Tony Hodkin

Tony Hodkin is a skilled freelance fiddle player who also plays in both "In a Heartbeat" ceilidh band and "Dexter the Cat" folk and jazz collective, bringing a unique blend of classical, jazz, and folk influences to his performances. He first learned the fiddle as a child, took a long break, and rediscovered the instrument only four years ago. Since then, Tony has embraced folk music and developed his distinctive style, often described as jazzy and energetic. Tony is passionate about working with beginners and encouraging everyone to join in, regardless of where they are on their music learning journey. Tony’s exceptional ability to play by ear and improvise with unfamiliar tunes makes him an outstanding musician, adding a fresh, creative energy to KJ Ceilidhs. His contributions to the band’s sound are both dynamic and exciting, ensuring that every performance is full of life. Tony will be leading a workshop at Chippenham Folk Festival, where he’ll help participants build confidence and improve their improvisation and playing-by-ear skills. While his playing style is grounded in the folk music tradition, he brings a creative flair that encourages musicians to explore new ways of approaching tunes. This workshop is perfect for those looking to improve their skills in a welcoming, accessible setting without feeling overwhelmed or out of place.