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Music Professor to Share Scottish Fiddling Techniques at Faires Faculty Forum

Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2011

Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, Westminster College assistant professor of music, will share "From Piobaireachds to Strathspeys: Using Modern Pedagogical Methods to Teach Authentic Scottish Fiddling" at Faires Faculty Forum Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 11:40 a.m. in the Sebastian Mueller Theater of the McKelvey Campus Center.

According to Crawford Perttu, there is growing interest in the U.S. in learning Scottish fiddling but most violin teachers have no instructional background in this style.  Crawford Perttu has designed a pedagogical manual to teach violin teachers how to perform Scottish fiddling authentically.  She will share techniques from the manual during the forum.

Crawford Perttu, who serves as director of the Westminster College Symphony Orchestra, joined the faculty full time in August.  She earned an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and master's degree and Ph.D. from Ohio State University.  She has studied Gaelic, fiddling, and fiddle pedagogy at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Scotland. 

Faculty Forum was established in 1990 by Dr. Barbara Faires, Westminster professor of mathematics emerita, during her term as Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs.  Faculty members from all disciplines volunteer to present lectures on their current research, artistic productions, and/or scholarship of teaching and learning.  Each forum presents new ideas with innovative lecture techniques.

Contact Crawford Perttu at (724) 946-7271 or email for additional information.

Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu