Teaching
Entry criteria: Students must be playing fiddle for at least 2-3 years minimum.
I usually teach fiddle classes on a one-to-one basis. Lessons last for one hour.
Topics covered include:
- Ornamentation
- rolls
- cuts
- bow trebles
- cranning
- chording
Technique
- best methods
- promoting good posture & positioning
- useful exercises
Learning by 'Ear'
- My personal philosophy is to teach tunes by ear. I give students notes in alphabetical format, for example, (incl. variations & ornaments etc) as a guide.
Mick recommends
- I would suggest material that students should listen to and players they should see and hear.
I don't believe in force-feeding tunes to students. Everyone has their own unique method & pace of learning & absorbing tunes. I teach one tune at a time with all ornamentation & variations built-in. Once the tune is learnt, students should be able to transpose their new techniques to their existing repertoire of tunes.
I do teach larger classes at various festivals at home and abroad. For example, I have been teaching at the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare for many years.
I also teach on the MA course in Traditional Music Performance at the University of Limerick.
If you would like to know more, I would be pleased to hear from you.