Drunken Fiddles
Location & Dates
November 2026 session
Sunday afternoons
November 8th
November 15th*
November 22nd
December 6th
Amala Sanctuary
1006 S 8th Street
Austin, TX 78704
Are you ready to fiddle?
Led by legendary fiddler Elana James (full bio below), this session of Drunken Fiddles is designed for musicians with *some* previous violin experience who would like to learn how to fiddle in a relaxed, group environment.
If you've always dreamt of playing, but need to start from the absolute beginning - no worries! Get started with our Zero to Fiddling Online Course! Created for adults who have never played an instrument before, it will give you everything you need to get started. (And to get you ready to join Elana's next in-person session!)
"I really like the group of people I get to play with. It's very much a community. And I'm learning so much about fiddling that had never been part of my classical training. It's been such an exciting challenge!"
Jenee
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
Sign Up
November 2026
$199
Four Week Session
Sundays:
Nov. 8
Nov. 15 *
Nov. 22
Dec. 6
(Designed for students with at least some violin experience.)
Meet your Instructor
Elana James is an acclaimed fiddler, vocalist, and songwriter whose music brings together the spirited sounds of Western swing, hot jazz, and American roots music. A native of Prairie Village, Kansas, James began playing violin at age four and grew up performing throughout the Kansas City area before finding her calling in American roots music.
She is a founding member of the internationally celebrated trio Hot Club of Cowtown, known for its infectious blend of Western swing and vintage jazz. Over the course of her career, James has performed on stages around the world and recorded and toured with legendary artists including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, and Merle Haggard. She also released two solo albums, Elana James and Black Beauty, showcasing her talents as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist.
Inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame in 2004, James continues to captivate audiences with her expressive fiddling, distinctive vocals, and deep appreciation for the traditions of American music.
You can read more about her background on her website: elanajames.com.
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.