Welcome!

The Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association (WOTFA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1965 to preserve and promote old time fiddling and related arts.

Statewide, we now have around 1700 members, arranged geographically into districts. Talented musicians range in age from 5 up into the 90's. We welcome new members (you do not have to be a musician to join). Membership benefits include the opportunity to compete in the State Fiddle Contest and to attend the summer Fiddle Workshop, plus monthly WOTFA newsletters, which publicize all statewide activities (including shows) and the sheet music for a selected song each month.

We are a very active organization statewide and perform at various functions (nursing homes, retirement homes, senior centers, clubs, religious groups, civic functions, etc.) throughout the year. Donations from many of these functions are used to cover our operating expenses. Please check with the district you would like to visit for times and locations of monthly jam sessions and meetings in your area. These are open to the public to come and listen.

We have a State Fiddle Contest in the Spring in East Wenatchee for those who like to compete. We hold a week-long Fiddle, Guitar and Mandolin Workshop in Kittitas in August, taught by nationally recognized artists. Many districts sponsor campouts throughout Washington State that are great opportunities to jam, socialize and learn new tunes.

To carry on our tradition, we enthusiastically promote youth musicianship. Many districts have Junior Old Time Fiddlers Groups for children ages 5 to 18.

WOTFA promotes and conducts research on old time and traditional fiddling and maintains archives and collections.

Updated 1/18/2010