Hosted by Blackerby Violin Shop · Austin TX
Slow Down
to Speed Up
Learn it. Feel it. Play it — then dance it.
What if music began
with listening, not reading?
Most musicians were taught to read first and feel second. This workshop turns that upside down. Led by Scottish fiddle player Colin MacLeod, this immersive evening uses the Slow Down to Speed Up method — a play-by-ear approach rooted in Argyll Highland tradition — to help you unlock a more natural, relaxed, and musical way of playing.
No sheet music. No pressure. Just your ear, your bow, and a room full of people discovering the same thing at the same time.
Follow-On Zoom Session
Scheduled 7–10 days after July 9th, this one-hour online session reinforces the tunes, ornamentation, and concepts from the workshop — helping you consolidate what you learned and keep the momentum going. A recording is available if you can't make it live.
What you'll learn
Come prepared: tune audios will be shared in advance, so you can start learning the tune by ear before you arrive.
Then the dancers arrive.
The Intermediate-Advanced group will play live for dancers, some from the Austin Scottish Country Dance Society — likely some musicians playing while others join the dancing. Exact format still to be confirmed with Kate Walker of the Austin Scottish Country Dance Society.
Tickets — July 9th
All tickets include the Follow-On Zoom session, full recording, Celtic Fiddle Starter Pack, and tune resources. Choose one session or book the full evening.
Arriving at 5pm? Add the Cymatics Experience — sound made visible, live demonstrations, science + fiddle. Just $15 extra.
Learn about the Cymatics Experience →What's included
Colin MacLeod
Colin MacLeod
Originally from the Scottish Highlands near Inveraray in Argyll, Colin now teaches and performs across the US, bringing the oral tradition of play-by-ear Highland fiddling to players at every level. His Slow Down to Speed Up method helps musicians bypass the tension of notation-based learning and rediscover music through listening, feeling, and playing.
Colin has taught at Celtic festivals in Australia, the National Folk Festival, and workshops from Virginia to Texas. He is co-creator of the Unwinding Trauma — Building Resiliency programme and regularly performs at Highland Games, wineries, and cultural events.
Ready to play by ear?
Limited to 20 participants · Thursday July 9th · Blackerby Violin Shop, Austin TX
Questions: [email protected] · celticfiddleguru.com
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Scottish Fiddle Workshop on July 9th?
Do I need to read music to attend?
How much does the workshop cost?
Which session should I choose — Beginners or Intermediate-Advanced?
Is there a dance element to the workshop?
Will tunes be shared before the workshop?
What's included with my ticket?
Can I combine this with another event that evening?
Where is Blackerby Violin Shop and is there parking?