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									Rachael McShane

  • Home
  • uncharted pre-sale
  • About
    • Rachael McShane
    • The Cartographers
  • Music
  • Shows
  • Workshops
  • Store
  • Contact
  • Discography
  • Photos
  • bigfiddleweekend

WORKSHOPS

ABOUT RACHAEL's TeACHING

Rachael has been running workshops and teaching for over 15 years. Her online fiddle courses are hugely popular and this year she will be hosting the first Big Fiddle Weekend in Yorkshire.

Rachael regularly teaches in schools in the Newcastle area and has also been involved in running many folk music workshops at festivals and events as well as working with Aldeburgh Young Musicians and the National Youth Orchestra as part of Bellowhead workshops.

Workshops and lessons are friendly and inclusive with a focus on good technique.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BIG FIDDLE WEEKEND

"I’ve been talking about learning an instrument for years, I wish I hadn’t left it so long, so go on take the plunge, Rachael’s lessons are fabulous I have 90 uninterrupted minutes a week doing something I thoroughly enjoy, such a positive experience." - Sue

"Rachael is a fantastic teacher. The course has a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, full of really useful content, and I feel that I’m now set on the right path." - Malcolm

"After a 10(ish) year hiatus from the violin, this course has refreshed my memory and allowed me to play with confidence again. Rachael is a great teacher and her instruction is easy to follow." - Louise

BEGINNERS+ & IMPROVERS CLASSES STARTING AGAIN SEPTEMBER 2025 

SUMMER TUNE CLUB AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING NOW!

Previous events

May11

Improvers Fiddle Class Summer '26 (6 weeks)

Monday, May 11 @ 6:30PMMon, May 11 @ 6:30PM

This 6-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique, ornamentation and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. The theme of our Summer Course is always REQUESTS! If there's a tune you'd like to learn, one you're struggling with or would like to be able to play more confidently then let me know! (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

6 WEEK COURSE Mondays 6.30-8pm 11/5, 18/5, (no session on 25/5) 1/6, 8/6, 15/6, 22/6

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Improvers Fiddle Class Summer '26 (6 weeks) on May 11, 6:30PM

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May11

Beginners+ Fiddle Class Summer '26 (6-weeks)

Monday, May 11 @ 9:15AMMon, May 11 @ 9:15AM

This 6 week beginners+ class is suitable for players who already have some experience of playing the fiddle with some tunes already under their fingers, but want to develop a solid technique and musical grounding whilst building their repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes at a steady pace. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. The theme of our Summer Course is always REQUESTS! If there's a tune you'd like to learn, one you're struggling with or would like to be able to play more confidently then let me know! (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

6 WEEK COURSE Mondays 9.15-10.45am 11/5, 18/5, (no session on 25/5) 1/6, 8/6, 15/6, 22/6

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Beginners+ Fiddle Class Summer '26 (6-weeks) on May 11, 9:15AM

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Mar2

Improvers Fiddle Class Spring 1 '26 (4 weeks)

Monday, March 2 @ 6:30PMMon, Mar 2 @ 6:30PM

This 4-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique, ornamentation and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

4 WEEK COURSE Mondays 6.30-8pm 2/3, 9/3, 16/3, 30/3

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Improvers Fiddle Class Spring 1 '26 (4 weeks) on Mar 2, 6:30PM

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Mar2

Beginners+ Fiddle Class Spring 1 '26 (4 weeks)

Monday, March 2 @ 9:15AMMon, Mar 2 @ 9:15AM

This 4 week beginners+ class is suitable for players who already have some experience of playing the fiddle with some tunes already under their fingers, but want to develop a solid technique and musical grounding whilst building their repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes at a steady pace. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

4 WEEK COURSE Mondays 9.15-10.45am 2/3, 9/3, 16/3, 30/3

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Beginners+ Fiddle Class Spring 1 '26 (4 weeks) on Mar 2, 9:15AM

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Jan19

Improvers New Year Fiddle Course '26 (5 weeks)

Monday, January 19 @ 6:30PMMon, Jan 19 @ 6:30PM

This 5-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique, ornamentation and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

5-WEEK COURSE Mondays 6.30-8pm 19/1, 26/1, 2/2, 9/2, 16/2

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Improvers New Year Fiddle Course '26 (5 weeks) on Jan 19, 6:30PM

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Jan19

Beginners+ New Year Fiddle Course '26 (5 weeks)

Monday, January 19 @ 9:15AMMon, Jan 19 @ 9:15AM

This 5-week beginners+ class is suitable for players who already have some experience of playing the fiddle with some tunes already under their fingers, but want to develop a solid technique and musical grounding whilst building their repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes at a steady pace. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

5-WEEK COURSE Mondays 9.15-10.45am 19/1, 26/1, 2/2, 9/2, 16/2

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Beginners+ New Year Fiddle Course '26 (5 weeks) on Jan 19, 9:15AM

