Clare is a fully qualified teacher (Bachelor of Education), with experience teaching individually and in classroom and group settings. Clare has been playing viola & fiddle for over 50 years; she started on classical viola and piano, and now plays Old Time fiddle and clawhammer banjo.

Growing up in a family of professional musicians, Clare has played since childhood, with classical training on the viola beyond Grade 8. She was musical scholar at Upper School, has performed from her early years, toured internationally with Kent County Youth Orchestra, and has played in various orchestras and ensembles, including Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra.

However, since coming across Old Time (Appalachian) folk music in the early 2000s, Clare has concentrated solely on folk fiddle from the Old Time tradition. She has attended workshops with renowned UK and US fiddlers such as Gabrielle McCrae, Jock Tyldesley, Rachel Eddy, John Showman, Joseph Decosimo and Mitch Depew. Over the years her fiddle playing has changed, with a large repertoire of tunes learnt by ear, and the addition of complex bowing patterns, cross tunings and subtle rhythmic patterns which add danceability to her fiddle playing.

Clare is a well-known player at UK Old Time sessions and festivals. She helps organise the Cornwall Old Time Camp, and co-leads a regular Old Time session at the Yew Tree Inn, Peterstow, Ross-on-Wye. You can follow Clare on Instagram @oldtimefiddlerclare

Through teaching, Clare hopes to pass on her passion for the fiddle, and introduce more people to the joy that comes from playing folk fiddle, whether playing at home, or as part of a friendly, welcoming community.

My Teaching Choices

  • I choose to teach adults who are motivated to learn to play folk fiddle, and who can through classes make new and ongoing social connections and friendships.
  • I do not teach on-line, as social connection is an important part of folk learning.
  • I am a folk fiddler, and teach tunes from the Old Time repertoire which is my own expertise and passion; however I will teach you a good basic technique so that you can find your preferred folk genre in future. If you are interested in a classical pathway, I recommend you take individual lessons with a classical violin teacher.
  • I teach by ear, as aural learning is an important part of the folk tradition, therefore I do not use or teach you to read sheet music. However I may use sheet music as an additional learning tool within one-to-one lessons and violin-fiddle classes.
  • I gradually introduce relevant music theory to support your learning journey.

My Learning Promise

  • I believe that everyone is a musician, and anyone can learn to play folk fiddle.
  • I aim to give everyone the gift of playing fiddle and of making friends through music.
  • I believe no one is too old to learn fiddle, and actively welcome students of all ages.
  • I welcome students of all races, all genders, and all abilities. Your individuality gives you your own musical voice and brings the classes to life.
  • I aim for each student to feel confident, happy and supported in the lessons or classes, and for everyone to enjoy and look forward to their classes.
  • I teach using a carefully pre-planned curriculum and lesson plans, but constantly adapt my teaching methods to respond to students’ particular and varied needs.
  • I provide opportunities for students to ask questions and give feedback, which I then use to adjust my lesson plans.
  • I advise on key practice points, and effective practice and learning strategies.
  • I advise on all aspects of playing fiddle, including care and maintenance.
  • I provide instruments for use in classes, so you don’t have to commit to buying your own. These are not available to take home. Violinists with more expensive instruments may also borrow these in order to play in cross-tuning in class.
  • I advise on buying or loaning instruments and bows, and buying strings, shoulder rests and chinrests, so that you play comfortably, and within your budget.
  • I use teaching venues that are private, quiet and comfortable, with drinks and toilet facilities, and where possible within walking distance of town centres.
  • If students enjoy lessons but are struggling financially, I can discreetly reduce their fees so that they can continue learning. This would be reviewed termly.
  • I communicate using email, and only add students to WhatsApp groups if they give their consent. Otherwise I only use contact and personal information for planning and communication regarding classes, and will never share this information.
  • I keep photos to a minimum and always check with students before sharing.
  • If students video parts of lessons, these should not be shared with others or online.
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