Teaching & Workshops
Workshops [scheduled to meet the needs of workshop sponsors - our own workshops are formulated differently]:
Typically, workshops last anywhere from 1 hour to a full day, depending on the needs of the presenter. Usually, registration is open and all levels of players are welcome. Bobby's workshops are interactive, we want players to bring their instrument and learn, not just sit and listen.
The first 15min-half hour covers the basics of fiddle technique [how to hold the bow, good posture, how to hold the fiddle, where to place the bow for maximum sound, etc]. More or less time is spent, depending on the skill level of the participants and how long the workshop lasts.
The bulk of the workshop is spent breaking down a tune that best represents Bobby's unique style - bluegrass/texas swing with alot of double stops. Finger exercises are incorporated into the tune. If the participants are proficient enough, a twin fiddle tune is taught, in order to demonstrate harmony fiddling and to encourage the participants to start hearing harmony lines as opposed to lead [melody] lines.
We try to reserve about the last 15-30 minutes of the workshop to individual questions. And, participants are always encourage to come up afterwards and talk to Bobby about any specifics not covered in the workshop.
Fiddle Camps:
Fiddle camps are usually 3 - 5 days in length with levels segregated by the players experience and ability. Most camps have different instructors that explore the different styles of fiddling, so the players that would be in Bobby's class would have a predisposition to bluegrass/texas swing fiddling. Bobby only takes intermediate and advanced players in camp situations. Each camp sets their schedules according to their needs, but they typically involve about 4-6 hours of instruction daily, with a couple of general assembly type workshops during the week.
The first day of class is usually an assessment of the students ability and sets the stage for the remainder of the week for the type tunes that are taught. There is no way to really set an agenda until the participants playing skills are reviewed. The level of difficulty is geared to the students needs.
The remainder of the week is spent working on tunes that represent Bobby's style of playing. Anywhere from 3-5 tunes and several finger exercises are incorporated into the class. If there is adequate interest, backup fiddle [playing behind a singer] is taught. The week usually culminates into a student concert to demonstrate what they have learned.
Private Lessons:
Bobby has a limited number of spaces for private students. It works best for those that want an occasional lesson as opposed to a weekly roster of students. These lessons are entirely geared to the needs of the individual student and is usually a result of a specific tune or technique a student wants to learn. Those interested in private lessons should email [after reviewing the appearance schedule to verify there are no conflicts] for a mutually convenient time. Private lessons are taught in western North Carolina (about 25 miles NW of Asheville) in Bobby's teaching studio. Hourly rate is $60 per hour.