The Muziekpublique String Band

The Muziekpublique String Band focuses on old-time music, the traditional music of the Appalachian Mountain region in the southeastern United States.

This music developed from the meeting of disparate cultures on the American continent: enslaved Africans, colonists from the British Isles and continental Europe, and indigenous Americans. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the melodies, rhythms, and instruments these groups brought with them blended to produce a new genre, known today as old-time music. It was (and remains) a social music, played in homes, at gatherings, and for square dances. Like many folk genres, old-time saw a revival in the mid-1900s, and today there are thriving communities across the US and abroad.

The course

Pieces will be taught primarily by ear, as is done in the US. Tunes – instrumental pieces without words – make up the bulk of the old-time repertoire. We will learn about different types of tunes (e.g. reels, waltzes, rags) and the tradition of “crooked” tunes (tunes with irregular time signatures). With an overarching focus on rhythm, we will learn common chord progressions found in old-time, accompaniment and bassline techniques, and how to ornament and vary melody lines. And of course we will learn songs, too!

Special focus will be placed on old-time culture, jamming etiquette, and the way that the music fits into daily life. We will learn to play together without a conductor, to “lock in” with each other while playing, and to find a groove. Depending on the number of participants, we may split into smaller groups, for a more typical string band experience. We will prepare for the end-of-season concert, and the instructor may arrange other performance opportunities throughout the year.

While the focus will be Appalachian old-time music, we might venture to Louisiana for some Cajun tunes, New England for some contra dance tunes, or even into Canada…

Participants

Musicians should have at least an advanced beginner level on their instrument. Solfege is not required, though any knowledge of music theory will be helpful. The class is open to the standard string band instruments (violin, clawhammer banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and double bass) but can be open to other string instruments (e.g. banjo ukulele, cello, viola) upon arrangement with the instructor. Feel free to reach out if you play a different instrument and are interested in joining the class.

The course will be taught primarily in English. However, the instructor Becca Fredrick, who takes over the course from Jérémie Fraboni and Lorcan Fahy, will happily take and answer questions in French, to make the course as accessible as possible.

Inscriptions open on August 11 2025!

Come discover this course during the free try-out session on Tuesday 23 September 2025, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Ensemble (10 lessons/cycle)

Tuesday: 8 pm – 9:30 pm

Registration is mandatory from the second lesson of a cycle.