Colin MacLeod-Celtic Fiddle Play By Ear Courses
From first notes to ceilidh-learn by ear, at your pace.
Choose your path-courses for every step of the journey
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 Schlottish fiddle style
Absolute Beginners
Your first Celtic tune is closer than you think
Start here: 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.
Who it's for: People returning to violin after years away , and complete beginners inspired by Celtic music
Short, bite sized lessons to help you to clearly identify your progress. The course can be completed at your own pace.
Beginners
Build Skills, one tune at a time
Discover the true joy of ear-based learning. You’ll develop musical confidence while playing authentic tunes that blend memory, listening, and creativity.
Boost your focus & creativity whilst learning to play by ear.
Learn tunes to play with other people.
Learn in a natural, traditional way that is both relaxing & inspiring.
Improve your coordination & rhythm for playing other Celtic tunes.
Who it's for: Violinists or fiddlers who are interested in learning to play Celtic fiddle by ear. Celtic music, because of its musical patterns, is a good place to start playing by ear The same patterns keep repeating through a tune.
Short, bite sized lessons to help you to clearly identify your progress. The course can be completed at your own pace.
Intermediate
Make Celtic music your own-with ornament, style & voice
Learn 4 decoration techniques and apply them across 12 tunes to develop personal style.
Master grace notes, flicks, triplets, the 'fridge' magnet
Apply ornamentation to real tunes-3 tunes per technique.
Develop phrasing, dynamics & personal expression..
Learn the 'shake your leg' technique.
Who it's for: Players ready to move beyond basics and musicians who want authentic Celtic phrasing.
Hands-on ornament practice, micro-learning techniques and creative exercises..
Advanced
Play with confidence, fit in anywhere and let the ceilidh begin
Develop authentic sound, intuitive playing and the ability to perform with bands and sessions by ear.
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 & life.
Who it's for: Players ready to move beyond basics and musicians who want authentic Celtic phrasing.
Includes ceilidh sets, backing tracks, intuition building & improvisation challenges.
How the courses work
Short video lessons-Slowed down audio-Downloadable Sheet music -Lifetime access
Pricing & options
Per-course enrolment with optional bundle discounts.