The American Fiddle Method Volume 1

Destined to become a classic, this method provides the beginner with the elements needed to become a proficient fiddler. Based on many years of teaching experience, the author introduces the concepts and techniques that yields solid results. This method encourages creativity in the student by including variations to the tunes and illustrating how they can serve as a basis for improvisation. to assist in the development of ensemble skills, chords and lyrics, basic music theory, and demonstrations of such skills as backup and lead playing are included in this profusely- illustrated book. A CD for listening and play-along captures the excitement of the music and aids instruction. This book is beneficial for both fiddle students and classical Suzuki violin students.

Designed as a follow-up to Volume 1, Volume 2 addresses such important skills as: 1) expanding a basic repertoire of common intermediate-level tunes, 2) learning to use low first position, 3) mastery of bowing down on the beat and corrective slurring, 4) artistic slurring, 5) understanding basic music theory, and 6) learning double-stop backup combinations. Some students who have studied violin or fiddle music before may be able to skip Volume 1 and start with Volume 2, assuming they are proficient at skills such as proper violin and bow placement and can play a small repertoire of fiddle tunes with good tone and intonation.

Presents 140 of the most frequently played tunes in old time fiddle contests as well as the most popular bluegrass, square dance and country tunes heard throughout the United States. the performance length arrangements of contest tunes include standard as well as challenging variations on hoe-downs, rags, polkas, show pieces, and waltzes complete with suggested accompaniment chords. This encyclopedia of fiddle tunes and variations spotlights American popular fiddle music as played by the great fiddlers of our time.

(Waltons Irish Music Books). Everything you need to know about the Irish fiddle, from playing your first notes and tunes to advanced solos and ornamentation. This book includes special chapters for beginners, "key points" highlighting essential aspects of fiddle technique, a comprehensive guide to traditional ornamentation and over 80 carefully chosen tunes. One of Ireland's most exciting fiddle players, Paul McNevin has had an equally influential career as a teacher. During his long association with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, he won the All Ireland Slogadh and Plearacha competitions and received his Comhaltas teaching diplomas in 1991. Paul has toured throughout Europe with the Donal Lunny Band, Damien Quinn and Speranza, among others and has been a regular guest with Stockton's Wing and the Riverdance dancers.

Ken Kolodner's book presents transcriptions with detailed bowings in tandem withthree recorded versions of 35 Appalachian fiddle tunes ranging from some very common and easy tunes (for more beginning players) but also quite a few less typically played tunes. All transcriptions are based on festival versions of the tunes, meaning the versions are those most commonly encountered at jams andfestivals. The book includes a clearly written description of old time style focusingon default bowing systems designed to develop rhythmic bowing. Ideaspresented include Nashville shuffle, 3-1 bowing, bow rocking, ghost bows, anticipations, left-hand ornamentation, drones, chording, dissonances, altered tunings, the concept of swing, tips on learning by ear and more. The tunes are played three times each for nearly 150 minutes of recording: (1.) very slowly and simply; (2.) at a modest tempo and but with double-stops, dronesand other ornaments; and (3.) up-to-tempo. While this effort was designed for fiddlers, the recordings should serve as an excellent source for non-fiddlers at all levels who desire to build their repertoire and practice learning tunes by ear. The book and accompanying MP3 disc are appropriate for any level of player. Thedifficulty of the tunes ranges from simple to relatively complex. Similarly, thebowing techniques include the simplest ideas to relatively difficult. The three recorded speeds make the learning and processing of the tunes appropriate for all levels of players wishing to improve their ear training. and bull; Simple and highly accessible transcriptions with detailed bowings of 35 estival versions of Appalachian fiddle tunes and bull; All tunes are recorded three times to accommodate players at all levels of experience and bull; Includes comprehensive and practical discussion of old-time bowings and style and how to learn by ear and bull; Strong focus on developing default bowings to get the characteristic groove of old-time and bull; Designed for all levels of players and non-fiddlers who desire to improve their learning by ear and/or increase their repertoire

