Workshops & Teaching

Not currently enrolling. Join Mari's email newsletter to be notified when future dates are announced

Investment: $200 for the course — includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
Ever played in a group or jam session that needed something...besides just the melody? Did you look around for a guitarist or piano player and discover that there weren't any there?! Oh no, who is going to accompany those tunes? Answer: YOU!! Over four weeks of class, we will build a whole array of hip tricks and techniques that you can use to contribute rich, interesting accompaniments to any tune! You’ll learn how to easily find chords on your instrument, create groovy rhythms to accompany different tune types, start chopping (tastefully!), and even predict what chords will come next in most tunes. Along the way, you’ll gain comfort with playing double stops, get a better understanding of music theory, and have lots of fun getting creative with your new "'comping" powers.

Each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention!). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. The seminar is geared towards fiddlers, but open to anyone on a bowed string instrument.

Topics:
Week 1: 'Comping Foundations — Essential chords & rhythms for classic tunes!
Week 2: Expanding Groove — Add interest w/ more rhythms & chord voicings
Week 3: Getting "Fancy" — Chopping, reharmonizing, & other specialty comping tricks
Week 4: Putting it all Together

Class level:
No matter what your current level is, this Seminar will be a perfect fit for you if you want to start making more rapid progress in your ability to accompany tunes. No need to worry about being "too advanced" or "too beginner", because this class is about learning how to figure out what chords and rhythms fit with different tunes. We will have players of all experience levels in the class, and everyone will be working on improving from where they already are.

How will tunes be taught?
Since this class is focused on learning to accompany fiddle tunes by ear, we won’t need any sheet music at all! Instead, Mari will help you learn the techniques you need to listen to a part of a fiddle tune, figure out what chords go with it, and discover how to play them in a hip, groovy way on your instrument. That may sound scary right now, but with practice, you’ll get better and better at it, over the course of this Seminar and beyond!

Enrolling now for May 2021

Investment: $200 for the course — includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
Grab your "'comping" hats, bowed string players -- it's time to take charge of those cool, ear-catching tune accompaniments! In this Seminar, we'll explore tricks and techniques that will help you develop your own personal 'comping style and create signature accompaniment parts that will drive the energy and mood of any tune. Over four weeks, you'll expand your range of rhythmic patterns, discover richer chord choices and intriguing voicings, gain comfort with "hip" 'comping techniques like chopping and strum bowing, develop your arranging instincts, and deepen your ability to figure out chords on the fly. Along the way, you’ll gain comfort with playing double stops, improve your sense of groove and pulse, get a better understanding of music theory, and have lots of fun getting creative with your new "'comping powers"!

Each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention!). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. The seminar is geared towards fiddlers, but open to anyone on a bowed string instrument.

Topics:
Week 1: Rhythmic Playgrounds - Ear-catching 'comping patterns for different tune types
Week 2: Learning From the Best - Adapting 'comping brilliance from your favorite recordings
Week 3: Spice It Up! - Reharmonization, planning arrangements & other specialty 'comping tricks
Week 4: Putting it all Together

How is this class different from "Back Up the Band I"?
The goal of "Back Up the Band I" is to help you get comfortable with accompanying ("'comping") jigs and reels using foundational rhythmic patterns and basic double-stop chord voicings, as well as understanding the music theory behind them. In this Level II class, we will be exploring how to create more complex and expressive 'comping textures using a greater diversity of intricate rhythmic patterns and "spicier" chord voicings and reharmonization, using ideas captured from some of your favorite recordings. You’ll also get the chance to personalize your accompaniment style while coming up with your 'comping parts each week.

Enrolling now for October 2021

Investment: $200 for the course — Includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
This seminar is all about mastering your bow — the source of your sound, your groove, and your expressive power as a fiddler! Over four weeks of class, we will dive into the fundamentals of bowing: characteristic slurring patterns in different kinds of tunes, specialty bowing such as cuts, shuffles, & barrage, and strategies for choosing bowings that both sound and feel great. Along the way, you’ll improve your sound, develop your dance feel, and find greater ease and finesse in your right hand.

Each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly “homework” videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention!). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. The seminar is geared towards fiddlers, but open to anyone on a bowed string instrument.