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Nov3

Improvers Fiddle Class Winter 1 '25 (6 weeks)

Monday, November 3, 2025 @ 6:30PMMon, Nov 3, 2025 @ 6:30PM

This 6-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

6-WEEK COURSE Mondays 6.30-8pm 3/11, 10/11, 17/11, 24/11, 1/12, 8/12

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Improvers Fiddle Class Winter 1 '25 (6 weeks) on Nov 3, 6:30PM

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Nov3

Beginners+ Fiddle Class Winter '25 (6 weeks)

Monday, November 3, 2025 @ 9:15AMMon, Nov 3, 2025 @ 9:15AM

This 6-week beginners+ class is suitable for players who already have some experience of playing the fiddle with some tunes already under their fingers, but want to develop a solid technique and musical grounding whilst building their repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes at a steady pace. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

6-WEEK COURSE Mondays 9.15-10.45am 3/11, 10/11, 17/11, 24/11, 1/12, 8/12

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Beginners+ Fiddle Class Winter '25 (6 weeks) on Nov 3, 9:15AM

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Sep15

Improvers Fiddle Class Autumn 1 '25 (6 weeks)

Monday, September 15, 2025 @ 6:30PMMon, Sep 15, 2025 @ 6:30PM

This 6-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

6-WEEK COURSE Mondays 6.30-8pm 15/9, 22/9, 29/9, 6/10, 13/10, 20/10

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Improvers Fiddle Class Autumn 1 '25 (6 weeks) on Sep 15, 6:30PM

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Sep15

Beginners+ Fiddle Class Autumn 1 '25 (6-weeks)

Monday, September 15, 2025 @ 9:15AMMon, Sep 15, 2025 @ 9:15AM

This 6-week beginners+ class is suitable for players who already have some experience of playing the fiddle with some tunes already under their fingers, but want to develop a solid technique and musical grounding whilst building their repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes at a steady pace. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

6-WEEK COURSE Mondays 9.15-10.45am 15/9, 22/9, 29/9, 6/10, 13/10, 20/10

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Beginners+ Fiddle Class Autumn 1 '25 (6-weeks) on Sep 15, 9:15AM

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Jul7

TUNE CLUB (6 weeks)

Monday, July 7, 2025 @ 7:00PMMon, Jul 7, 2025 @ 7:00PM

Join us for 6 weeks of Tune Club for mixed-ability fiddle players. This is a perfect opportunity to get into playing tunes as part of a session in a friendly environment. Tunes will be sent out in advance and we'll cover a mixture of easy and trickier tunes that are commonly played in sessions, looking at different tune types along the way. These sessions will be recorded and available to watch again for a week.

These sessions are for adult fiddle players.

6 WEEKS on Mondays 7-8pm on Zoom 7/7, 14/7, 21/7, 28/7, 4/8, 11/8

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TUNE CLUB (6 weeks) on Jul 7, 7:00PM

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May12

Improvers Fiddle Class Summer 6 weeks

Monday, May 12, 2025 @ 6:30PMMon, May 12, 2025 @ 6:30PM

This 6-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. The Summer course is always REQUESTS! So get your tune suggestions over to me - a tune that you'd love to learn, something that you would like help with or think that the rest of the group would enjoy - send your tune suggestions over and we'll get through as many as we can! It's always a really enjoyable term, learning a mix of different tunes! (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

6-WEEK COURSE Mondays 6.30-8pm 12/5, 19/5, 2/6, 9/6, 23/6, 30/6 (no sessions on 26/5 or 16/6)

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Improvers Fiddle Class Summer 6 weeks on May 12, 6:30PM

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May12

Beginners+ Fiddle Class Summer 6 weeks

Monday, May 12, 2025 @ 9:00AMMon, May 12, 2025 @ 9:00AM

This 6-week beginners+ class is suitable for players who already have some experience of playing the fiddle with some tunes already under their fingers, but want to develop a solid technique and musical grounding whilst building their repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes at a steady pace. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

The Summer course is always REQUESTS! So get your tune suggestions over to me - a tune that you'd love to learn, something that you would like help with or think that the rest of the group would enjoy - send your tune suggestions over and we'll get through as many as we can! It's always a really enjoyable term, learning a mix of different tunes!

6-WEEK COURSE Mondays 9-10.30am 12/5, 19/5, 2/6, 9/6, 23/6, 30/6 (no sessions on 26/5 or 16/6)

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Beginners+ Fiddle Class Summer 6 weeks on May 12, 9:00AM

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Mar3

TUNE CLUB (5 weeks)

Monday, March 3, 2025 @ 7:00PMMon, Mar 3, 2025 @ 7:00PM

Join us for 5 weeks of Tune Club for mixed-ability fiddle players. This is a perfect opportunity to get into playing tunes as part of a session in a friendly environment. Tunes will be sent out in advance and we'll cover a mixture of easy and trickier tunes that are commonly played in sessions, looking at different tune types along the way. These sessions will be recorded and available to watch again for a week.

