If you're a violinist or rhythm instrumentalist who is looking for a friendly music group in Leeds where you get together to rehearse each week and perform regularly at events, read on to see if the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group is for you! Experience at playing folk music is not necessary as the leader of the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group gives training in playing folk music (see Group Coaching below).

You can learn broad repertoire of folk tunes, fiddle techniques and perform with this fantastic group at amazing events & festivals in Leeds & Yorkshire! Any instruments and any ability are welcome - all that's required is commitment and enthusiasm!

The repertoire of the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group is very varied, so players need to be adaptable as other styles and genres such as Klezmer, Gypsy, jazz and swing are played as well as traditional folk music. Have a look at the Repertoire page to see examples of the music played by the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group.

Membership of the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group is open to players of all ages. Talented younger players are encouraged to join the junior section where they are offered simplified parts. If they can meet the requirements, they are given the opportunity to perform with the group and to join the pre-gig rehearsals. In this way, younger players gain valuable experience, both musical and social, playing alongside Leeds Folk Fiddle Group musicians.

The Leeds Folk Fiddle Group is led by an experienced and skilled violin teacher, Iveta Hlavenkova, the founder of Leeds Violin School. Iveta teaches the violinists in the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group the correct techniques for playing folk music on the violin, and all instrumentalists benefit from playing different folk styles and genres with members of a group. Extra lessons can be given on an individual basis if required.

Iveta provides all the sheet music and also arranges for the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group to perform regularly at local folk and community venues. Experienced performers also have the opportunity for solo performances.

Several violinists have learnt to play folk music in the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group and have gone on to become well-established folk musicians.

Owen Spafford and Lizzie Morris perform solo and in bands, and also have a folk programme together on the internet radio station East Leeds FM.

Owen was even chosen to perform for the Queen and the Commonwealth Heads of Government at Buckingham Palace (back row, blue jacket), whilst Lizzie now has her own band, Morris & Watson.

Another talented young player was Abigail Webster who also regularly plays with her folk band now.

The Leeds Folk Fiddle Group holds rehearsals at 7pm to 8.30pm each Thursday during term times
at the Quaker Meeting House, 188 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9DX (see map below).

If you would like more information about joining the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group, please either send the contact form or leave a message on Iveta's mobile phone - 07547 112171.

The Leeds Folk Fiddle Group performs on a regular basis, so it's important that members are able to attend the weekly rehearsals and perform at as many of the gigs as possible. It's a team event so if being part of a friendly and focussed team of musicians appeals to you, the Leeds Folk Fiddle Group would like to hear from you!