Fiddle Workshop with Bruce Molsky at Valley Folk in Corning NY

Grammy-nominated, described as “an absolute master” –No Depression Magazine, Molsky transports audiences to another time and place, with his authentic and personal interpretations of rarities from the Southern Appalachian songbook and other musical traditions from around the globe. Best known for his work on the fiddle, He will give a fiddle workshop from 4:00 PM until 5:30 PM (before the evening concert at 7:30 PM).

Fiddle Workshop

We’ll dig into old-time fiddle tunes, but also some Métis or even Scandinavian tunes if folks are interested.  The workshop takes a very hands-on approach.  I’ll break down the tunes a phrase at a time, first melody, then bowing, and then piecing things together.  We’ll touch on rhythm and syncopation, intonation, etc.  The tune is the vehicle, so mostly we’ll be playing, and there will be a lot of repetition to help you get the tunes and these ideas into your hands!

Suggested experience level:  If you’re comfortable with the instrument and have at least a small repertoire of tunes then you’ll be fine.  The skeleton of the tune is taught first, and then built upon with additional bowing, variations, etc. You can go as far as you like, or just stick with the basics.

A portable recording device is highly recommended.  Since developing ear training skills is one of the workshop goals, written music will not be provided.

Bruce holds the title of “Visiting Scholar in the American Roots Music Program” at Berklee College of Music, where he is the go-to guy for the next generation of roots musicians. 

“Performing and teaching traditional music are the biggest things in my world. For me, being a musician isn’t a standalone thing; it informs everything I do in my life. It’s always been about being creative and being a part of something much bigger than myself, a link in the musical chain and part of the community of people who play it and love it.” — Bruce Molsky 

Bruce Molsky Website • Facebook • YouTube 
Official Trailer of Bruce Molsky
Email: bruce@brucemolsky.com 

There will be a 2-hour dinner break after the workshop, before the evening Bruce Molsky concert.  Participants may walk 3 blocks to Market Street where there are places to buy food, or bring your own food and stay in the venue, but there will be no kitchen access. There is jamming space, too. 

Workshop alone is $30. There is also a combo workshop/concert ticket. See ticket link for all the pricing. We advice purchasing tickets on line to avoid a line at the gate. On and QR code w/smart phone at the door takes credit/debit, Google Pay and ApplePay. Cash and checks can also be used at the door.