Want to Play Faster?
We've heard your pleas: you want to play your tunes faster and it's just not quite there. You sound decent at the slower tempos, but as soon as the beat gets faster things fall apart. You are frustrated and think you'll be stuck as a slow player forever....
We've got you covered! Next month we will be showing you all the tricks and strategies to increase tempos without losing out on tone or precision.
The "Need for Speed Workshop" is open to all fiddle, viola, and chiddle (cello fiddle) players who would like to increase their ability to play at fast tempos.
How it Works
The Need for Speed workshop intensive will be held inside the Fiddle Life Online Website. Each Monday in October a new speed strategy will be unlocked in the form of a lesson video. You can take the lesson any time that is convenient to you by logging into the website.
On Wednesdays in October from 12:00-12:45pm CST we will be holding a LIVE practice session on Zoom where you can get your questions answered and workshop the skills learned in the lesson videos. Yes, replays will be available.
All classes will be taught by Drunken Fiddles founder Laurel Morgan Parks.
Your Commitment
This intensive is for those people who can commit to 20 hours of practicing in one month --- an average of 45 mins/day with a few days off. This is based on the research of John Kaufman (watch his Ted Talk) who concluded although it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at a master level it just takes 20 hours to be relatively good at something.
Wouldn't you like to say you are relatively good at playing fast?
If you have a need for speed then this program is for YOU. You will be increasing the bpm of your tunes in no time!
How to Enroll
Enrollment is simple: sign up for Fiddle Life Online school for $29/month (cancel anytime easily). This is a subscription-based website that will give you access to "Need for Speed" in October plus an entire library of Drunken Fiddles courses that are available now. Learn more about the Fiddle Life Online School by scrolling below!
If you are already a subscriber you're good! You'll see the course pop up the first Monday in October with a link to the Zoom Live on Wednesdays at noon.
For all questions: Email Laurel at [email protected]
EnrollJoin Our Online School!
Learn More
Instructor Spotlight
Laurel Morgan Parks
Crossover violinist Laurel Morgan Parks has been following her musical path since the young age of 4 when her dad brought home a banged up fiddle with a bow that lacked most of its hairs - it was love at first listen! As a professional musician Parks has performed with acts such as the Eagles, Sarah McLachlan, Amy Grant, Evanescence, Josh Grobin and Disturbed, but also with her own projects - The Wires String Duo, Of Tree, and In the Pines. She has traveled throughout Asia, Europe and the United States, playing with her own bands, the Mantovani Orchestra and the Des Moines Symphony. Parks is currently the founder/instructor of Drunken Fiddles - a fiddle workshop for adults who want to learn to play stringed instruments from the absolute beginning while incorporating fiddle styles and outside-the-box techniques along the way. When not performing or teaching Parks can be heard on the NPR affiliate radio station 91.9 Classical KC as the co-host of Sound Currents - a show dedicated to championing New Music.
Testimonials
Sandy
I have to tell you how impressed I am with these online lessons. I just love them! I love how you present everything listening and watching you play, and I really look forward to practicing everyday. I was a little skepticalabout taking the online classes but they're working out really well. Fewer and fewer squeeks every day, lol. I've always wanted to play the violin, I'm 62 years old and this has been a real treat. Excited to try an in person workshop again. Thank you so much!!
Kristi
You are wonderful, Laurel, both in person and online. What a giving spirit you have! There are natural teachers and you are one. This is such a gift for me since me my stroke and concussions. A good stretch.
Shoba
These videos are great and this website and its usability is fantastic. Nicely done!
100's Of Instructional Videos
Step by step instructional videos starting with how to properly hold the instrument and get a good sound.
Learn anywhere at your own pace!
Absolute Beginner Level
Never played before? Not a problem! We will teach you proper technique so that you will have a solid foundation to play any type of music your heart desires.
Intermediate Level
Dust off your instrument, choose your favorite genre and jump right in. We teach tunes by practicing WITH you rather than showing you quickly and expecting you to figure it out.
All the tools and guidance to start playing tunes right away!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to fiddle? We specialize in teaching two types of adults: Absolute Beginners and Intermediate Players who are ready to dust off their instruments.
There's no need to read music or memorize it. You don't even have to know how to hold a bow! We take the time to make sure you learn and progress with confidence.
Need a Fiddle? No Problem!
It's easy! Rent a violin on a monthly basis. Contact one of our partners below. Both shops ship nationally.
Wyatt Violin Shop
www.wyattviolin.com
[email protected]
816-252-5656
KC Strings
ww.kcstrings.com
[email protected]
913-677-0400
FAQ's
What type of students do best in your program?
What if I have never played an instrument before?
Where do I get an instrument?
What instruments are taught?
What if I don't read music?
Why the name "Drunken Fiddles?"
In addition to teaching, Laurel Parks and Sascha Groschang make up the Wires - an original modern string duo that composes music inspired by a variety of world styles. Both instructors collaborate on course material. Make sure you check out the Wires to hear styles and techniques headed your way!
Listen to The Wires
Tune Cheat Sheets
Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn how to read music. I will teach you a combination of learning by ear plus using a cheat sheet so you don’t have to memorize anything.
Free Fiddle Lesson!
Sign up to get a free fiddle lesson now! No instrument required.
