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Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2004 02:59:20 EST
Subject: need opinion

Hey!-

Greetings Lucas,

Glad to assist:

I have been using the "Introduction to the Fiddle and Violin" video and I have found it extreamly useful especially since I am teaching myself. I realize that this is not the way to go but I feel that I am progressing well and I am using other resources (books, cds, internet) other than the video.

That's great to hear...only, pay very close attention to the positioning taught in the video...to ensure that you develop good habits from the start...poor form and positioning will result in impediments in your playing that will hinder your progress...

I have also found a local fiddle group that I might join, but im a lil nervous about making that leap. Anyway, I was curious about a certain song book that I found on Amazon.com that has the type of music I want to play and I wanted your opinion. It seems that it is geared for the guitar but im not sure. Would it work if I tried to play these song in their format?
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0946005567/103-2481580-6912665>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0946005567/103-2481580-6912665

I check this link out...and it goes to an Irish Pub Songbook...and, yes, this particular book adapts well to fiddling...you should have plenty of fun interpreting these pieces on fiddle...it would help to know some of these melodies...and especially to know how to read standard notation...be sure to check out our online fiddle lessons to learn more about reading sheet music:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

My suggestion is to acquire all the learning materials you can...and build your own library for future reference...you can't have too much instructional materials at hand...I've accumulated tons over my lifetime myself...Keep on Fiddlin', Mickey

Thanks,
Lucas McArthur

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