Drunken Fiddles
Location & Dates
Fall 2026 - Choose your class level:
Beginner Class
Sundays
November 15th & 22nd,
December 6th & 13th
2:00-3:00pm
for folks who are new to the violin
Advanced Class
Sundays
November 15th & 22nd,
December 6th & 13th
3:15-4:15pm
for folks who have been playing for a while
Hold Fast Brewing
235 N. Kimbrough Ave.
Springfield, MO 65806
Need to rent an instrument to get started? We recommend Tom’s Heirloom Violins (tomsviolins.com/rentals).
"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
Beginner Class
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 and there is no need to have any previous experience.
Advanced Class
This class is intended for people who have some experience playing the violin. Kirsten will focus on fiddle techniques from various folk traditions and teach more advanced tunes.
Sign Up
Four-week Session
$149
Regular Rate: $159
Early Bird discount ($10 off)
good through 10/31
- - - - -
Fall 2026 Beginner session
for folks who are new to the violin!
Sundays, 2:00-3:00pm
Four-week Session
$149
Regular Rate: $159
Early Bird discount ($10 off)
good through 10/31
- - - - -
Fall 2026 Advanced session
for folks who have some experience
Sundays, 3:15-4:15pm
Meet your Instructor
Kirsten Weingartner Weiss began her music studies at the age of four and holds degrees in both violin and viola. She currently serves as the principal violist of the Springfield Symphony and recently retired from the concertmaster position of the Missouri Philharmonic after nearly 15 years and is an avid chamber musician.
In the past, she has performed as a member of the Illinois, Peoria, Cedar Rapids and Omaha Symphonies, as well as the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and she spent 10 years as violist and violin soloist with the Lawrence Welk Show. Recently she served as a substitute violinist on the national tour of Hamilton in both Springfield and Minneapolis.
Besides her performing, Kirsten has a private studio of approximately 30 young violin and viola students and was the recipient of the 2023 Missouri String Teachers Association Artist Teacher Award. Kirsten and her husband Dan are the proud parents of three sons and two cats.
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
Sign Up Now! LEARN MORE
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.