The Beginning Fiddler

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Comment by Bill Brisotti on December 18, 2009 at 12:12pm

Hi, Folks,
I've been working with the "aerobics" book and have found it quite helpful. I'm also going through the standard Irish tunes (and some bluegrass tunes) and playing along with various "youtubers" who have recorded versions on the fiddle of these jigs, reels, hornpipes, waltzes, etc. All of this is very helpful, especially for a player beginning the fiddle, but who has a background of performance of these tunes on other stringed instruments.

Comment by Adam R Sweet on April 1, 2009 at 9:48pm

George Fowler is running a Fiddle Camp group for people that just want to focus on that. Check it out!

Comment by Dave Light on March 30, 2009 at 7:04pm

Interesting looking topics. Once my wife is recovered from her knee surgery enough for me to get back online, I'll probably add my two cents from time to time!

Comment by Pat Jack on March 28, 2009 at 3:55am

May I like ... totally regress and learn everything over again? Please?

:-)

Comment by Percy on March 11, 2009 at 8:55am

We'll certainly keep this group going. It's a little quiet, but as you say, it's a good place to start-- AND tips and comments here will be always be useful for new players just coming in!

Comment by Percy on February 15, 2009 at 8:49am

There are wonderful, inspirational stories here! And I feel honored to be in company with such fine people -- both my fellow adult beginners, and those who have been playing for years and are willing to share their knowledge and experience with us. Bless you all!

Comment by Mary Margaret on February 14, 2009 at 10:19pm

Oh John - the story about the young man's courage is very moving to me. And your willingness to be honest with him is what enabled him to tell you his story.

Music is sometimes a mission, is it not?
-MM

Comment by John Timpany on February 13, 2009 at 6:01am

Years ago I found out just how stupid a teacher can look.

I was teaching guitar, and one young lad that started managed reasonably quickly to hold a simple chord. As I began to show him basic finger style, he kept moving his chord fingers. Each time I tried to get him to change a chord, his other fingers would clamp.
I pondered over the problem for a few weeks, and eventually realised that to be honest to him, I had to tell him I didn't think he would make a guitarist.

When I told him, he said "Yes I know."
I asked him why he came, it seemed he was wasting his money.
"I have a brain disorder where one hand tries to do what the other does, and learning guitar helps me overcome it"

It took my breath away.
What courage he had to sit in front of someone who could play - not just better, but play, and show your disability and be ready for criticism.

He stayed with me for years.

Comment by Sue B. on February 12, 2009 at 5:14pm

When your teacher asks how things are going, that is often shorthand for, "Give me a hint as to what stuck and what didn't make sense when you tried to practice it, so I know what to repeat or rephrase." When he/she asks about your practice, that is about assessing what kind of time and concentration it took to do whatever was just heard. That lets us learn better what to repeat, what to add, and how much more to ask for at one time. I have a couple of students who typically say they played much better at home. I believe them! but until I hear what they think is "better", I can't know what that means, so it is just a little more challenging to advise and give assignments. Something of a conundrum :) I think the suggestion to bring me a recording is heard as a joke, and I don't press. Sue

Comment by Sue B. on February 11, 2009 at 9:21am

Hi! I admire those who begin ANYTHING as adults, especially something as complicated and annoying as a stringed instrument. Only the oboe, French horn, bagpipes or maybe accordion seem worse to me for same. ;) I am not a beginner. In January I started my 50th year playing, and I'm in my 50's. I have some adult novice & intermediate students fiddle & classical students, and reading the questions, trials and triumphs of those of you who are such is quite helpful to me. I will probably weigh in from the teacher/player side when it seems that might be helpful. Sue

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