Fiddle Lessons

I've played music since I was a kid; I've been playing fiddle for over thirty years.  I'm mostly self-taught, but took a few lessons from the Cape Breton fiddler John Donald Cameron to get started.  I have always been more attracted to the older style(s) of Cape Breton fiddling than to the modern style associated with Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, et al, as fine as those players are.

I try to fit my approach to what works best for the individual student - everyone having their own combination  of needs, goals, learning style, experience, musical background, innate ability, etc.  Typically, a student will have a lesson once a week at a regular time, but I have some students who arrange a lesson whenever they feel the need or whenever they can fit it into their schedule.  Beginners start off with basic scales and techniques, quickly moving on to simple melodies, and gradually to more challenging tunes.  I teach 'by ear' as much as possible, although I do make some use of written music as well.  If you are interested, get in touch:  thurgoodmusic@gmail.com!

“Are you looking for a good fiddle instructor? I’ve been taking lessons for the past six months (since January 2016) from James Thurgood of Calgary, and have no hesitation in recommending him as a knowledgeable and competent teacher. At our first meeting, he listened, watched me play, then stated, ‘You have enough technical knowledge – now let’s get you fiddling!’ James’ encouraging personality allows students to relax, learn the basics, and enjoy the process and the music. Wayne Gretzky said, ‘Most goals need an assist,’ and learning to play music certainly requires the encouragement that a good teacher can provide. I heartily recommend James Thurgood as a knowledgeable fiddle instructor for beginners and more advanced players of all ages.”

                                                                               - Shirlee Smith Matheson, Calgary


For samples of my playing, see this page: Listen to the Music: Fiddle.

Here's a recording of a student playing a traditional Scottish melody:

Morag of Dunvegan - played by Juliet Rowe, at age 11.

Here's some more of Juliet Rowe, at age 12:

Tips for Learners

The great concert violinist Itzhak Perlman gives tips on how to practise effectively:

Finger Exercises

This is a link to a series of excellent finger exercises that do not require use of the violin.  In other words, you can do them any time, any place, and get your fingers limbered up, ready for when you pick up your instrument:  Greg Irwin's Finger Exercises.


Backing Tracks

This site has Bluegrass-style backing tracks, including for lots of common tunes:  http://www.fbbts.com/Home.html.


For older potential students:  It's Never Too Late; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4.

Frank Advice for Classical Musicians in Traditional Spaces

Practice advice: blocked vs. random practice schedules .