Drunken Fiddles
Location & Dates
New location!
November 2026 Session
Sundays
November 8th
November 15th
November 22nd
November 29th
3:15-4:00pm: Absolute Beginners
4:15-5:15pm: Combo Class
Sweet Tee’s Coffee Shop
2063 E. Santa Fe St
Olathe, KS 66062
"I had no musical background when I first came to Drunken Fiddles. The class is structured so that it's not overwhelming for a beginner, and learning continues to be a fun challenge for me. I love having opportunities for the class to perform in the community, and I am enjoying the journey as my playing improves!"
Katie
Fiddler
"I have grey hair. I was bored coming out of COVID. I have short, fat fingers. I had played the tuba when I was young but never touched a violin and didn’t read treble clef music. Then, I stumbled across a class online…. 'Go for it,' my wife said. I’m pretty sure she wanted me out of the house. The class has become much more than a relief from boredom, it fills the empty well of my soul and reminds me how life-giving playing music is for me. Young and old--the class is family. I am playing an instrument I never dreamed I could with a beautiful group of people that I have come to love… and my wife is happy too."
Doug
Fiddler
"There is something magical about Drunken Fiddles classes. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced player you are taught how to play tunes in different ways so that you can fit into playing with a group. The classes and the people who attend are very supportive and inclusive. A sort of 'no fiddler left behind.'"
Carol
Fiddler
"I grew up playing violin, then took a hiatus during college and a few years after; Drunken Fiddles has been a great way to get back into playing! Classes are relaxed, but I've learned so much in the ensemble. It's really reawakened my love of music, and I look forward to class every week!"
Jean
Fiddler
"All of my life I’ve wanted to learn to play the violin but never thought I could. Drunken Fiddles has made this dream of mine a reality. The instructor makes each session fun as well as educational. Anyone who even thinks they want to learn to play would do very well to head to their nearest Drunken Fiddle group and have the time of their life."
Melissa
Fiddler
Absolute Beginners
In this section, we will go over the very basics from the absolute beginning. We will learn technique, how to get a good sound and some tunes, of course! The class will be laid-back and fun. Experienced players are welcome to sit in for the review.
Combo Class
This class is both for absolute beginners and people who have some experience playing a string instrument. Kirsten will teach from the very beginning while using a scaffolding method of teaching to introduce fiddling techniques to both levels of students.
Sign Up
Sundays
$149
Early Bird Rate thru 10/20
Early Bird discount ($10 off)
good through Sept. 30!
Four week session:
November 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th
Meet your Instructor
Joanna Metsker is a violinist and violist based in Kansas City, recognized for her versatility across classical, pop, country, folk, jazz, and ambient styles.
She is the founder of The Monarch String Ensemble, a collection of chamber ensembles known for their thoughtful programming and stylistic range, performing music that spans genres and centuries. Joanna has performed with artists such as The Eagles, Lindsey Stirling, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Disturbed, and Andy Williams. She holds a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Music Education from Missouri State University.
After 13 years of teaching orchestra in public schools, she now serves as an associate professor of violin and viola at Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Keep In Touch
Sign up for the email list to receive information on upcoming classes! Scroll down for FAQ's.
FAQ
Consider adding Drunken Fiddles Online!
While our Online School is designed to stand on its own, many students have added it as a supplement to their in-person sessions - especially those who are starting as absolute beginners.$29/month
no contract, cancel anytime
Latest Press
Drunken Fiddles in the News!
Order Laurel's Sheet Music
Celebrate the winter season with these concert-ready arrangements influenced by a variety of folk traditions such as Celtic, old-time, bluegrass and Scandinavian fiddle. This collection of time-honored and original melodies is written with a modern string crossover twist to keep both the listener and performer engaged. All tunes are arranged by the Wires String Duo, including their original piece “Campbell Street”. The audio is a stereo recording of each of the arrangement
The Wires Duo
The Wires are a modern exploration in string sound. Created in Kansas City, Missouri, Laurel Morgan Parks, violin, and Sascha Groschang, cello, have been composing dynamic and cinematic music as best friends since 2009. Their music is inspired by imagery found in the natural world, folk styles and modern string techniques.
Featured on KCUR 89.3
Making music should be fun. But when adults squeak through their first violin lessons, they may not get the compassion a child might receive. Enter Drunken Fiddles.