KC Winter Festival of Strings 2025 >
Online School In-Person Workshop Latest News Merch Gift a Class! Account Login

Learn to Play the Fiddle!

KC Thursday Session:
Jan.Ā 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 30th

KC Sunday Session:
Jan. 12th,Ā 19th, 26th, & Feb. 2nd

Lawrence, KS Session:
Tuesdays Jan. 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th

Ā 

KC Thursdays KC Sundays Lawrence Tuesdays

Drunken Fiddles

Drunken Fiddles is a group class for adults who would like to learn how to play the fiddle, or cello.  During the 4 week workshop participants will learn a new fiddle tune each week in a relaxed group environment. We drink wine, we laugh, we have fun and, most importantly, we fiddle! 
 
We don't just play tunes - we learn the stylistic elements that honor regional traditions.
 
Each class is taught by professional violinist/fiddler Laurel Parks.  Laurel is also the host of Sound Currents on 91.9 Classical KC, a weekly radio program that explores contemporary classical and crossover music. Her current musical projects include being a composer and musician with The Wires String duo, Of Tree and In the Pines which is signed with the European label Arctic Rodeo.  Her compositions with the Wires String Duo are published by Mel Bay International publishing.  Keeping a regular performing schedule in Kansas City, Laurel has also performed extensively in Europe and Asia. 
 
Laurel's background includes improvisation, studying various fiddle styles from around the world, composition and classical training.  She is passionate about teaching adults who have always dreamed of playing strings.

Locations & Dates

KC West Bottoms

Jan.Ā 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 30th

Thursdays @ The Ox Cafe &Ā BakeryĀ 

1600 GenesseeĀ St. KCMO 64102

6:00pmĀ Absolute Beginner
6:45pm Experienced Beginner
7:30pm Intermediate

Ā 

KC Sundays

Jan. 12th,Ā 19th, 26th, & Feb. 2nd

Sundays @ Renew & Design

4112 Troost Ave, KCMO 64110

1:45pm Absolute Beginner
2:30pm Experienced Beginner
3:30pm IntermediateĀ 

Lawrence, KS

Jan. 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th

Tuesdays @Ā Black Stag Brewery

Downstairs (elevator available)
623 Massachusetts
Lawrence, KS 66044

6:00pm Absolute Beginner
6:45pm Experienced Beginner
7:30pm Intermediate

Sign Up

Kansas City

Thursdays

$149

Early Bird thru Dec. 22

Jan.Ā 2nd, 9th, 16th, & 30th

  • Absolute Beginner 6:00Ā pm-6:45 pmĀ 
  • Experienced Beginner 6:45 pm-7:30 pm
  • Ā Intermediate 7:30 pm-8:30 pmĀ 
Sign Up!
Kansas City

Sundays

$149

Early Bird thru Dec. 22

Jan. 12th,Ā 19th, 26th, & Feb. 2nd

  • Absolute Beginner 1:45 pm-2:30pmĀ 
  • Experienced BeginnerĀ  2:30pm-3:30pm
  • Ā Intermediate 3:30pm-4:30pm
Sign Up!
Lawrence

Tuesdays

$149

Early Bird thru Dec. 22

Jan. 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th

  • Absolute Beginner 6:00pm-6:45pmĀ 
  • Experienced Beginner 6:45pm-7:30pm
  • Intermediate 7:30pm-8:30pmĀ 
Sign Up!

Absolute Beginner Class 

This class is for people who consider themselves absolute beginners and have zero experience playing the fiddle. We will start from the absolute beginning, learning the correct posture for holding the instrument.  We will learn 3 fiddle tunes together.  Plan to have a lot of laughs and fun!  Absolute Beginners are invited to stick around for the experienced class to join in OR watch.

Beginner Class 

This class is for people who would like a slowly paced class, but have already had *some* experience playing their instrument.  We will be revisiting Drunken fiddles favorites. 

Intermediate Class 

In this session we will play several tunes together! The first half of the class will be taught at a slow pace and will be heavily instructed.  We will learn several different tunes in styles such as Celtic, Old-Time and more.  The second half of the class will be faster-paced with more playing/less instruction.  Get ready to have a good time and expand your fiddle/cello technique!

 

"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
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 didnā€™t read treble clef music. Then, I stumbled across a class onlineā€¦ Go for it my wife said. Iā€™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 loveā€¦ 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 Iā€™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.

Keep In Touch

Sign up for the email list to receive information on upcoming classes!

FAQ

Can I do both the live class AND the online class? 
Yes, although the online class stands on its own it can also be used to supplement the in-person class.
 
What if I have never played an instrument before?
The absolute beginner class would be a perfect fit!
 
How often is Drunken Fiddles held?
Goin forward we will be having regular classes, meeting for 4 week sessions with 1-2 weeks in between sessions.
 
Do you rent violins/fiddles?
Most of our students rent from Wyatt Violin Shop www.wyattviolin.com or KC Strings www.kcstrings.com
 
For our Lawrence location go to:
Beautiful Music Violin Shop
 
Do I need to practice?
No. You can come each week even if you didn't have time to practice.  You are never behind in Drunken Fiddles.  Just pick up right where you left off.  That being said, you will get much more out of the workshop if you commit to practicing a little each day.
 
What if I miss a day?
Due to capacity limitations we are not able to accommodate people attending other days/locations to make up their missed class at this time.  If you miss, you will still receive the sheet music and practice videos via email.
 
Is it normal to be nervous about joining?
Absolutely!  Most people are nervous for their first couple of times.  Come anyway! 
 
I play the cello.  Can I join?
Yes! Cellists (and violists) are welcome in the Absolute Beginner AND Intermediate classes.
 
Are cellos, violas or other instruments included in the online version? 
Yes.  Sascha Groschang teaches cello.  Laurel Parks takes care of fiddle and viola.
 
What if I don't read music?
No worries!  I will teach you how to read a cheat sheet.  Also, some students prefer to read by ear.
 
Does Drunken Fiddles perform?
Yes -- each year we perform at the Brookside St. Patrick's Day parade.  Performances will be limited for now due to the pandemic.
 
Why is it called Drunken Fiddles?
The name "Drunken Fiddles" was chosen to portray the laid back nature of the class.  The focus is on learning/playing and not on drinking.
 
Are refunds available?
Absolutely no refunds.  If you have a major life event that prevents you from attending you may defer your enrollment to another class within a 12 month period.

Hi Everyone!  I have created an online school for learning fiddle and cello.

This course is divided into TWO tracks. When you sign up, you will have access to both levels.
  1. 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.
  2. 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!
 

 

 

$29/month intro rate

no contract, cancel anytime

First month is free!!!!

Sign Up Now! LEARN MORE

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

Order Music

The Pitch

Read the article in The Pitch about Drunken Fiddles!

Read Article

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.

Learn More

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.

Listen to the Program

Ireland Retreat, Booking Now!

Join musician Laurel Morgan Parks and the Drunken Fiddlers for an experience of a lifetime!

Learn More!
Close

What’s your favorite tune?

Sign up for the email list and I will send you a recording of ME playing the CHORUS to your favorite tune on the fiddle.