Beginner Fiddle
A warm welcome to the fiddle! In this beginners workshop we will be working on the fundamentals of fiddling, starting with learning simple melodies by ear. With the focus on creating the strong basic technique required, we prepare to enter the wonderful world of bluegrass and old-time fiddling.
Together we'll be working on bow and fiddle hold, finger placement, simple rhythms and melodies, as well as backup for singers and other players. The aim of the course is to get you ready to go out and get pickin' with fundamental backup skills and essential jam etiquette!
Note: This workshop is intended for those who already have a little fiddle under their belts. If you are just starting out we would recommend getting a few private lessons locally before camp starts!
Sarah Hamilton
Raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, by two professional musicians, Sarah Hamilton was surrounded by oldtime, bluegrass, ragtime and swing music from an early age. She has been playing fiddle since the age of six and started performing shortly with bands including: The Done Gone Stringband, Annie Lou, Pigeonhawk Stringband, Combo Royale, The Swinging Pines, and Happy Trails, Prospector. Throughout her career Sarah’s passion for American music has pulled her around the states to study, observe, and participate in some of the finest Appalachian, Cajun and Swing music the vast country has to offer.
Sarah has been teaching fiddle privately and in group settings for over 15 years. She has experience teaching children and adults privately, and at music camps across Canada including Nimblefingers Workshops and Festival (BC), Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old-time (SK), Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival, and Yukon Summer Music Camp.
She is extremely passionate about teaching fiddle, guitar, singing, music theory, improvisation and dance and has spent the past several years as a music educator at Big Cedar Music: Music Education North, a highly successful music program that specializes in therapeutic music programming for Indigenous Youth.