These sessions are for adult fiddle players.

5 WEEKS on Mondays 7-8pm on Zoom 3/3, 10/3, 17/3, 24/3, (no club on 31/3), 7/4

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TUNE CLUB (5 weeks) on Mar 3, 7:00PM

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Jan20

Improvers Fiddle Class Spring 1 - 5 weeks

Monday, January 20, 2025 @ 6:30PMMon, Jan 20, 2025 @ 6:30PM

This 5-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

5 WEEK COURSE on Mondays 6.30-8pm 20/1, 27/1, 3/2, 10/2, 17/2

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Improvers Fiddle Class Spring 1 - 5 weeks on Jan 20, 6:30PM

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Jan20

Beginners+ Fiddle Class Spring 1- 5 weeks

Monday, January 20, 2025 @ 9:00AMMon, Jan 20, 2025 @ 9:00AM

This 5-week beginners+ class is suitable for players who already have some experience of playing the fiddle with some tunes already under their fingers, but want to develop a solid technique and musical grounding whilst building their repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes at a steady pace. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

5 WEEK COURSE on Mondays 9-10.30am 20/1, 27/1, 3/2, 10/2, 17/2

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Beginners+ Fiddle Class Spring 1- 5 weeks on Jan 20, 9:00AM

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Dec2

TUNE CLUB!

Monday, December 2, 2024 @ 7:00PMMon, Dec 2, 2024 @ 7:00PM

Join us for 2 weeks of Tune Club for mixed-ability fiddle players. This is a perfect opportunity to get into playing tunes as part of a session in a friendly environment. Tunes will be sent out in advance and we'll cover a mixture of easy and trickier tunes that are commonly played in sessions, looking at different tune types along the way. These sessions will be recorded and available to watch again for a week.

These sessions are for adult fiddle players.

2 WEEKS on Mondays 7-8pm on Zoom 2/12, 9/12

SAVE THE DATE - Monday 16th December - our annual online Christmas party! Get the Christmas jumpers, party hats, comedy tipple and fiddles at the ready for a fun evening of festive music and quizzing!

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TUNE CLUB! on Dec 2, 7:00PM

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Oct7

Improvers Fiddle Class Winter 24 - 5 weeks

Monday, October 7, 2024 @ 6:30PMMon, Oct 7, 2024 @ 6:30PM

This 5-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

5 WEEK COURSE on Mondays 6.30-8pm 7/10, 14/10, 21/10, 28/10, 4/11

SAVE THE DATE - Monday 16th December - our annual online Christmas party! Get the Christmas jumpers, party hats, comedy tipple and fiddles at the ready for a fun evening of festive music and quizzing!

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Improvers Fiddle Class Winter 24 - 5 weeks on Oct 7, 6:30PM

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Oct7

Beginners+ Fiddle Winter 24 - 5 weeks

Monday, October 7, 2024 @ 9:00AMMon, Oct 7, 2024 @ 9:00AM

This 5-week beginners+ class is suitable for players who already have some experience of playing the fiddle with some tunes already under their fingers, but want to develop a solid technique and musical grounding whilst building their repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes at a steady pace. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. This class is not suitable for absolute beginners. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

5 WEEK COURSE on Mondays 9-10.30am 7/10, 14/10, 21/10, 28/10, 4/11

SAVE THE DATE - Monday 16th December - our annual online Christmas party! Get the Christmas jumpers, party hats, comedy tipple and fiddles at the ready for a fun evening of festive music and quizzing!

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Beginners+ Fiddle Winter 24 - 5 weeks on Oct 7, 9:00AM

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Jul1

Improvers Fiddle (Summer2)

Monday, July 1, 2024 @ 6:30PMMon, Jul 1, 2024 @ 6:30PM

This 6-week improvers class is suitable for players who already know their way around the fiddle but want to develop their technique and overall sound whilst building their confidence and repertoire. We will learn a variety of folk tunes, working on technique and style. This is a sociable and relaxed group and all you need is a fiddle and bow. (This is an online class for adults via zoom, also available as catch up every week)

6-WEEK COURSE Mondays 6.30-8pm 1/7, 8/7, 15/7, 29/7, 5/8, 12/8

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Improvers Fiddle (Summer2) on Jul 1, 6:30PM

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Online 1-to-1 tuition is currently fully booked but feel free to get in touch if you would like to be added to my waiting list.

Online Beginners and Improvers Courses for adults are open for booking now. These courses usually run in blocks of 5 or 6 weeks and are 1.5hrs per session. We will look at new music in each block so the course will be suitable for people who have signed up before and new starters. We will have a big focus on technique as well as building repertoire.  

The online courses will be recorded and sent out to you along with all resources each week so you can still take the course even if you can't make any or all of the sessions online.

Any Questions? Get In Touch!

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