Topics:
Week 1: JIG bowing — "strong" beats, "weak" beats, and the magic of swing!
Week 2: REEL bowing I — Using ease and groove to drive your fast tunes
Week 3: REEL bowing II — Specialty bowing patterns to create variety and interest in your sound
Week 4: WALTZ bowing — Developing your signature expressive sound

Class level:
For this Seminar, you don't need to worry at all about it being "too advanced" or "too beginner", because it's not a tune-learning class, per se. It's all about helping you learn how to make the most rapid progress from where you already are! We're going to focus on developing bow skills that you can use to improving your playing from any level. We will have players of all experience levels in the class, but everyone will working on expanding their knowledge of fiddle music!

How will tunes be taught?
This class is focused on bow work, so Mari will send out the both sheet music AND recordings for tunes we’ll be exploring ahead of time each week. That way you can look at them in advance if you find that helpful, and you can learn the tunes either by ear or by reading — whichever is more comfortable for you!

Not currently enrolling. Join Mari's email newsletter to be notified when future dates are announced

Investment: $200 for the course - Includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
This seminar is a continuation of "Bow Like A Pro I", and it’s all about developing even greater finesse and expertise with your bow! Over four weeks of class, we will deepen your comfort executing characteristic bowing patterns in standard tunes types (jigs, reels, waltzes), while adding to our repertoire of "specialty" bowings (cuts, shuffles, barrage, recovery bowing). Additionally, we’ll explore strategies for tunes with more complex bowing patterns (strathspeys, slip jigs, rags), and work on how to further develop your sound and sense of groove — the two most important skills you have as a fiddler!

As always, each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention!). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. The seminar is geared towards fiddlers, but open to anyone on a bowed string instrument.

Topics:
Week 1: JIGS & SLIP JIGS — Hone in on your signature swing!
Week 2: MUTLI-STYLE REELS — How to chose bowing patterns that will define a genre-specific groove
Week 3: STRATHSPEYS — Developing flare and grace in every part of the bow
Week 4: WALTZES & AIRS— How expressive can you make your sound?

How is this class different from "Bow Like A Pro I"?
The goal of "Bow Like A Pro I" is to help you get familiar and comfortable with using the foundational bowing patterns that create a great dance "groove" and govern the vast majority of fiddle playing (ie. jigs, reels, waltzes). In this class, we will expand those ideas to include more expressive and “exception” bowing patterns, and look at some more complex tunes and tune types, while we dive deeper into developing your right hand technique. You’ll also get the chance to personalize your sound while coming up with your own bowings each week.

How will tunes be taught?
This class is focused bow work, so Mari will send out the both sheet music AND recordings for tunes we’ll be exploring ahead of time each week. That way you can look at them in advance, if you find that helpful, and you can learn the tunes either by ear or by reading — whichever is more comfortable for you!

Not currently enrolling. Join Mari's email newsletter to be notified when future dates are announced

Investment: $200 for the course — Includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
This seminar is all about helping YOU become your own best teacher! As a self-guided fiddler, you have hundreds of recordings and videos at your disposal to learn from...and Mari is here to help you take best advantage of these resources. During this 4-week course, we will explore ways to break down all the information contained within a video or CD performance and separate it into smaller pieces that will help you learn with greater ease. Within this context, we will identify the patterns, form, groove, and stylistic elements that are common to all tunes. Mari will help you hone in on each element, so that you can better copy the things that you love most about your favorite recordings and videos. As you get better at using these skills, not only can you become a better fiddler yourself, but you will also start being able to learn much faster!

Each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention! :)). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. While this seminar is intended primarily for bowed string players, players of any melody-focused instruments are most welcome to join us!

Topics:
Week 1: Form & Melodic Patterns — the fundamental “Building Blocks” of fiddle tunes
Week 2: Rhythm & Bowing — Sussing out the patterns that create the essence of style
Week 3: Hearing the "little" stuff — The many embellishments that make a tune sound great
Week 4: Putting it all together!

Class level:
No matter what your current level is, this seminar will be a perfect fit for you if you want to start making more rapid progress in your self-guided tune learning. No need to worry about being "too advanced" or "too beginner", because this class is about learning how to learn. We will have players of all experience levels in the class, and everyone will be working on improving from where they already are.

How will tunes be taught?
Since this class is focused on learning by ear, there will be NO SHEET MUSIC PROVIDED. Instead, Mari will help you learn the techniques you need to listen to a part of a fiddle tune, figure out what the notes / rhythms / decorations are, and discover how to play it on your instrument. That may sound scary right now, but with practice, you’ll get better and better at it — over the course of this seminar and beyond!

