Fiddle | Peter Schwarz | Intermediate | Period 1 | Week 1 (July 6-10, 2026)
Expand your learning of one of the most beautiful styles of traditional fiddling there is, Cajun Fiddling! Especially if you are drawn to the sounds of the Balfa Brothers, I can help you. I teach in the same traditional style that Dewey Balfa taught me, way back when I was a teenager. First, we’ll work on strengthening our bowing rhythms as second fiddlers, learn the roadmap of the fingerboard, explore ways to improve our intonation especially with double-stops, and finally, build a nice repertoire of classic Cajun waltzes, two steps and blues so we can play leads as well. The class will be filled with Mr. Balfa’s wisdom. You’ll learn his terms for vital skills such as the corner post, twice the power, old lonesome, rhythm indicators, le bourdon, and many more. So, whether fiddle is your first instrument, Cajun music is your first style, or perhaps you already play other instruments or styles, you will come away from this week with not just a passion for playing, but also the foundational tools necessary to sustain a path of learning and growing as a Cajun fiddler into the future. Students should be prepared to use sharp cutting tools and messy water-based inks while taking this class. No experience is necessary and more advanced students are encouraged to take this class, and we might try wood if time permits too.
About the Instructor
Peter Schwarz has performed a variety of roles in the music industry for over 30 years. Son of noted folk musician Tracy Schwarz, Peter was touring as a full-time musician by age 10. In 1983, he was awarded a NEA apprentice fellowship to study Cajun fiddle with master artist Dewey Balfa, and soon after performed on Balfa’s Grammy nominated release Souvenirs. Schwarz was a member of Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys through the 1990s, performing and composing on bass and fiddle, as well as managing the group through several years of heavy international touring and multiple recordings. Their 1993 Rounder release Trace of Time received a Grammy nomination. Peter has produced records and toured with additional artists such as Balfa Toujours and Charivari. He still performs regularly in Austin and in Louisiana, with bands such as Jesse Lege and Bosco Stomp and Charles Thibodeaux and the Austin Cajun Aces.