Online Lessons Testimonial Database
Date: Fri, 20 May 2005 18:28:15 -0400
Subject: Thanks
I'm doing violin as an adult, and ran across your site. Originally looking for some info on bow hair tension, I found a bunch of things at your site that answered question after question I've had and can't recall at my lessons etc....
I'm writing because I hope that the way you all have generously put information out there will pay off in sales of whatever you are selling. (just went back and took another look at your site). With that said, whenever I'm ready to move up to a better instrument, I will consider you simply because of the generosity you've shown in free information. Thanks again.
al j., charleston wv
Subject: Mickey's words of wisdom
Date: Tue, 03 May 2005 04:44:33 +0000
Those little words are the best advice I've ever seen on any matter that involves learning:
Enjoy the learning process, be patient, don't give up on yourself.
Your performance on the Doc Watson flatpicking is absolutely inspiring, and at the same time intimidating. Thanks again for being a good teacher.
Mike
Greetings Mike,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write...it's those that show appreciation, such as yourself, that make me want to work harder.
And, if I can ever personally assist you, let me know. Mickey
Subject: Re: Fwd: Mickey's words of wisdom
Date: Thu, 05 May 2005 17:22:59 +0000
Mickey:
It just seems like there are good teachers and bad teachers. Patience and a knowledge of the in's and out's of the learning process are often the difference. A lot of people who have achieved competence sometimes tend to guard their knowledge, rather than wanting to share it. This is not cool- a lot of job situations are like this. I had a few golf instructors like this also. This is why your advice, lessons, etc. is so appreciated. I'm 55 years old and just retired following a 28 year career as a police officer. It's so nice to see what music has done for me, connecting me to a nicer time, and nicer people. This was much needed following what I did for a living and the tragedy I saw both as a law enforcement officer and as a soldier in the Vietnam mess. It's so darn nice to listen (and attempt to play) these traditional songs, I can't believe it !! Although I don't have the musical gift, I've got the musical appreciation, and desire. There is a local pub outside Buffalo that has an open microphone night where locals can get up and do a few songs, with whatever they play. I stopped by the other night and although I'm not ready for this "big time", I certainly don't see it as inconceivable as cracking the PGA Senior Tour. I spent a lot of time as a kid listening to Kingston Trio records. I own a Wildwood Minstrel open back, and a few acoustic guitars. I bought the banjo last summer before I discovered your site. I love the banjo. Yes, I always wanted a long neck banjo so I could look like Pete Seeger or Dave Guard, despite the fact that I don't need a long neck.... you know the story.
Mike
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 11:41:24 EDT
Subject: Thank You!
Dear Mr. Cochran,
I recently recieved my grand fathers fiddle/violin. My grand mother gave it away 15rys ago to her housekeeper. My mother and I were very upset when we asked about it. My grandfather had been dead a long time, why she gave it away we'll never know. Well it turns out that a friend of my mother is related to that housekeeper. So we asked about the violin through my Moms' friend and thank goodness she still had the violin. We asked to buy it from her, since for her it had no real sentimental value to her. Well she gave it back to my Mom last week, and I have just printed various lessons and saved your website.
When I took the violin out of its case a flood of emotions and wonderful memories came back. I can recall Pepere, (who was from Quebec) playing many french reels and other Canadian folk songs. I hope to be able to play one or two for my Mom some day. I'm 46 and have been a parapeligic for the last 5. But my arms are strong and healthy and I'm determined to learn and hopefully play a song or two. Maybe a French reel!!
Thank You again for this wonderful tool to enable those who might not be able to get out as much as others.
Sincerely, Susanne Huntington 4/25/05
Hi Susanne,
Thanks so much for writing...it's inspiring to hear that I've been able to assist you in your violin playing efforts via the internet. And, if I can ever assist you personally through your learning stages, be sure to e-mail.
I love French-Canadian fiddle...best to you, Mickey
Subject: Thank you , Mickey
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 01:38:56 +0000
Hi Mickey,
How are you?
i wrote this message just to thank you because you really helped me a lot with violin.....
i consider you my first violin teacher...
You are so helpful !!
Thank you so much
Ahmed
You're most welcome Ahmed...and, thanks for writing. It's inspiring to say the least.
