Celtic Fiddle Play-by-Ear Courses
From first notes to ceilidh — learn by ear, at your own pace, with Colin MacLeod.
Whether you're picking up the violin again or aiming for ceilidh-ready confidence, each course focuses on by-ear learning, playful progress and authentic Scottish fiddle style.
“Slow Down to Speed Up.”
Learn by ear, the traditional way
Celtic music is built on patterns that repeat throughout a tune, which makes it the perfect place to start playing by ear. Each lesson slows the music right down so you can hear, copy and remember it — then gradually bring it back up to speed.
Drawing on 40+ years of playing in the oral tradition, Colin guides you step by step, so progress feels relaxing, natural and inspiring.
Your first Celtic tune is closer than you think
Choose a violin, learn to hold it, play your first notes — and your first tune.
- Start with confidence — no musical background required.
- Learn to choose and set up your violin comfortably.
- Master the bow hold and play your first notes.
- Play a complete Celtic tune by the end of the course.
Build skills, one tune at a time
Discover the joy of ear-based learning. You'll develop musical confidence while playing authentic tunes that blend memory, listening and creativity.
- Boost your focus and creativity while learning to play by ear.
- Learn tunes you can play with other people.
- Learn in a natural, traditional way that is both relaxing and inspiring.
- Improve your coordination and rhythm for playing other Celtic tunes.
Make Celtic music your own — with ornament, style & voice
Learn four decoration techniques and apply each one across three tunes — twelve tunes in all — to develop your own personal style.
- Master grace notes, flicks, triplets and the ‘fridge magnet’.
- Apply ornamentation to real tunes — three tunes per technique.
- Develop phrasing, dynamics and personal expression.
- Learn the ‘shake your leg’ technique.
Play with confidence, fit in anywhere — and let the ceilidh begin
Develop an authentic sound, intuitive playing and the ability to perform by ear with bands and at sessions.
- Play confidently in ceilidh and session settings.
- Advanced phrasing, set-building and ear-led performance.
- Backing tracks for practice.
- Transferable intuition that supports creativity in work and life.
How the courses work
Short video lessons
Bite-sized steps you can fit into any day.
Slowed-down audio
Hear every note clearly, then build up speed.
Downloadable sheet music
A handy reference alongside your ear-learning.
Lifetime access
Revisit any lesson, any time.
Enrol course by course — or save with a bundle
Each course can be purchased on its own, with optional bundle discounts when you enrol in more than one level.
Homeschooling or learning as a family?
Our Family Fiddle membership brings all four levels to the whole household — one family, one login — with bite-sized lessons that fit your homeschool schedule. Ages 6+, no prior music experience needed.
Discover Family Fiddle for homeschoolers