The Sydney Scottish Fiddlers are a group of amateur musicians (not just fiddlers) who love to learn and play the traditional music of Scotland. We’re always happy to welcome new members and are regularly booked to perform at festivals, community events, and to run traditional music sessions.
Monthly Meetings
Rehearsals are held once a month at the Gaelic Club in Surry Hills. We usually meet in the afternoon on the third Sunday of each month (subject to venue availability). Join our mailing list and check our events page for meeting details.
We usually learn a tune in the aural tradition, and apply some fiddle techniques, workshop arrangements. Rehearsals can also focus on preparing for upcoming performances, but you’re absolutely welcome to join even if you don’t plan to perform – although it is a lot of fun.
Halfway through the rehearsal we stop for a break where tea, coffee and cakes are provided. A great opportunity to get to know everyone.
Rehearsals are mostly led by fiddler and teacher James Gastineau-Hills, who is well known on the Sydney traditional music scene as (among other things) a member of the band Kejafi, and as a musician for Scottish dancing.
Am I good enough?
We recommend that players have a good grasp of their instrument, but you don’t need to be highly experienced, we’re all here to learn together. While most of our members play string instruments, we welcome a variety of traditional (and sometimes non-traditional) instruments. We usually learn new tunes by ear, but also work from sheet music.
If you would like to get a feel for what we play, recordings and sheet music can be found on our downloads page. If you’re still not sure whether it’s the right fit, feel free to get in touch sydneyscottishfiddlers@gmail.
Membership Fees
The first meeting is free—come along and see what we’re all about! After your first meeting you have the option to pay:
- Monthly: $20 per rehearsal ($10 for students)
- Yearly: $200 per year ($100 for students)
Fees contribute to costs like venue hire, printing sheet music, equipment hire, website fees etc. Whilst we are all volunteers, we also like to show appreciation for James’ hard work teaching, and transcribing and arranging the music with an annual honorarium.
Direct Transfer Details
- Account Name: Sydney Scottish Fiddlers
- Account Number: 158580985
- BSB: 633 000
Cash can also be collected in person at each rehearsal