Where is Blackford and what is the Fiddle Group? 


Blackford is a small Scottish village in south Perthshire, just off the A9 between Perth and Dunblane.  It is perhaps an unremarkable place, but we like to think that one of the things that is remarkable here is the fiddle group. Set up in 1996 it aims to help people of any age to learn to play the fiddle in a traditional style.  At the group we do not teach people how to play the fiddle in a formal way and only occasionally do we have qualified tutors.  The goal of the group is to enable people to learn to play fiddle tunes competently and confidently so that they can enjoy themselves and entertain other people at social events. It is about learning rather than teaching.

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  Who can join and how does it work? 


FG is in the main a self-fsunded group and we welcome anyone who wans to play. We aim to remove barriers to playing and there are no tests of musical ability.  We do not believe that ability to play music socially can be predicted by such means. We will lend you a fiddle to start off with and you can keep it until you are ready to buy your own.  Our current charge is just 50p per week for under 18s and £1 for adults to cover hall costs. All other costs of BFG are met from donations and fees we charge for concerts and ceilidhs.   We are a very informal group and we do not have lots of committee meetings and rules. We have a constitution and operate to charitable ideals although we have chosen not to become a registered charity.  The easiest way to see what we are about is to sit in on one of our Friday night sessions, normally 7.00 pm, The Hall (Moray Institute) Blackford. Check the Friday sessions link. Parents and children are welcome to drop in and stay for as long as they like.  We welcome new members from complete beginners through to good players.  If you want to speak to one of us see the contacts page.

More about BFG


  No teaching? How do you learn?


We don't have access to professional teaching all the time and so we rely on self help.  For us learning is a social activity and our Friday sessions are at the core of that.  Our slogan is "Be your own good teacher" as we believe that you only learn by playing and that the best thing to do is to play regularly. No one can teach you except through your own playing. By doing this with others you will learn from them and you should also enjoy the process.  Practice, including playing together, is important but on its own it won't really mean much if you don't enjoy it. The Fiddle Group tries to create the right mix of fun, entertainment and support so that people at all stages of learning can enjoy what is on offer.  Whatever you do though, don't think about it for too long, just pick up your fiddle and play. If you prefer, bring a whistle, flute, cello, guitar, bouzouki, banjo or your pipes.  Contact us if you want to find out more before you come along

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