Learn to Fiddle!
Downtown St. Joseph, MO
Wednesdays:
November 13th & 20th, December 4th & 18th
6:00-6:30 Absolute Beginner Lesson
6:30-7:30 Combo Class
(Absolute Beginners w/ Experienced Players)
Drunken Fiddles
Location & Dates
November 13th & 20th, December 4th & 18th
@ Hazel's Coffee Bar
(Absolute beginners w/ experienced players)
Sign Up
Wednesdays
$159
Regular Rate
4 Week Session:
Nov. 13th & 20th, Dec. 4th & 18th
6:00-6:30pm: Absolute Beginner Lesson
6:30pm-7:30pm: Combo Class
- Fiddle/violin, viola, and cello are welcome!
- Class is taught by Drunken Fiddles instructor Michelle Joy
Combo Class
This class is for 2 types of people:
1. Those who both consider themselves absolute beginners and have zero experience playing the fiddle. Its normal to be nervous walking in your first time. No worries! Your teacher Michelle will put you at ease and teach you everything you need to know.
AND
2. People who consider themselves beginners, but have some prior experience.
Everyone will learn foundational technique plus a new tune each week in a variety of different fiddle styles.
The point is to have a lot of fun while learning in a relaxed group environment!
Meet your Instructor
Originally from Southern California, Michelle Joy began playing the violin at age 7. She opened her first private studio in 1999 and has been teaching ever since. In 2014, she transitioned from private lessons to classroom instruction. She works for the Olathe School District and averages about 125 students per year. A big advocate of equity, Michelle specializes in teaching students with unique needs and learning styles. In addition to playing violin, viola, cello and bass, Michelle also enjoys playing piano, ukulele and guitar. When not teaching, you can find Michelle on a hike, reading a book, or spending time with her children and partner. Michelle lives in the Northland with her partner, Norbert and their blended family of 3 boys and 3 girls. She is incredibly excited to join the Drunken Fiddles team!
"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 W.
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 famil. 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
Keep In Touch
Sign up for the email list to receive information on upcoming classes! Scroll down for FAQ's.
FAQ
Drunken Fiddles Online School
This course is divided into TWO tracks. When you sign up, you will have access to both levels.- Absolute Beginners--For people who have NEVER played the fiddle before (We start from the absolute beginning and it is assumed you know nothing about playing the violin or fiddle.
- Intermediate -- This is for people who know their way around their instrument. Pick your favorite genre (Celtic? Romany? Old Time?...) and find a tune you love. Print out the sheet music with fingerings and watch your in depth lesson video. Then, practice with the instructors at a slowed down pace until you work up to the performance level video. If you want more, there is an option for LIVE instruction several times a month!
no contract, cancel anytime
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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. Following their debut album in 2012, their 2nd album “Wilder” (May 2019) is an imagined journey that includes depths of the oceanic world, the vast expanse of Celtic hills, the coldness of frozen tundra and a discovery of the cosmos. Their holiday album, “Winter” (December 2020) encompasses a cinematic, yet an intimate timbre, with the classic sounds of the season. “Winter,” their collection of holiday favorites arranged by The Wires along with their original piece, ‘Campbell Street,’ is published by Mel Bay Publications. The Wires are also the hosts and curators of “Sound Currents” on 91.9 Classical KC – a weekly radio program that explores and discovers a broad range of new music. Their online school, “Fiddle Life,” (www.fiddlelife.com), teaches adults traditional styles at beginner and intermediate levels. The duo performs at festivals, concert halls, and music venues in the Midwest and beyond.
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.
Ireland Retreat, Booking Now!
Join musician Laurel Morgan Parks and the Drunken Fiddlers for an experience of a lifetime!