learn new rhythms and tunes that will take your fiddle-playing to the next level.


We considered the value of this course from many aspects, and finally summarized it for you from two aspects: skills and knowledge, and the people who benefit from it:
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What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course?
During this course, learners will acquire the following skills and knowledge:
1. Reinforcing the basics: The course emphasizes the importance of playing notes clearly and tunefully, as well as the proper method of moving the bow across the strings for a fuller sound.
2. Techniques specific to Irish fiddle playing: Learners will be taught various techniques that distinguish Irish fiddle playing from classical violin, such as ornamentations and bowing techniques.
3. Repertoire expansion: The course will build on learners' repertoire by teaching them the rhythms and tunes of a double jig, jig, hornpipe, and reel.
4. Playing by ear: Learners will be encouraged to play tunes by ear, enhancing their ability to reproduce traditional Irish tunes.
5. Slur bow technique: The course introduces the slur bow technique, which involves changing notes while continuing to move the bow in the same direction. This technique is a fundamental tool of ornamentation in Irish fiddle playing.
6. Understanding rhythm and history: Learners will gain an understanding of the rhythm and history behind different tunes, such as the hornpipe "The Rights of Man."
7. Increasing speed: The course includes a tune, "Little Bag of Spuds," that helps learners develop their ability to play more quickly.
8. Authentic traditional Irish sounds:
Who will benefit from this course?
This course is beneficial for individuals who have completed the basic Beginner 1 course and want to progress in their fiddle playing. It is also suitable for beginners who have mastered playing the D, A, and E strings and moving between strings.
Specifically, this course will benefit:
1. Beginner fiddle players: The course builds on the basics and reinforces the importance of playing notes clearly and tunefully. It teaches techniques specific to Irish fiddle playing, such as bowing techniques and ornamentations, which are essential for reproducing traditional tunes.
2. Musicians interested in Irish traditional music: If someone is relatively new to the Irish fiddle and wants to broaden their repertoire and learn how to recreate authentic traditional Irish sounds, this course provides the perfect training. It focuses on teaching rhythms and tunes specific to Irish music, such as double jigs, jigs, hornpipes, and reels.
3. Aspiring fiddle performers: The course is taught by professional performer Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, who has toured internationally and has a strong background in Irish traditional music. Learning from an accomplished fiddle player like her can help aspiring performers develop their skills and techniques.
4. Individuals interested in Irish culture and heritage: Doireann Ní Ghlacáin comes from a famously musical family, with a strong connection to the traditional Irish music scene. Learning from her provides an opportunity to delve into the rich history and heritage of Irish music.

Course Syllabus

Learn to Play Jigs, Reels and Hornpipes on the Irish Fiddle

Course assessment