Composition/Recording Projects
Publication Date
Spring 4-30-2026
Abstract
The American culture of fiddle playing is rooted in fiddle styles from Ireland, Scotland, and England as a result of fiddle tunes being brought to America via immigrants from the British Isles. Despite many of the fiddling styles prevalent today being rooted in the same traditions, each has unique technical and compositional distinctions. This paper explores the technical, compositional, and cultural components of bluegrass and Celtic music and how they can be fused together. This project combines elements of both styles in unique ways to create a natural fusion born out of submersion in each genre.
Major Mentor
Dr. Jeff Kirk, Ed.D.
Second Mentor
Dr. Ryan Joseph, D.M.E.
Third Mentor
Dr. Jeremy Lane, D.M.A.
Department
Music, School of
College
Music and Performing Arts, College of
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Music (MM)
Degree Level
Master's
Degree Grantor
Belmont University
2-Washed Up.m4a (2665 kB)
3-Pat and B's Waltz.m4a (3011 kB)
4-St. Anne's Reel.m4a (3458 kB)
5-Sunshower Waltz.m4a (3043 kB)
6-The Angsty Duck.m4a (2948 kB)
7-Be Thou My Vision.m4a (2442 kB)
Recommended Citation
Ward, Kate, "Off the Rails: A Fusion Project Combining Bluegrass and Celtic Fiddle Music" (2026). Composition/Recording Projects. 25.
https://repository.belmont.edu/music_comp/25
