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Learn to Fiddle!

Downtown St. Joseph, MO 

Wednesdays:

Feb 28th, Mar 6th, Apr 3rd, and Apr 10th

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Drunken Fiddles

Drunken Fiddles is a group class for adults who would like to learn how to play the fiddle, cello or upright bass from the VERY beginning.  During the 4 week workshop participants will learn a new fiddle tune each week in a relaxed group environment. We drink wine, we laugh, we have fun and, most importantly, we fiddle! 
 
 
 

Location & Dates

Feb 28th, Mar 6th, Apr 3rd, and Apr 10th

@ Hazel's Coffee Bar

310 N 3rd Street St. Joseph, MO 64501
 
6:30-7:30 pm

 

 

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St Joseph Wednesdays

$159

Regular Rate

4 Week Session:

Feb 28th, Mar 6th, Apr 3rd, and Apr 10th

6:30pm-7:30pm

  • These classes is for both Absolute Beginner & Experienced Players - choose your level at checkout
  • Fiddle/violin, viola, and cello are welcome!
  • Class is taught by Drunken Fiddles instructor Michelle Joy
Enroll!

Beginner Class 

This class is for 2 types of people:

1. Those who both consider themselves absolute beginners and have zero experience playing the fiddle.  Its normal to be nervous walking in your first time. No worries!  Your teacher Michelle will put you at ease and teach you everything you need to know.

AND

2.  People who consider themselves beginners, but have some prior experience. 

Everyone will learn foundational technique plus a new tune each week in a variety of different fiddle styles.  

The point is to have a lot of fun while learning in a relaxed group environment!

   

Meet your Instructor

Originally from Southern California, Michelle Joy began playing the violin at age 7.  She opened her first private studio in 1999 and has been teaching ever since. In 2014, she transitioned from private lessons to classroom instruction. She works for the Olathe School District and averages about 125 students per year. A big advocate of equity, Michelle specializes in teaching students with unique needs and learning styles. In addition to playing violin, viola, cello and bass, Michelle also enjoys playing piano, ukulele and guitar. When not teaching, you can find Michelle on a hike, reading a book, or spending time with her children and partner. Michelle lives in the Northland with her partner, Norbert and their blended family of 3 boys and 3 girls. She is incredibly excited to join the Drunken Fiddles team! 

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Keep In Touch

Sign up for the email list to receive information on upcoming classes!  Scroll down for FAQ's.

Keep In Touch

Sign up for the email list to receive information on upcoming classes!

FAQ

Can I do both the live class AND the online class? 
Yes, although the online class stands on its own it can also be used to supplement the in-person class.
 
What if I have never played an instrument before?
Then you are in the right place!  Drunken Fiddles will be a perfect fit!
 
How often is Drunken Fiddles held?
We hold regular classes, meeting for 4 week sessions with 1-2 weeks in between sessions.
 
Do you rent violins/fiddles?
You can rent a fiddle/violin, cello or upright bass from Lanham Music in St. Jo.
 
 
Do I need to practice?
No. You can come each week even if you didn't have time to practice.  You are never behind in Drunken Fiddles.  Just pick up right where you left off.  That being said, you will get much more out of the workshop if you commit to practicing a little each day.
 
What if I miss a day?
If you miss, you will receive the sheet music and practice videos via email.
 
Is it normal to be nervous about joining?
Absolutely!  Most people are nervous for their first couple of times.  Come anyway! 
  
Are cellos, violas or other instruments included in the online version? 
Yes.  Sascha Groschang teaches cello.  Laurel Parks (the founder of Drunken Fiddles) takes care of fiddle and viola.
 
What if I don't read music?
No worries!  The instructor will teach you how to read a cheat sheet.  Also, some students prefer to read by ear.
 
Does Drunken Fiddles perform?
Yes.  We perform occasionally and it's always a blast!
 
Why is it called Drunken Fiddles?
The name "Drunken Fiddles" was chosen to portray the laid back nature of the class.  The focus is on learning/playing (not on drinking.)
 
Are refunds available?
Absolutely no refunds.  If you have a major life event that prevents you from attending you may defer your enrollment to another class within a 12 month period.

Drunken Fiddles Online School

This course is divided into TWO tracks. When you sign up, you will have access to both levels.
  1. Absolute Beginners--For people who have NEVER played the fiddle before (We start from the absolute beginning and it is assumed you know nothing about playing the violin or fiddle.
  2. Intermediate -- This is for people who know their way around their instrument. Pick your favorite genre (Celtic?  Romany?  Old Time?...) and find a tune you love.  Print out the sheet music with fingerings and watch your in depth lesson video.  Then, practice with the instructors at a slowed down pace until you work up to the performance level video.  If you want more, there is an option for LIVE instruction several times a month!
 
$29/month intro rate

no contract, cancel anytime

 

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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

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The Pitch

Read the article in The Pitch about Drunken Fiddles!

Read Article

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. Following their debut album in 2012, their 2nd album “Wilder” (May 2019) is an imagined journey that includes depths of the oceanic world, the vast expanse of Celtic hills, the coldness of frozen tundra and a discovery of the cosmos. Their holiday album, “Winter” (December 2020) encompasses a cinematic, yet an intimate timbre, with the classic sounds of the season.  “Winter,” their collection of holiday favorites arranged by The Wires along with their original piece, ‘Campbell Street,’ is published by Mel Bay Publications. The Wires are also the hosts and curators of “Sound Currents” on 91.9 Classical KC – a weekly radio program that explores and discovers a broad range of new music. Their online school, “Fiddle Life,” (www.fiddlelife.com), teaches adults traditional styles at beginner and intermediate levels.  The duo performs at festivals, concert halls, and music venues in the Midwest and beyond.

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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.

Listen to the Program

Ireland Retreat, Booking Now!

Join musician Laurel Morgan Parks and the Drunken Fiddlers for an experience of a lifetime!

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What’s your favorite tune?

Sign up for the email list and I will send you a recording of ME playing the CHORUS to your favorite tune on the fiddle.