Not currently enrolling. Join Mari's email newsletter to be notified when future dates are announced

Investment: $200 for the course — Includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
This seminar is a continuation of "Catch What You Hear I", and it’s all about developing even greater fluency in teaching yourself new musical material from your favorite recordings and videos. Over four weeks of class, we will deepen your comfort with picking up melodies by ear, recognizing melodic and bowing patterns, deciphering the ornaments and variations that make a particular recording special, and -- most importantly -- emulating the tone, expression, and character of the recording you're learning from. Mari will help you hone in on each element so that you can make your rendition of a tune sound closer and closer to your favorite CD recordings and videos, making you a better fiddler AND helping you be able to learn more repertoire more quickly in the future!

As always, each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention!). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. While this seminar is intended primarily for bowed string players, players of any melody-focused instruments are most welcome to join us!

Topics:
Week 1: Capturing the "foundation" - melodic patterns and the essence of character
Week 2: Rhythm & Groove — picking bowing patterns that match the sound you're hearing
Week 3: Emulating Embellishments — honing in on ornaments and small melodic variations
Week 4: Putting it all together!

How is this class different from "Catch What You Hear I"?
The goal of "Catch What You Hear I" is to help you get comfortable with the foundational skills needed to learn a tune by ear off of a recording: identifying the form of the tune, discovering how the basic melody is moving (ie. in scales, arpeggios, broken 3rds, etc), picking bowings that match with the general feel of the tune, and adding in small ornaments in the same places as the recording you're learning from. In this Level II class, we'll be moving more quickly through learning the basic tune by ear and turning our attention to a deeper emulation of tone and character (ie. how to make a tune rendition sound "bouncier" vs. more "flowing"), as well as exploring how to pick up the more subtle variations in bowing / ornaments / variations that make your favorite recordings really stand out.

How will tunes be taught?
Since this class is focused on learning by ear, there will be NO SHEET MUSIC PROVIDED. Instead, Mari will help you expand your comfort with the techniques needed to listen to a part of a fiddle tune, figure out what the notes / rhythms / decorations are, and discover how to play it on your instrument. That may sound scary right now, but with practice, you’ll get better and better at it — over the course of this seminar and beyond!

Not currently enrolling. Join Mari's email newsletter to be notified when future dates are announced

Investment: $200 for the course — Includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
Are you searching for a way to make your tunes sound "fancier" and more interesting? Yearning to come up with your own signature version of a tune that makes listeners go "Ooooh!"? In this seminar, we will explore concrete and accessible ways to elevate simple tunes into iconic, ear-catching pieces: decorating with tasteful grace notes, adding intrigue with small rhythmic gestures, digging into the musical architecture that goes into constructing great variations, and more. We’ll also focus on how to strike a balance between creating something adventurous and distinctive while still respecting the shape and sound of the original tune. Over the course of the four weeks, you’ll gain an array of techniques that you can use to build your own versions of any of your favorite tunes — skills you can use for the rest of your musical life!

Each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention! :)). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. While this seminar is intended primarily for bowed string players, players of any melody-focused instruments are most welcome to join us!

Topics:
Week 1: Ornaments — Playing with taps, turns, rolls, triplets, cuts, and more!
Week 2: Variation, Part I — Using small “fills” to make a big difference
Week 3: Variation, Part II — Expanding your personal spin on a whole tune
Week 4: Double Stops & Reharmonization — Adding your own touches to enrich the texture of the tune

Class level:
This seminar is designed for more experienced players who are fluent with learning the basic melody of a tune, but are wanting to learn how to "dress up" those melodies in a fun and stylistic way. To reap the greatest benefit from this class, you should already be comfortable moving around your instrument, and be able to learn standard tune melodies—either by ear or with sheet music—with relative ease.

How will tunes be taught?
This class is focused on ornamenting and decorating traditional melodies, so Mari will send out basic versions tunes we’ll be exploring ahead of time each week. That way you can become familiar with the melodies in advance, if that’s helpful for you. Mari will send out both sheet music and reference recordings, so you can learn the tunes either by ear or by reading — whichever is more comfortable for you!

