The annual winter school is the jewel in the crown of the Blazin’ Fiddles calendar.  

Hosted by the band and delivered in the beautiful Highland setting of Beauly.  The village boasts a perfect assortment of shops, pubs and cafes including world renowned Tweed shop, ‘Campbell’s of Beauly’ & Morison’s Ironmongers;  a wonderful shop with historically intriguing tales as the favourite haunt of James Scott Skinner, one of Scotland’s most famous fiddlers. 

The members of Blazin’ Fiddles offer classes to suit every ability and as well as a packed timetable of fiddle, guitar and piano classes there are masterclasses, ceilidh’s, sessions, concerts and one to one lessons to keep you busy throughout the week. 

Each year we invite a special guest to join us to tutor and perform and 2018 is no exception. Blazin’ Fiddles are thrilled to welcome world renowned fiddle and cello duo,  

Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas.  

"Alasdair Fraser is recognized throughout the world as one of the finest fiddle players Scotland has ever produced. [His] name is synonymous with the vibrant cultural renaissance which is transforming the Scottish musical scene." —SCOTS Magazine 

Master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser is a consummate performer. His dynamic fiddling, engaging stage presence, and deep understanding of Scotland's music have created a constant and international demand for his solo appearances and concerts with a variety of ensembles. Alasdair has been a major force behind the resurgence of traditional Scottish fiddling in his homeland and the U.S., inspiring legions of listeners and learners through his recordings, annual fiddle camps, and concerts.   

Alasdair's richly expressive playing transports listeners across a broad musical spectrum, ranging from haunting laments from the Gaelic tradition to classically-styled airs, raucous dance tunes, and improvisations based on traditional themes. His vast repertoire spans several centuries of Scottish music and includes his own compositions, which blend a profound understanding of the Scottish tradition with cutting-edge musical explorations. Through two summer programs that he founded nearly two decades ago - the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School in California and a week-long course on the Isle of Skye - Alasdair has inspired hundreds of aspiring and accomplished musicians. Several of his tunes are now standard in the repertoire for Scottish, Irish, and contra dancing, and can be heard in sessions from Edinburgh to Canberra. 

Natalie is one of the most sought after cellists playing traditional music today. She and Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser have toured as a duo for over 18 years, wowing audiences at festivals and concerts worldwide with their unique sound.  

As a studio musician, Natalie has been a guest artist on over 50 albums, including those of Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster, Irish greats Altan, Solas, and Liz Carroll, and Americana icon Dirk Powell. 

A graduate of the Juilliard School, where she studied with cellist Fred Sherry, Natalie discovered the cello at age nine. In addition to having extensive classical music training, she is accomplished in a broad array of fiddle genres. Her music journey found purpose when she fell in love with Celtic music at the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School at age 11. Inspired and encouraged by director Fraser, she began to investigate the cello's potential for rhythmic accompaniment to fiddle tunes, and to this day, the two continue to resurrect and reinvent the cello's historic role in Scottish music. 
Natalie's skills as an educator make her one of the most in demand teachers at fiddle camps across the globe. She also teaches privately, in workshops, and at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she is an active member of the traditional music scene. 

¨In the hands of Natalie Haas, the cello becomes a truly magical instrument." - Green Man

Sessions 
The Lovat Hotel is a great place for session and an afternoon cup of tea - or whatever takes your fancy. 
The local Deli on the Square is a high point of each day – delicious lunches!  
Of course there are many more shops and food outlets that will keep you more than satisfied!

More information about the week can be found at www.blazininbeauly.com