James Kelly is certainly one of the best Irish fiddle players around. He grew up in a family of traditional musicians in Co. Clare, and absorbed this music from an early age. He also learned to play by ear from his father, a well respected Irish fiddler, and other visiting musicians.

In his workshops James emphasizes proper technique, both to enhance the playing and also to avoid bodily injury. Not holding the fiddle under the chin requires most of the weight to be placed on the left hand and bending the wrist back so that the heel of the hand supports the neck. This leads to carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist problems, and creates unwanted tension in the hand. The fiddle seems to be an instrument of the devil designed to destroy the human body if not handled properly. Certainly a chin rest is necessary. Whether or not to use a shoulder rest is a matter of personal choice. As one becomes more comfortable with the instrument many players find they don't need it, but that is also a matter of personal anatomy.

Here is an excerpt about James' teaching techniques: "According to James, the key to good fiddle playing is learning the basics: bowing, ornamentation, and phrasing. Learning a particular tune involves several tasks: learning the notes, figuring out bow strokes, holding the fiddle at the proper angle, properly holding the bow and the fiddle neck, positioning the fingers correctly, and remembering to bow from the elbow and not the shoulder-all the while striving for a clear tone. James uses repetition and example to teach Linda Gesele and Pam Carsey. Just as he'll play a phrase over and over to learn it, he makes Pam and Linda repeat a portion of a tune until he's satisfied. "Again!" is a word the two women have heard all too often, for James is a demanding teacher. James is far more concerned that his students improve their technique and play a few tunes well and not that they have a vast repertoire."

Cheers, S. in Seattle