UPDATED 05/09/07

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Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 09:50:47 -0700

Hello,

I have been playing the fiddle for almost a year now, beginning with a classical instructor and then moving on to an Irish fiddle instructor. Although my concentration will probably remain Irish music I wanted to learn more about Appalachian fiddling. I found a book entitle "Appalachian Fiddle" but can't find any reviews. Could you tell me anything about this book or other potential instruction material. Thanks for your help.

Regards,

Mark

Greetings Mark,

I happen to own a copy of "Appalachian Fiddle" I picked up in the early '80s...

"58 transcriptions of breakdowns, jigs, hornpipes and modal tunes based on the playing styles of traditional Appalachian fiddlers."

Written by Miles Krassen Published by Oak Publications

It's a very descriptive book that seems to cover this approach very well...it includes some very useful sections for the beginner such as:
1. Double-Stop Locations: It has a list of diagrams showing the two-string note positions visually...
2. It covers the 4 main key centers for fiddling: G, D, A and C...and has a chapter dedicated to learning these four keys...these four keys are illustrated by diagrams and by standard notation allowing the student to learn the notation as it relates to the position illustrated visually. (Great concept in teaching fiddle!)
3. Each key is then reinforced by songs, written in standard notation, with a dedicated chapter.

It's a great book...makes for a great reference book for older traditional melodies...it's not really written for the stark beginner...I believe it's written for the advanced beginner to the intermediate level. My suggestion would be to start out with a methodology video to ensure that you gain a solid footing in the basis of fiddling technique (or to continue with a personal instructor)...then you can pick up a book like this and find it far easier to tackle. It sounds like you may already be well accomplished to take on this book...best of luck in your research efforts, Mickey

Mickey

Subject: RE: Appalachian Fiddle Book
Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 13:37:08 -0700

Thanks again for all your help. This is the second time I have written you and both of your responses have been very informative. Thanks for the great work.

McClier, Preservation Groupy

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Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2003 07:27:22 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Classical Violin

Hello! I am an adult who desires to learn classical violin. Could you please compile a beginners book/video combination that would meet my needs? I'd greatly appreciate it. Also, what are your feelings about adults learning to play the violin? I once heard that in order to ever achieve any perfection in playing violin, you have to start young. Is this true? Will I ever (I'm 31 now) be able to achieve a high level of playing proficiency? Thanks!!

Greetings,

Glad to assist if I can:

There are many good videos out today on learning to play violin:

Mel Bay Publications:
94582 - Easy Solos for Beginning Violin
Summary: by Craig Duncan - This collection of level-1 solos for violin with keyboard accompaniment are taken from folk and classical melodies. Created especially for use as a solo supplement to any first-year string method or private instructional course, these solos are an ideal Suzuki supplement, and a per...

99292BCD - First Lessons Violin
Summary: by Craig Duncan - This text presents beginning violin technique and basic music-reading fundamentals, with an emphasis on the use of melodies and classical pieces to teach each new concept. The 28 lessons include basic technique and reading skills, scales in the keys of A, D, G, and C as well as bow...

On video, I'm not too sure...I've seen some really good fiddle videos...only violin methodology, I haven't found to date...we have a video out titled: "Intro to the Violin and Fiddle" which offers a good overview on methodology for both violin and fiddle. However, if your focus is solely violin, I would recommend looking for a video dedicated to violin study and methodology.

Now, as far as taking up violin later in life, I totally disagree with what you've heard. It's never too late to take up violin...no doubt, it's one of the most difficult instruments to learn...even so, the learning journey should be fun and rewarding at any age. If you're aspiring to become a concert violinist, it might be a challenge to attain as you attempt to learn in later years...even so, nothing is impossible. I, personally, have taken up the violin seriously only of recent years...and am having a blast on the learning journey...in fact, my instructional video illustrates this learning process as a fun journey...and, the simple fact is, that no matter how good we become at playing violin...we're all still students of the instrument.

I hope something here helps, Mickey

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