Minnesota State Fiddlers Association

In 1986, a group of old-time fiddlers, led by Elmo Wick, decided to form an organization to support fiddling and fiddlers primarily through fiddle contests held around the state.  Their mission was to keep the heritage of fiddling alive.  The Minnesota State Fiddlers Association (MSFA) was born, and while the people and activities have changed over the years, our mission continues to be even stronger than ever. 

The MSFA is a volunteer-led organization that sponsors or supports a wide variety of fiddling activities, including in-person and virtual jams and tune workshops and festivals for beginning and intermediate fiddlers of all ages.  The MSFA John Wallace Mini Grant program has sponsored fiddle contests and workshops as well as offered scholarships for fiddlers attending other fiddle workshops or camps. 

Lily Benedict competed in the Young Adult Division at the 2023 Minnesota State Fiddlers Convention in Zumbrota, Minnesota.

We have sessions covering all kinds of traditional fiddling styles, but as a fiddle organization in Minnesota, we have a special affinity for the music from fiddlers in the Upper Midwest, supporting the research and learning of these heirloom tunes. 

Our monthly, electronic newsletter updates fiddlers to events, activities and festivals both in-person and online that help fiddlers connect and engage with others and continue to advance their learning.  Our YouTube channel is particularly popular among fiddlers who want to learn tunes and fiddle techniques in the comfort of their own home. Facebook followers get regular links to videos and events happening in the fiddling community. 

Becoming involved is easy - become a member (only $15/year/family) and join in with others to keep the heritage of fiddling alive!  (Want to write a check and mail it in? Go to www.fiddlemn.com to get a link to our paper membership form).