Fiddling cellist, Renata Bratt, presents breakdowns, rags, waltzes, reels, songs, and stomps. American fiddle music is fun for cellists at all levels. Arranged from easy to intermediate, this book contains Appalachian dance tunes, Texas-style contest tunes, old-time, and bluegrass music with an authentic cello accompaniment for each tune. From first position with simple rhythms through fifth position with syncopated rhythms, learn or reinforce left-hand technique with extensions, shifting, and fast passage work. For the right-hand, fiddle tunes use string crossing, rhythmic bowing patterns and an ever-changing use of slurs and accents to create compelling rhythms. Join in with fiddle-style players, learn new styles and enhance your playing. Includes access to online audio.

Destined to become a classic, this method provides the beginner with the elements needed to become a proficient fiddler. Based on many years of teaching experience, the author introduces the concepts and techniques that yields solid results. This method encourages creativity in the student by including variations to the tunes and illustrating how they can serve as a basis for improvisation. To assist in the development of ensemble skills, chords and lyrics, basic music theory, and demonstrations of such skills as backup and lead playing are included in this profusely- illustrated book. An online audio for listening and play-along captures the excitement of the music and aids instruction. This book is beneficial for both fiddle students and classical Suzuki violin students. Includes access to online audio.

ViolinMind is a pedagogical method book that focuses on intonation. It is a transcription for the violin of CelloMind published in 2017 by Ovation Press, Ltd. The co-authors of ViolinMind are Hans Jørgen Jensen, Professor of Cello at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University and Grigory Kalinovsky, Professor of Music (Violin) at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. The mystery of intonation is dissected by defining the scientific principles behind it, and providing easy, intuitive examples of the three main kinds of intonation systems used today: Equal Temperament, Just, and Pythagorean. Playing with exquisite intonation has mostly been reserved for those who possess a strong intuitive sense of pitch and harmonic color; however, ViolinMind breaks down this barrier using a highly detailed, systematic approach, making the process of acquiring a sophisticated sense of intonation similar to any other technical skill. Chapters in the book explore in great detail topics such as the harmonic overtone series, the scientific principles behind Cents, the syntonic comma, the just scales, the Pythagorean comma, the Pythagorean semitones, advanced sympathetic vibrations, Tartini tones, and double stops studies in tritones. All chapters in the book include numerous practical samples and listening exercises that bridge the gap between the theory and its application. The chapters on intonation conclude with practical examples from the following repertoire: intonation performance practice in the Bach Sonatas and Partitas for Violin Solo (BWV 1001-1006), and intonation performance practice with piano. The appendices in the book provide detailed explanations about the Helmholtz intonation chart, the harmonic series, just intonation, the Schisma, as well as an illustration of two violin fingerboards from two method books from the 18th century showing pitch distribution for just intonation and Pythagorean intonation respectively.

Written as a companion to the wildly popular fiddle book, this method opens up the world of fiddling to the beginning/intermediate cellist. Finally fiddlers, violists and cellists can jam together! Unlike many books for violas and cellos which simply transpose the tunes, the authors went to considerable effort arranging the tunes to be both playable and true to the original melody and key. Variations to the tunes are included illustrating how they can serve as a basis for improvisation. Ensemble skills are taught with chords and lyrics, basic music theory, and demonstrations of such skills as backup and lead playing in this playfully- illustrated book. A high quality, multi-instrumental CD for listening and play-along captures the excitement of the music. Like its fiddle counterpart, this method is destined to be a classic.

Beginning and Intermediate players who have developed a repertoire of melodies will be walked step by step through the process of arranging their tunes. Lessons provide a detailed explanation and numerous examples of root position chords and their inversions on the 12-11 and larger sized hammered dulcimer. Simple tunes are provided for the reader to incorporate newly acquired knowledge of chord theory. Descriptions of bounces, triplets, doubling, counter melodies, arpeggios, scale runs, extended chords, etc. are included as well as opportunities to create arrangements utilizing these techniques.