Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:47:51 -0600
Subject: Convenient Violin/Viola Information

Message: Thank you so much for your website! I am a 48 years old Registered Nurse and work odd long shifts which make it difficult to take violin/viola lessons from someone. Your site provides solid information with easy instructions for teaching myself this new hobby. I am looking forward to watching the videos!

Hi Carrie,

Thanks so much for sharing this with me. It's quite inspiring to hear that I've been of some help to you. Feel free to write anytime if I can ever assist you with any questions during your learning journey.

All my best,

Mickey Cochran

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Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 00:43:53 -0600
Subject: Re: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: congratulations on excellent
site for beginners

Message: Hi
I think the Folk of the Wood site is excellent and offers really good advice for beginners and accomplished people.
I am trying to learn the violin for the first time, and your site has been really helpful. At the moment I am learning to play Beethoven's Ninth Ode to Joy arranged by Mickey Cochrane. I have ran into difficulty with trying to number the notes for the fingers of the left hand. the first row of notes are as folllows B B C D D C B A I have difficulty with which fingers to use and if the strings should be closed or open can you advise
John

Greetings John,

Thanks for writing and thanks so much for the kind words regarding our website.

In regards to the violin fingering for Beethoven's Ninth:

This is performed on the A string in closed position:
B Note: Use the index finger.
C Note: Use the second finger (middle).
D Note: Use the third finger (ring).

On the A note, you'll be playing the string open.

Hope this helps,

Mickey Cochran

Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312

http://www.folkofthewood.com

http://www.mysticwestproducts.com

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Date: Mon, 07 Mar 2005 09:27:59 -0500
Subject: Question on keys

Hi Mickey,

I've been very much enoying the folk of the wood website.
I play a bit of guitar, and am just about to start trying the fiddle.
I have a basic music theory question.
I'm curious about your arraingment for Old Joe Clark at this link:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page4317.htm
You use a G key signature, but use a natural for every F in the song, so why not just write in C and save some ink, so to speak?

Thanks!

ApK

Hi...glad to assist:This would pose a problem if it was written with the C key signature...the problem lies in the fact that although it uses a natural F, as most songs in the key of G have the F#, it's still in the key of G. Hence, the G key signature is still critical when writing out the sheet music. Otherwise, the reader of the sheet music will assume the key is C...And, truly, the key signature sets the tone and kick-off point for the fiddler, or any other instrumentalist, so that they know they will more than likely start with this key's chord and also be aware of the common chords used within this key.This type of fiddle tune is called modal...and is quite common in traditional music. Where the 7th tone is made a natural...this gives the piece a certain mountain sound that would not be possible when played in the standard G scale.

Hope this helps, Mickey

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Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 23:10:33 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Thank you Mr.Cochran

Dear Mr.Cochran,

My name is Jessica, I'm 15 years old and I'm an avid violinist. I'm new to the violin world and I have so much to absorb in order to play beautiful music! I started playing May of 2004 and I stumbled upon your website, Folk of the Wood, while looking for help on the "basics". My family cannot afford to send me to learn the violin with an instructor, so I am primarily self-taught. Your lessons were and still are, so helpful. I am very thankful you put them up on your website to help new enthusiasts like myself. I've made much progress since I have started learning from your online lessons.

I've learned how to adequetely produce vibrato (both slow and fast) on each and every finger including my pinky. I've learned how to properly tune my violin from your instructions and I take good care of my instrument. I can read music at a moderate pace. And I can play some simple fiddle tunes along with some classical pieces (easy ones of course). Your practice tips and scale studies were particularly helpful.

I don't want to take up too much of your time, you are a very busy man I'm sure! I'd like to give a simple thanks to show my gratitude. Your efforts are definitely being noticed!

Sincerely, Jessica of Los Angeles, California

Jessica, Thanks so much for sending your letter of appreciation...It inspires me to hear that students such as yourself, have gained so much from my teaching efforts...please stay tuned for many future updates on our lessons section...and be sure to share with me anything you feel could enhance the lessons section...I want to say, that it's very kind of you to take the time out to write such a positive letter.

Keep up the good work, Mickey

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Subject: Thank you!
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 11:49:44 -0400

I would like to give you guys a big thank you. I have just become the proud owner of a new violin and wish to teach myself. I understand that lessons will be required, but your site has been fabulous in teaching me me the fundamental basics. I didn't even know how to hold the instrument or maintain it, and through reading your lessons, prepared my instrument before using it.
I am very grateful to have found your excellent site; a gem amongst the growing number of 'trash' sites now on the Internet.
Thanks again!

Debby Taylor


Debby,

Thanks so much for your positive words...I hope to add many more lessons over the next 4-6 weeks...so, please stay tuned with us on updates. One of the newest additions will be video/audio support of each lesson posted.

Mickey

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Subject: Those incredible free lessons
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 18:43:24 -0400

Wow! Your free lessons will get those instruments out of closets, off of shelves, and out from under beds and into peoples' hands where they belong! Then into the kitchen, out on the porch and over to the neighbours for a kitchen party! Then we can learn from each other too, just like it's supposed to be. I am beginning to feel sorry for folks with cable tv!

I can't wait for the intermediate violin lessons! I am wondering if there might be a set of old standards that are public domain that you could do the tabs for with all of the instruments, so's we can get it all together. My son got his guitar out again.

Thanks folks.

Tim Stevens

Greetings Tim,

Thanks so much for your kind words regarding our Online Lessons' Section...

I believe you're correct, there should be plenty of old standards that we could transcribe to music for the lessons' section. And, we'll keep it on our agenda for the intermediate level player. I also believe we should offer each instrument's part on the same piece, thereby, allowing for complete jam session material...

Thanks again for your input...Mickey

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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 21:03:43 -0700
Subject: Re: Nice fiddle lesson

Mick,
What a great job on the fiddle instruction page...
Everything is perfect, nice photos, and nice technique, bow and left wrist,
I'm going to send my students here,
The only thing I believe, that should be mentioned on page #1 is:
The essential shoulder rest," I cannot play my best without my shoulder rest"..
Hey, I'm a poet and didn't even know it..
Really Mick, Your web page rocks and kicks ass and I'm proud of you,
Keep up the great work,

Keep in touch,
Your friend, Bobby

Greetings Bob,

Thanks so much for your continued inspiration...I only wish you were in our neck of the woods; with the many years of woodshedding together, we could consummate quite a few projects.

I've included the reference to the Shoulder Rest option...and, how most accomplished violinists/fiddlers use them to good effect. Thanks for the added tip...if you have any others, please forward them on.

Hope you have a safe journey...

Infinitely Yours, Mickey

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