Masterclass With Donal Baylor

by | 21 Dec, 2012

Donal Baylor
Donal Baylor

Donal Baylor

Are you going to the National Festival? Are you an aspiring fiddle player? Like to learn from one our best?
If you answered yes to anyone of these questions then this event is for you.

Donal Baylor is one of Australia’s finest fiddlers and has a vast experience playing with many bands including the Dancehall Racketeers, the Baylor Brothers, Mic Conway and Slim Dusty and of course Bluegrass Parkway.
Donal will be appearing at the 2013 National Folk Festival with Bluegrass Parkway, with whom he has played since 2001. Highly regarded as both a player and teacher, Donal will explore the techniques that make up a complete fiddle player in the bluegrass, old-time and Western Swing styles.

The Class:

This class would be suitable for those with some experience playing the fiddle and would like to take it a step further by playing with others and hopefully aiming towards performing. Reading music is not essential but is a great advantage. It is aimed at those that want to expand their musical horizons and take their playing to a new level.

It is a class for those fiddlers who are curious as to the intricacies of these styles but haven’t yet fully explored them.

What to bring:

Besides your fiddle – a pen/notepaper is also handy for any notes and recording devices are welcome.

What will be covered:

Playing the fiddle in a band – how to fit in and make it work.
How to play fiddle with a singer
Learning how to adapt and improvise in the genres of bluegrass, country, old-time, Cajun and Western Swing.
We will also cover composing ‘breaks’ to songs, material that features the fiddle, working with vocalists to enhance a song. In addition we will discuss amplification options and study great players’ work with examples to learn from including lots of licks and tunes. It is intended to focus heavily on playing and active participation rather than a lecture. Throughout the sessions, participants are encouraged to ask questions and raise any issues that are relevant

Masterclass Information:

Who Can attend:

  • Masterclasses will cater for intermediate to advanced level and the numbers in each class will be limited so you will need to apply early to ensure your place.
  • When – Wednesday 27th & Thursday 28th March
  • Format – 2 x sessions each day (3 hrs + 2 hrs) 10am-4pm with lunch included.
  • Venue – Ainslie Arts Centre, Braddon
  • Cost – $250 (including lunch) for the two days OR $220 (NFF Season Ticket holders and MFE Members)
  • Transport – For participants holding NFF Season Camping Tickets transport will be provided each day between EPIC and the Ainlsie Arts Centre.
  • Booking and Enquiries – Contact Pam Merrigan, NFF Artistic Program Manager

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