Ffidil Fawr, Ffidil Fechan
Fiddle and Viola
Our fiddle classes are a space to learn tunes, build confidence, and enjoy playing together. Open to both fiddle and viola players, these sessions explore Welsh traditional repertoire alongside technique, style, and ensemble playing. Whether you learn by ear or from the page, you’ll be supported to develop your sound, try new ideas and feel part of the Ffidil Fawr community.
What You’ll Learn
In these sessions we’ll dig into tunes together, paying attention to rhythm, bowing, and the small details that bring the music to life. Viola players are very much part of the group, with the opportunity to learn a fiddle style on the instrument There’s time to listen, try things out, and grow in confidence, whether you’re learning by ear or from the music. It’s focused, practical and rooted in playing together.
Program Structure
Each day includes a mix of full-group playing and focus on technique, style and tune learning. We work together to explore new ideas to experiment with and new tunes to put these ideas into practice. There’s time for questions, repetition, and settling into the music properly — not rushing through it.
What’s Included
You’ll receive all session materials, including notation where needed, along with guidance on technique, style, and ensemble playing. The weekend includes structured teaching, option classes covering a range of musical topics, and the chance to play together as part of the Ffidil Fawr orchestra as well as time to explore the Stackpole Estate. There will also be informal opportunities to gather and make music beyond the scheduled sessions.
Session Lengths
Sessions are long enough to properly get into the music without feeling overwhelming. Expect focused blocks of around 60–90 minutes, with breaks in between to rest, chat, and reset before the next session.
Level of experience
We welcome a range of abilities, from confident beginners to more experienced players. You should feel comfortable holding your instrument and playing a few simple tunes. The teaching is designed so everyone can be challenged at their own level while still playing together as a group.
Meet the Tutors
Angharad Jenkins
Angharad is a fiddle player, singer and songwriter from Swansea. A former member of Calan, she now works across traditional and contemporary music, performing, collaborating widely, and creating original work.
foundations tutor
Aneirin Jones
Intermediate tutorAneirin, originally from Pontardawe, is a Welsh fiddler and member of VRï. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he performs internationally, composes new tunes, and teaches widely, including on Ffidil Fawr and Gwerin Gwallgo.
Patrick Rimes
advanced tutorPatrick is a musician, composer and educator from Snowdonia. He performs internationally with bands such as VRï and Alaw, composes and arranges for artists across a range of genres, and is passionate about teaching traditional music at courses like Ffidil Fawr and at the RWCMD.