Fiddle | Beth Chrisman | Intermediate/Advanced | Period 2 | Week 1 (July 6-11, 2025)
Honky-tonk fiddle is a lesson in tone and simplicity. Our main focus will be on getting a sweet sound and learning what to play (and what not to play!) for a true country sound. The first few days we will play lots of scales and long bows, and work on our bowing technique and bow holds. Later in the week, we will discuss theory and improvisation techniques, breaking down intros, solos, and backup styles. Our class will fiddle over classic honky-tonk tunes like Ray Price “Crazy Arms” Kitty Wells “I Don’t Claim to Be an Angel” and many more. These skills will help players from beginning to advanced levels be able to sit in on a country jam, play well with the other pickers and make the singers happy! Old-time, cajun, bluegrass, classical and folk players are all welcome to come learn this unique style that requires an almost zen-like level of restraint and smooth tone.
Requirements – a basic ability on the fiddle to play scales, enough of an ear to hear and repeat very simple melodies like Twinkle Twinkle or Happy Birthday in several keys. More advanced students will get a chance to practice breaks and intros in harder keys, and trickier songs, but we will mostly play tunes in D, G, and A.
About the Instructor
Though she started out her musical life studying classical violin, Beth Chrisman fell in love with roots music early on. She began playing fiddle music and learning to improvise and sing through the bluegrass & Old-Time scene in her home state of Alaska. After moving to Austin, Texas in 2006, Chrisman quickly absorbed western swing and honkytonk styles into her musical identity. Both at home and on the road, she has joined a variety artists on the stage and the studio including Bobby Bare, JP Harris, Alice Gerrard, Willi Carlisle, Zoe Muth, and John C. Reilly. Best known for her frequent fiddle and harmony work with James Hand, Brennen Leigh, and the Carper Family, Chrisman is now fronting her own honkytonk band – Missy Beth & the Morning Afters, and is one half of roots duo Lost Patterns.