Drunken Fiddles
Locations
Kansas City and Lawrence
Taught by Laurel Parks @ Black Stag Brewery in Lawrence, The Ox Bakery & Cafe, and Renew & Design in Kansas City
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!
Keep In Touch
Sign up for the email list to receive information on upcoming classes! Scroll down for FAQ's.
"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
"I had no musical background when I first came to Drunken Fiddles. Laurel has the classes 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
"All of my life Iāve 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
"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 didnāt read treble clef music. Then, I stumbled across a class onlineā¦ Go for it my wife said. Iām 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 family. 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
FAQ
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.- 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!
$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
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.