Enrolling now for November 2021

Investment: $200 for the course — Includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
We all want it: the ability to play FAST! Not just speedy, but clean, beautiful, steady, dancing, and easy-sounding all at the same time. It’s the gold standard for instrumentalists wanting to jam, play for dancers, or simply make those fast tunes sound like they’re meant to — and, weirdly, you can’t get there just by practicing slowly! Over the course of four weeks, Mari will show you the techniques and practice strategies you will need to start playing fast tunes with greater ease. Step by step, she’ll help you learn the same approach that she uses in her own practice and demystify the "secrets" of achieving those faster, more danceable tempos.

Each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention! :)). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. While this seminar is intended primarily for bowed string players, players of any melody-focused instruments are most welcome to join us!

Topics:
Using 2-3 tunes each week, we’ll explore:

- Foundational left-hand techniques to make “fast” possible
- Ease & efficiency in bowing
- Releasing tension in both hands
- Coordination between your two hands
- Thinking in patterns (rather than note-by-note)
- Specific practice techniques for increasing tempos
- Integrating and applying these skills to your favorite fiddle tunes!

Class level:
No matter what your current level is, this seminar will be a perfect fit for you if you want to increase your ease, comfort, and fluency playing at faster tempos. No need to worry about being "too advanced" or "too beginner", because this seminar will focus on foundational techniques and concepts that are important at ALL stages of a fiddler's journey. We will have players of diverse experience levels in the class, and everyone will be working on improving from where they already are.

How will tunes be taught?
This class is focused on tempo/speed work, and there is no need to have anything learned ahead of class, since we will be working on HOW to play tunes in a way that will make them easier at faster tempos. However, Mari will send out both sheet music and recordings for tunes we’ll be exploring ahead of time each week so you'll be able to preview the tunes in advance -- by ear or by reading -- if that's helpful for you.

Enrolling now for September 2021

Investment: $200 for the course — Includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
Have many tunes to work on, but don’t know where to start? Want to get back to practicing, but not sure what to do? Or maybe you’re practicing like crazy, but just not getting any better? Say "goodbye" to your practice frustrations! In this seminar, Mari will give you a step-by-step practice plan that will allow you to see concrete improvements in your playing over the course of four weeks. With a 30-minute per day practice commitment, you'll learn to build essential skills that will impact your practice habits for the rest of your life. It’s time for you to actually ENJOY your practice time AND reap the benefits of your work!

Each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention! :)). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. While this seminar is intended primarily for bowed string players, players of any melody-focused instruments are most welcome to join us!

Class level:
This is truly an all-levels seminar! No matter what your current experience level is, this class will be a good fit for you if you want to get more out of your practice time and make more rapid progress in your all-around musical skills. No need to worry about being "too advanced" or "too beginner”, because this class is about learning how to improve, and Mari’s "Practice Work-Out Plans will include tracks geared towards multiple levels.

Enrolling now for September 2021

Investment: $200 for each 4-week course — Includes weekly online classes, Q&A, and the opportunity for individual video feedback from Mari

Space is limited!

Class Description:
This repertoire-based seminar series is your chance to dive deeply into the essence of your favorite musical styles! In each 4-week session, we'll embark on an in-depth exploration of a different genre of fiddling, working carefully through some of Mari's favorite tunes from the repertoire. Over the course of 4 weeks, we'll delve into concrete ways you can bring out the idiomatic sounds of each style: coloring your tone, capturing characteristic rhythmic feels (i.e bowing!), and zeroing in on distinctive ornaments. Come hone the nuance of your playing in a genre you know, or start exploring a style that's brand new to you!

Each class will include time for questions, and class participants will have the opportunity to submit optional weekly "homework" videos* to Mari for personal feedback (*totally optional, for those who are comfortable and would like the extra personal attention! :)). Class sessions will be live using Zoom video conferencing (details and access link provided when you register), and Mari will also send out recordings so that you can join the class from anywhere in the world. While these seminars are intended primarily for bowed string players, players of any melody-focused instruments are most welcome to join us (aka. flutes, accordions, pipes, mandolins, etc)!

September — Cape Breton
Dive into the iconic tune types of this beloved, high-energy style: strathspeys, jigs, and reels…all flavored with the ear-catching cuts and bowing patterns, fiery ornaments (taps, “wiggles”, fast rolls), crisp articulation, and distinctive drive that characterizes the Cape Breton sound!