Sticking Points in fiddle Lessons
February 16, 2012

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 and further development.Although technique is not a major factor with traditional fiddle(but needs to be adequate). I believe good technique will certainly help and speed up progress. Pupils who already have good grounding in classical music, often benefit from good technique. This is because difficulties with technique have been ironed out and they are in effect learning at a higher level. Incorrect technique in some cases can limit – and could ultimately restrict the level of playing. Having said that, not all traditional fiddlers ascribe to these aspects of technique/approach. They are points that will hopefully set you on the right track.

Long Bows : This is very important, esp. for beginners and common in the lesson. When playing the fiddle the right wrist is at an unnatural angle. A secure and comfortable grip at this angle needs to be developed through long bowing (3/4 or full length bows). Bowing in practice should always be longer than in playing. Better bowing can allow a fluidity in the music and more purchase on a note.This will also develop strength and the correct positioning in the forearm and upper arm. Advanced fiddle players may often not disply long bows as needed at the beginning because the training and extensions/flexing has been done and often then it is a process of refinment. Through development of style, preffered slurring, ornaments etc.

 

Practice the fiddle Standing: This is mainly for posture (as it is almost impossible to hold the fiddle too low when standing or at least would look silly!) I almost always practice standing. You will also have a lot more (elbow) room to play on the E string.

 

Arch at right wrist: Again this is to avoid tension. The wrist has a very slight arc and this will help to keep the joint relaxed and thus it will be easier to keep a relaxed grip on the bow.

 

Left hand Tuning : If you are playing accidently sharp (excuse the pun) which is more often the case. Move your whole hand down the fingerboard (away). Often only the finger of the sharp note is moved and after a couple of notes the hand is back/still to the wrong/sharp position. The left hand has to get used to the position by correction, ear training and the feel and width of the neck of the fiddle in the hand. The latter done mostly unconsciously. Scales are great practice for left hand intonation and positioning.

 

Bow Tilted Forward : Because of the curvature of bow it should be tilted forward (e. g. The wood leaning away). This is partly because of the bow grip alignment but also because of the bow curve, if played flat it would quiver one way or the other.

 

 Play Slower: Everyone wants to learn something fast so they have to spend less time learning it! Playing too fast can often lead to glossing over the music just to get to the finish. Playing slower will allow you to absorb the material and learn it thoroughly. If you learn something slowly you are likely to forget it slowly. Often when a pupil has played to tune once through they feel they have learned it. They then come to the lesson and can’t understand why they cant remember it. The tune needs to be played slowly so the you can absorb it and be comfortable with the new material. Your aim is to be able to play the tune a number of times off by heart without a mistake, giving you a good chance to have it perfect for your lesson.

 

Thumb Bent on Bow:This is important and one of the most common mistakes, it aims to help keep the right hand relaxed. It helps the curvature of the hand accompanying the bow grip. In my opinion absence of tension is crucial to higher learning. This is difficult for pupils as with many aspects of the bow grip/right arm posture, they are out of sight and often bypassed.

 

Right elbow lower: Another sign of tension is the highering of the right elbow. The angle of the elbow should be enough to support the wrist but certainly not above it. The right shoulder can be lifted slightly to support the right arm. 

 

Other points. Make sure that your shoulder rest is on your fiddle properly. I would recommend using a shoulder rest or pad. It should be close enough to your shoulder and have a secure grip on the fiddle. It should not go to the widest part of  the fiddle so it goes on too far and doesn’t add much support. Don’t look down on the fiddle. Keep your head facing straight, your eyes will easily be able to keep track of your fingers on the fingerboard and your neck won’t tense up. You can also find more information on technique/playing improvement in my fiddle tutor – ‘A Complete Guide to the Irish Fiddle ‘-http://www.waltonsmusic.com/tutors2.html

Best of luck in your next fiddle lesson!

 

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