May 17, 2012
5 Barndances (download & article)
Barndances are dance tunes in nature and have a long history in various cultures. Barndances originated in America and became popular in Britain in the late 19th century. They were derived from the Scottische dance which has its origins in Europe. The categorisation of Barndances can sometimes blur between Highlands(of Donegal), Flings, Schottisches and Strathspeys. All [...]
April 25, 2012
5 Set Dances (tunes download &article)
Set Dances are often played for competitive solo dancing but are sometimes played in sessions in a set e.g. ‘ The Job of Journeywork ‘ and ‘ The Blackbird ‘(of which there is a slow air based on the tune (link). In session playing and informal performance the tune/rhythm can be looser. So the approach for [...]
March 1, 2012
Composers of Irish Fiddle Music: (article)
Composers of Irish Fiddle Music: Great Irish music wouldn’t survive without great compositions. Though many Irish musicians have just a passing interest in regard to the names of tunes, they will see names coming up frequently such as Tommy Peoples or Paddy Fahey. In these cases and many others the composers are also [...]
February 23, 2012
30 Tunes for fiddle Vol.II Free Preview **New**
2 Tunes from ‘30 Tunes for fiddle Vol.II ‘. The tunes in this collection contain ornamentation and suggested bowing/slurs. The collection is available on the store page for €4.47 , half price. Here is a preview of 2tunes in this collection Paddy on the Railroad and The Trip to Durrow Unlike 30 Irish Tunes collection vol.1 these tunes suit [...]
February 16, 2012
30 Irish Fiddle Tunes Vol.3 (free download)
Make sure you have Musescore downloaded to view the tunes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwdXkZURRg0&feature=related You can also edit and listen to them. http://musescore.org/en/download This collection of fiddle tunes contain some classic old tunes such as ‘the Hare’s paw’ which is seeing somewhat of a revival. Also included are some tunes which legendary Galway box player Joe Cooley used to [...]
February 16, 2012
Sticking Points in fiddle Lessons
Sticking Points in fiddle Lessons: Every week in fiddle lessons I write reminders(bullet points) for the pupil to watch out for, sometimes I have to write these everyday ! Some are subtle and don’t translate to written description too well so I have omitted them. They are really to give a give direction to approach [...]
February 16, 2012
Coming from a Classical Backround:
Coming from a Classical Backround: The fiddle entices people from all kinds of backrounds want to play Irish music.It has great character and challenges for people willing to learn.Fiddlers (or violinists as they might prefer) coming from a classical pedigree have an advantage in that they have studied technique to a much higher degree than the average (Irish) traditional player.Though technique in traditional music only [...]
May 2, 2011
Fiddle Practice and Listening
Fiddle Practice & Listening How much do you have to spend practicing fiddle each week? My rough guide is, 2-3 times a week you might improve, 4-5 times a week you will improve making good progress. With practicing everyday, you will notice the improvement and so will others, usually make excellent progress. Adults may find [...]
May 1, 2011
Skill sets for Irish fiddle
Skill Sets for Irish Fiddle What set of skills does an accomplished musician have and an novice need to learn? Remembering:(musical memory) Part of being a musician is to be able to remember music. When it is remembered it is internalised along with the muscle memory of playing. As it is an aural [...]
