Old Time Styling for Fiddlers
What makes an old time fiddle tune *sound* like it’s old time? It’s not just the notes, but what is it? We’ll do some listening to recordings of the old “masters” and also some newer fiddlers, we’ll identify some of the common styling licks we hear, and then we’ll practice putting those into some basic tunes. One of the most interesting things I’ve learned is that everybody hears something different in a tune, so come prepared to listen and learn from the old fiddlers and from one another. It’s been really interesting thinking about this, and I’ve been asking all the fiddlers I know….what makes a tune sound like that? Bring your fiddle and a good set of ears, and we’ll work on this together!
About Judy Stavely
Judy Stavely has been listening to and playing old time fiddle tunes for almost fifty years. She was lucky enough to visit Tommy Jarrell at his home, and has learned from Bruce Greene, Melvin Wine, and Brad Leftwich among others. Judy has played with local bands Kasmendoche and Girls’ Night Out, and the famous Miller Family Band. She has played for dances, farmer’s markets, parties, and with friends. She loves listening to tunes almost as much as playing them. Her favorite fiddle tunes are often “crooked” or cross-tuned. You might also find her at Circus Mecca in Mendocino on the aerial silks…..or doing something with one of her grandchildren.