Minnesota State Fiddlers Association

The Minnesota State Fiddlers Association is a volunteer group whose purpose is to keep the heritage of fiddling alive.  We do this through programs, workshops and events that educate and encourage fiddlers of all ages and abilities.  Our group has a special emphasis on learning and promoting the fiddle music of the Upper Midwest. 

Use this page to join, renew your membership, or just give a little extra to make sure we can continue supporting old time fiddle music in the Upper Midwest.  (If you use this for your membership renewal, please provide us with your name and email so that we can update our records).

We asked some folks why they support the MSFA - and here's what they told us -

I joined the MSFA just a few years ago, at the suggestion of a friend, and I’m glad I did! I have met many people of all ages and abilities, who love to play and/or listen to fiddle music and string bands. I support the goal to keep the heritage of fiddling alive, and the MSFA gets right to the heart of this with their in-person jams and fiddle contests, free on-line sessions of interesting topics, diversity in teaching traditional tunes as well as tunes from various regions/cultures and MSFA’s inclusive and welcoming environment. All made possible by the support of the MSFA members. Come check out a fiddle contest or jam and help encourage the youngest fiddlers (and young at heart) who will carry on this tradition.

  Teresa Walter, Rochester, MN

I am a donor to the Minnesota State Fiddle Association for numerous reasons. They do a great job of outreach through the fiddle contests, regular jams and sponsoring workshops. More importantly to me, they do not just focus on bluegrass or old time music. Other genres such as Scandinavian, French-Canadian, Metis, and Irish fiddling are often represented. But maybe the reason closest to my heart is they are trying to keep the tradition of Midwest fiddling going. This means keeping the tunes of the immigrants to the area in circulation, not just at festivals, but through tune books from the Elmo Wick collection and grants to other musicians to help keep the flame of the old tunes alive. 

                                                              Eric Platt, St. Paul, MN

" Although I play in a variety of fiddle related endeavors, the MSFA holds a special place in my preferred activities! Their mission of re-discovering and preserving the very roots of fiddle tunes, and the fiddlers who played them, gives a depth to this music that is special and unique, both from the historical and personal perspective. And through their strong ongoing focus of promoting this music, they bring it to the present time, keeping it relevant, fun, friendly, inclusive and easily accessible, both via in-person  and on-line events. I have personally learned some great new tunes, made new friends, re-connected with decades-old friends, and enjoyed seeing a new generation of fiddlers embrace this music and put their own spin on it--which is how this music has always evolved. It's a living and dynamic art.

   There's an old saying that, "You can't know where you're going until you know where you've been". The MSFA brings both of these to us. Spread the word, and please join me in supporting the MSFA through "GiveMN"  this November. And as always--keep fiddlin'!"   

                                                                       Mike Hildebrandt, Faribault, MN

“Give to the Max Day” is Thursday, November 16th.  Consider joining or making an additional donation during Give to the Max to help keep the heritage of fiddling alive!  

All our efforts are lead by a board of volunteers, and most events are free or low cost.  Membership is a modest $15 per year, and all events are family friendly and open to the public - and are now offered online.

For more information on our activities, go to the Minnesota State Fiddlers Association website.