Missouri State Old Time Fiddlers Association
Must Have Books
The Old-Time Fiddler's Repertory - Volume One
The first volume of what we call the "Missouri Fiddling Bible."
Fiddle music is a firm part of the American folk tradition, yet little has been available in formal notation. This collection, based on recordings and notes made by R. P. Christeson over three decades, offers reliable scores for 245 traditional fiddle tunes as played by artists in the Midlands and the Southwest.
In this volume Christeson presents the scores for traditional tunes as played by thirty-three different fiddlers from nine states. Many of the tunes, divided into categories of breakdowns, waltzes, quadrilles, and “pieces,” have never been published nor appeared on commercial recordings.
The Old-Time Fiddler's Repertory - Volume Two
Fiddle music has long been a part of the American folk tradition, yet before the publication in 1973 of The Old-Time Fiddler’s Repertory by R. P. Christeson, little had been available in formal notation. Now, in a sequel to that book, Christeson provides scores for more than two hundred additional tunes, along with background information on the fiddlers from whom he has transcribed the music.
As in the first book, Christeson has arranged the scores by musical type: breakdowns, organized by key; quadrilles, which some folks call jigs; miscellaneous pieces; and waltzes. Most of these tunes are from Missouri, fitting because the state is a leader in old-time fiddling, with numerous contests and active local associations promoting the music. Both volumes of The Old-Time Fiddler’s Repertory are outstanding collections in an attractive and useful form.
Dr. Howard W. Marshall's Three Book Series on Missouri Fiddling
Play Me Something Quick and Devilish: Old-Time Fiddlers in Missouri (2013) - This book delves into the rich history of old-time fiddling in Missouri, featuring stories and profiles of fiddlers from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It includes archival recordings to provide a deeper understanding of the music and its cultural context.
Fiddler’s Dream: Old-Time Swing and Bluegrass Fiddling in 20th-century Missouri (2017) - This volume examines the evolution of fiddling styles in Missouri throughout the 20th century, with a particular focus on the influences of swing and bluegrass. It also comes with a CD of recordings to complement the text.
Keep it Old-Time: Fiddle Music in Missouri from the 1960s Folk Revival to the Present (2023) - The latest book in the series, it covers the period from the 1960s folk revival to contemporary times, highlighting how traditional fiddling has been preserved and adapted in modern contexts.
Uncle Pink and other Central Missouri fiddle tunes from Lyman Enloe
Lyman Enloe's music is significant for two reasons. First, a good part of his repertory was acquired in the early 1900's from much older fiddlers who transmitted to him the traditions of mid-nineteenth century dance fiddling in central Missouri. Second, Lyman is a naturally accomplished fiddler and has an instinctive sense for the melodic structure of a fiddle tune. He thus is able to convey what was taught to him many years ago in a form that preserves the best aspect of the tunes.
​
Lyman's repertory was accumulated during three separate periods in his life. The earliest tunes were learned in his pre-teens and teens from his family and their friends. He garnered a whole new "tune-list" when he moved to the Kansas City area around 1948. Then, in the 1960's he gravitated to bluegrass and became fluent in that style of fiddling. All of the tunes in this collection are from the first two "periods" and most are from Lyman's pre-Kansas City days.
​
The tunes are varied in key, structure, meter (three have extra beats), and tuning (two are discorded). Some of the tunes have Lyman's distinctive imprint on them, but most are close copies of what Lyman heard shortly after the turn of the twentieth century in family get-togethers, dances, and fiddle contests. I have taken care to ensure the accuracy of the note transcription and have rendered the bowings as close to Lyman's actual usage as possible. The read must remember that Lyman varies the melody and bowling subtly every time he repeats a part, so a transcription reflections only one version of a single rendition of a tune.
​
​Putting all matters of music aside, let me say that Lyman is a "gentleman" in the best sense of that word. He is known across Missouri for his brotherliness, humility, and generosity. I hope that portion of that good spirit is brought forth in the music represented here.
Bill Shull
July, 1993
​
This PDF is a free download, courtesy of MSOTFA, in memory of Bill Shull, a longtime champion of Missouri's fiddling heritage.
YouTube Channels
If you subscribe to just one channel on YouTube, this should be it. With over 4k videos available ranging from instruction, videos of our Missouri Fiddling heroes, live shows and more.
The Gordon McCann Ozark Folk Music Collection
Recordings from the Gordon McCann Ozarks Folk Music Collection. Provided by Missouri State University of Springfield, Missouri.
If you run a YouTube channel showcasing Missouri Fiddling or have a favorite that you believe should be included in this list, please send us an email.
Sites with Notation
The Traditional Tune Archive is the searchable digital library of traditional music from Ireland, Great Britain and North America organized alphabetically, by tune title, with alternate or additional titles and variants cross-referenced, music in standard and ABC notation, annotated information on history and context, along with references and internet links for further reference.
Old Time Fiddle Tunes is a great resource of notation and is incredibly user friendly. They also have sections dedicated to Cyril Stinnett, Bob Walters, and Chirps Smith.
MSOTFA Recommended Violin Shops
Seitz Violins
4171 Loughborough Ave.
St. Louis, MO 6311
314.353.1312
Wyatt Violin Shop
2418 East R D Mize Road
Independence, MO, 64057
816.252.5656
Notable Sites
The Missouri Traditional Fiddle & Dance website is dedicated to preserving and promoting Missouri’s traditional music and dance. It offers information about various events, such as fiddle camps and jam sessions, and highlights the history and styles of Missouri fiddling. The site also features profiles of notable fiddlers and resources for those interested in learning more about this cultural heritage.
The Missouri Folk Arts Program (MFAP) is a program of the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, and the Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Established in 1984, MFAP builds cross-cultural understanding by documenting, sustaining, and sharing our state’s living folk arts and folklife in collaboration with Missouri’s citizens.