Course Summary

This ‘play by ear’ course with international musician Colin MacLeod is a comprehensive introduction to playing the violin by listening to music instead of playing sheet music. The course will suit students who are new to playing any instrument. 

Learn to play a Celtic song for family and friends, or just for your own musical pleasure. 

Colin MacLeod is a Celtic fiddle player with over 40 years’ experience, who has achieved Grade 8 Violin Distinction, recorded 7 CDs, played in Celtic bands, and has run Celtic fiddle workshops in Scotland, Australia, and the United States. Colin started playing violin in Scotland at the age of 7 and spent his teenage years travelling across Scotland playing and winning competitions until the age of 15. Colin was classically trained through the school system in Scotland, regularly playing in both the Regional Youth Orchestra and National Youth String Orchestra of Scotland. In his final year of school, Colin achieved Distinction in Grade 8 Violin. Outside of school, Colin followed his passion for Celtic and Scottish music, playing in concerts all over Scotland. He entered Scottish fiddle competitions which helped Colin to hone his Celtic fiddle playing technique and unique sound. He now regularly performs and teaches, both in person and online, across five continents including Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America. You can read more about Colin on his website.

Student endoresments: 

‘Thank you, Colin, for your encouragement and sympathetic ear. You showed me I could play along even if I don’t know the tune, and that I could add to the beauty of the music if I just kept playing. I realized most of my insecurities were of my own making and my judgements kept me from playing.’

Jacqui Wallace Skinner, South Carolina age 20-30 group coaching

‘Colin not only taught several pieces of music to a group of fiddle players of a wide range of ages and abilities but had the audience smiling and singing as well. Even the most musically shy of us were playing and moving around the stage to the rhythm of the music. Colin’s love for Celtic music is contagious! I had so much fun. Can’t wait to do it again!’

Sarah O’Brien, North Carolina age 50+ group coaching

See and hear Colin on CAE’s Instagram account: CAE Centre For Adult Education (@cae_melbourne) • Instagram photos and videos

as well as Facebook: Centre for Adult Education (CAE) | Melbourne VIC | Facebook

Course Sessions

Tuesday, 4th February - 5 classes


Session ID HWBB0601C
4 Feb - 4 Mar 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location CBD
Session Fees
$326 / $310 (conc)
Teacher
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Frequently asked questions:

What is a Celtic Fiddle? Is it the same as a violin?

It is the same instrument. In the first lesson, the teacher will show you how to play simple tunes with correct technique.

I have never played violin before. Will I be able to manage the basic technique?

The course is for beginners. You do not need prior experience. In the first lesson, the teacher will show you how to play simple tunes with correct technique.

I don’t own a violin. Can I hire one?

Yes, there are several places in Melbourne that hire out musical instruments. See the ‘Materials’ section for a list of recommended stores.

My friend has a violin that I can borrow. How can I tell if it will be good enough to play?

If you let us know beforehand, we can check with the teacher. Take a photo and send it to us, if you like.

Do I need to be able to read music to do this course?

No, you do not have to know how to read music, though that is always useful.

Apart from the course fee and instrument hire, do I need to pay anything else?

The course fee will include all paperwork and other resources. The instrument rental is at your own expense. In the ‘Materials’ section is a list of recommended hire places.

Do I need any spare strings or rosin?

As a precaution, if you are hiring an instrument, it would be best to ask for some rosin with the violin. The teacher will have a limited number of spare strings, though they are unlikely to be necessary.

I don’t know how to tune the violin? Can the teacher show me?

Yes, he will. And if necessary, he can tune the instrument for you.

I don’t have a Celtic background. Does that matter?

That is not a problem. Music is a universal language. However, this course will add to your appreciation of Celtic music and culture.

Where will be the classes be held?

Classes are held in the CAE music rooms in the city campus.

Is this a group lesson or are there individual classes available?

This is a group lesson.

Will there be a next level of this class provided afterwards?

There may be an option for a next-level class, provided online. It will depend on demand. 

What if there aren’t enough enrolments and the class doesn’t go ahead? When should I hire the instrument?

We recommend that you do not pay for instrument hire until the course is confirmed. All courses are confirmed 48 hours before course commencement.

If you own a violin already, great. Bring it along to the first class. If you don’t own a violin, you can hire one. There are several retail hire outlets in Melbourne for instrument hire. Here are just a few:

https://grantviolins.com.au/rentals/

https://www.simplyforstrings.com.au/pages/instrumental-rentals

https://bowsforstrings.com/collections/instrument-rental?srsltid=AfmBOopwgEtYZ2TYB5minWP9EmVJWnV-QeCacuUEveuFVUSA9pqo03QJ

https://www.bowandcello.com.au/rentals?srsltid=AfmBOoqAGGJUcIRy5Gjqg9Q9QfP05JM50PrrSMY8NRPDarAxIzY42C8E

Rental agreements:

Bond & Monthly Fee: Usually, a $100 refundable bond is required. The monthly rental fee is only $25 for a 6-month commitment.

Early Termination: If you end your rental at 4 months, you are still responsible for paying the remaining two months.

Purchase Option: At 6 months, you can apply all paid rent towards purchasing the instrument.

Instrument Value:

Instruments are valued between $400-$600. Paid rentals contribute to this price if purchased after six months.

Damage Policy:

Renters are liable for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Reasonable assessments will be made upon return.

Accessories & Add-ons:

Shoulder rests are included; however, items like rosin blocks ($10) need to be bought separately.

Flexibility in Choices:

If you like, you can opt to buy a more expensive or a new instrument using accumulated rent credits toward its price after six months.

In-Person vs Online Experience:

While online transactions offer convenience across Victoria (Australia), visiting the shop provides personalized fitting experiences crucial for both children and adults learning an instrument.

Waiting Time:

There might be a wait time of 1-2 weeks due to inventory preparation, but processes have been streamlined recently for efficiency.

Colin MacLeod’s comments on waiting time:

‘Playing an instrument is personal; waiting ensures finding the right fit. playing music remains an intimate human experience despite technological advances. The first full size violin I owned was my grandfathers. The story goes that, whilst carrying the violin, my grandfather was chased out of a Russian village by the Russian women because he was wearing a kilt. As you might guess, it took longer than two weeks to repair the violin and yes, the wait was worth it!’

Last updated: December 20, 2024 04:52pm