For 45 years, the Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles have brought together players of all levels to explore and perform traditional music rooted in Scotland and beyond. Much of that continuity traces back to Jan Tappan, who has directed the group for 37 of those years. What began as a small gathering of musicians has grown into a wide-ranging community of nearly 60 players, including both amateur and professional musicians on fiddles and accompanying instruments such as guitar, mandolin, harp, and percussion, with a repertoire that now extends well past its original core.

Under Tappan’s leadership, the group has performed widely throughout Southern California and collaborated with leading figures in traditional music, including Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Ashley MacIsaac, and Kevin Henderson. Their appearances have ranged from local performances to larger events, including participation in the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ 50th anniversary concert.

In this conversation, Tappan reflects on how she first found the music, how the group has evolved over time, and how this year’s anniversary program was shaped by a more collaborative approach to leadership and teaching.

Jody Gunn (JG): You’ve been with the Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles for 45 years and directing for 37. Looking back, what stands out to you about that time?

Jan Tappan (JT): It has been such a journey, and my music has taken me all over the world. This year, because we’ve been doing things the same way for many years, I wanted to get more people involved in planning, teaching, arranging, and leadership. At some point it will be wonderful to have leaders all set.

We had many people suggest tunes, we agreed on sets together, and different people taught them. Most of those people are also leading the tunes in the concert. That’s something new this year, and it has been a great adventure.

JG: How did you first get involved with Scottish fiddle music?

JT: Colin Gordon started a small group after introducing Scottish fiddle to the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest. In 1981, my husband and I went to a clan dinner hoping to find bagpipes, and the Scottish Fiddlers were performing. They had left notes inviting musicians to join.

I hadn’t played violin for 20 years, but I went to a rehearsal in Eagle Rock and fell in love with it. I joined with great enthusiasm, and my children did as well.

JG: What drew you to the music?

JT: It pulled on my heart. Scottish music sounded close enough to classical that I could relate to it, but it was still traditional. It touched me in a way no other music had, and that’s why I’m still with it 45 years later.

JG: How would you describe this kind of group?

JT: It’s similar to the strathspey and reel societies in Scotland, where people gather to play traditional music, most of them not professionals. We’re mostly fiddlers, but we include instruments that fit well, like flute, whistle, harp, accordion, and cello. We are very open and welcoming, from beginners to highly experienced players.

JG: How has the group changed over the years?

JT: We’ve grown in numbers, with people traveling long distances to rehearse. Our concerts used to run very late, and we’ve shortened them so audiences want more. We’ve also expanded musically. It started mostly with Scottish tunes, but now includes Scandinavian, Welsh, Cape Breton, and some English music.

JG: What have you seen in how musicians develop in the group?

JT: I had a student with no musical background who started by playing only open strings. Over time, she learned to hear pitches, play tunes, and even improved her singing. That kind of growth happens a lot. People return after years away or come from other traditions and learn by playing with the group.

JG: What still excites you when the group plays together?

JT: The sound when everyone is together and feeling the same tune. It’s beautiful to hear and feel the music, with harmony players, soloists, and accompaniment all contributing.

JG: How did you plan this year’s program?

JT: We met with associate directors and decided to organize the program with older tunes in the first half and newer tunes in the second. We are also collaborating with Susie Glaze and her ensemble, who have been rehearsing with us, which has been wonderful.

JG: What are you especially looking forward to?

JT: We’re bringing back a set of Welsh jigs that I love. I’m also looking forward to the collaborations, to hearing Michael Kelly, and to playing some newer and more challenging tunes, including one of my own.

JG: What do the guest artists bring?

JT: Susie Glaze brings her singing and experience with traditional music. Michael Kelly is a wonderful Irish fiddler, and Dave Champagne is an excellent bagpiper.

JG: What can audiences expect?

JT: Jigs, reels, marches, and some singing and solo playing. It’s largely a fiddle-centered performance, and the music tends to make people feel happy, even when it’s contemplative.

JG: What would you say to someone who has never attended?

JT: Music is a universal language, and traditional music reflects the roots of a culture. You don’t have to be Scottish to connect with it. It’s uplifting, enjoyable, and a wonderful experience.

For more information about the Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles and upcoming performances: https://www.scottishfiddlers.org