Mastery 1:
Fiddle Foundations
If you’re…
stuck on a plateau and unsure what to work on...Feeling isolated without support or feedback...struggling to Produce a Clear and consistent tone...Wishing that the fiddle felt more natural...Looking to learn more about bowings, fingerings, and intonation...Mastery 1 will give you|
a full year of personalized
fiddle support at
less than half the cost
of weekly private lessons.
What is Mastery 1?
Mastery 1 Certification is designed for the player who is starting their fiddle journey and wants to establish:
Technique & Skill-Building
Posture
• Bow hand, finger, and arm positioning
• Left hand, finger, and elbow placement
• Head, neck, and shoulders
Bowing & Right Hand Foundations
• Bow direction, length, speed, and timing
• Fiddle bowing style
• The 10 bowing patterns of Fiddle School
Left Hand Foundations
• Left-hand positioning, finger patterns, and intonation structure
1st position
• Keys of G, D, and A
Literacy
Ear Training
• Memorization techniques
• Timing
• Rhythm
Music Theory
• Note names
• Notes as numbers
• Chord progressions
Ensemble playing
• Learn to play with guitar backup
Beginning Improvisation
Repertoire
• Breakdowns
• Waltzes
• Tunes of choice
• Western Swing
• Twin fiddle tunes
Musicality
• Musical nurture
• Fiddle and music history
• Listening skills
Pre-Requisites
• Minimum of 3 months playing experience
• Has completed Fiddle School’s New Fiddler or Returning Fiddler Starter Kit
• Has Completed Fiddle School Lessons 1 & 2
What Do I Get?
Virtual weekly classes, performances, and activities will keep you consistent and accountable.
Here’s what a typical month is like!
Psst… Click the arrows to take a peek 👀 ⬇️
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A focused fiddle workout on the technique and theme of the month, based on the material inside Fiddle School's sequential lessons.
Includes individual guidance and feedback.Lesson 1: Left Arm Essentials
Lesson 2: Right Arm Essentials
Lesson 3: Rhythm & Timing
Lesson 4: Low 2s & Slurs
Lesson 5: Fiddle Tune Variations
Lesson 6: Tone
Lesson 7: Intonation
Lesson 8: Musicianship
Lesson 9: The Bow Arm
Lesson 10: Relax & Focus -
A guided review and jam of the current tune(s), plus two peek-ahead phrases in the upcoming tune.
Includes individual guidance and feedback.Learn 20 Sequential Fiddle Tunes:
Boil the Cabbage • Oh! Susanna
Liza Jane • I Don't Love Nobody
Cotton-Eyed Joe • Goodbye Liza Jane
Girl I Left Behind Me • Peek-A-Boo Waltz
Arkansas Traveler • Red River Valley
8th of January • Tennessee Waltz
Red Wing • Bonaparte's Retreat
Soldier's Joy • Corrina, Corrina
Golden Slippers • Marie
Tears on My Pillow • Liberty -
Students have an opportunity to perform in a no-pressure setting and receive deeper coaching.
Five students per month perform one fiddle tune that is currently in progress, and receive actionable feedback and coaching. -
All Mastery class levels get together for a communal, virtual event. This is optional (but encouraged) and alternates between:
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a) Study Groups
We’ll host six Study Groups throughout the year for you to meet with your Mastery Group peers. You can review tunes and techniques, or discuss musical philosophy, prep techniques, or nerve management.
b) Jam Sessions
We host two virtual Mastery jams per year. Enjoy jamming on Fiddle School tunes with peers from all Mastery classes!
c) Coffeehouses
We host two virtual Mastery Coffeehouses per year. These low-key virtual performances offer an opportunity for you to perform for (and hear ) your peers from all Mastery classes. Family and friends are also invited to attend to hear your progress!
When will Mastery 1 meet in 2025?
Mastery 1 will meet XXXXXdays at XXXX PM Pacific Time.
While we want to see you present at as many classes as possible, there will always be a video replay for you to watch later.
Certification Requirements & Perks
With ample opportunities for performance, feedback, and connection,
you will be supported every step of the way.
Video Showcases
April & September
You’ll post a video showcase playing one fiddle tune on the Mastery community board.
Then, you’ll receive a comprehensive personal video response from Katie, including wins, real-time feedback, and a practice action plan.
Certification Performances
May & December
As benchmarks to hone your performance skills and solidify your repertoire, you’ll have two certification performances during the year.
At each performance, you’ll perform three fiddle tunes and receive extended feedback.
Community Board
Enjoy communicating with your fellow Mastery peers through a private Mastery community board powered by Circle.
You’ll use this space to celebrate wins, ask questions, and share your video showcases.
Office Hours
As part of your Fiddle School membership (included with Mastery), you’ll have access to weekly Office Hours on Zoom.
These are opportunities to connect with your fiddle teachers and the vibrant Fiddle School community about specific topics.
Take it from our happy fiddlers!
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"My favorite part of Mastery is the individualized feedback. It's a positive and encouraging evaluation of how I can improve."
Pat G., Mastery 2
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"I feel very accountable... Community is an important value for me, so it has a big influence on my behavior, and practicing time."
Anne A., Mastery 1
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"I love the weekly classes! I enjoy sharing our experiences and learning from each other, supporting each other, and performing."
Peggy W., Mastery 4 Graduate
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"I'm inspired by watching my classmates... Knowing that they are working hard pushes me to do better than I thought I was capable of."
Current Mastery 3x Student
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"I wish I had [Mastery] fifteen years ago. It forces me to focus and memorize. I'd pass up all the fiddle camps I went to for this course."
Current Mastery 4 Student