Let me know if I can ever personally assist you via e-mail.
Mickey
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:03:28 -0800
Subject: Thank you for your website
Hi Mickey,
Just wanted to comment positively on your website and say you are
awesome for creating this for those who are interested in learning and
growing.
I learned the violin and loved it growing up, playing in the orchestra
through junior and high school, doing pretty well with it, Honor
Orchestra, etc. Then stupidly I let it go and my parents sold my
violin at a garage sale.
Now at age 44 I am fortunate to be blessed with a beautiful violin and
am enjoying every second I can steal to play my first love, my
stringed instrument!
Your website is helping me rebuild my confidence and teaching me more
than I imagined. The detail you provide is awesome.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
Lori Goodman
Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2005 01:58:09 -0800 (PST)
Subject: THANKS MICKEY
Your Q&A sections have been such an immense help to
me. I've played guitar for 20 yrs. I bought a fiddle
to mess around with- cuz I just love that country
fiddle sound- and man, it put me right back to square
one! Fiddling is a whole new ballgame indeed! But I
love the challenge and love to practice,but what
frustrated me was that in order to start, I needed to
know the basic essentials of how the instrument works
before I could get a decent sounding note out of it. I've learned so much, I feel like I owe you money or
something. Oh well, may the good deeds you've done for
so many be returned to you tenfold!
Subject: Thanks Mickey
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 00:28:15 -0700
Dear Mickey,
Thanks for giving me the needed organized information to take me from never playing the fiddle to downright starting to "get it". My fiddle was my late grandpas from Missouri. It was made in 1919, played countless VFW fish fries, square dances and all other gigs that grandpa and the band played. I got it in the mail unexpectedly. It was in pieces, broken and seemed no longer viable. I put a good fix on it and what a great tone. I never thought I would be able to play but with your lessons I am doing ok and loving it. You have brought back the sound of my wonderful grandpa to this earth and I thank you, really appreciate what you have done. Practice, practice, practice!
God bless,
Jim
Subject: Dulcimer Lessons
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 10:53:24 -0500
Dear Mickey Cochran, I am a senior Citizen, who a year ago could not read music. Thanks to you and a class I take at the Senior centre here in Berea I have now added a new dimension to my life and I'm in Heaven, well close by. I so enjoy the music I have a lap dulcimer and a banjmo so am having a ball. Just wanted to drop in a say Thankyou for the free lessons on line. So clear and helpful. A real blessing. May you have a Happy 2005 and keep picking. Kind regards a Kiwi in the USA. Glennis Weston.
Subject: your lessons on the internet
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 10:26:46 -0600
I received a violin for Christmas and was so excited. I am 34 years old and decided it was time for this girl to learn something new. (I have played the piano all my life.) The violin was very different from a piano and (thank goodness my husband also bought me a very good electronic tuner) however, my pegs kept slipping and I was so very frustrated. I found your instructions and they are so easy to read and understand. I feel even more confident in my ability to learn this instrument.
I am scheduled to take lessons but they are three weeks out and I can't wait.
Thanks for the very helpful information on your websites. Can't wait to buy some peg drops!
ct
Subject: Just a Note of Thanks
Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 13:55:40 -0500
Dear Mickey, My name is Stacey Chandler and I just had to drop a line to thank you for this wonderful site of yours that I happened to come across while researching the mandolin in October. After listening to your samplers of the mando, I was convinced that I must have one. When my better half asked what I would like for my birthday, I had but one request...a mandolin.... yet I didn't want him to spend an enormous amount of money. I told him that I had seen some very inexpensive ones on ebay and that I had found a very informative web site (yours) if he wanted to check it out. Well to my surprise, he did check out your site and he did buy me a Kentucky 350S from you. He purchased the package deal and I just want you to know that I am thrilled with the whole thing. My mandolin arrived in pristine condition and it came earlier than the date promised. I have finished the intro tape.... about 3 or 4 times now and I thoroughly enjoy your teaching methods. I plan on taking lessons as soon as I can find a qualified teacher in my area. I have but one request for you.... Please do a follow-up video to your intro (Introduction to the Mandolin). You are so talented and a very good teacher.... so another video would be just the ticket!!!!
Again, thank you for helping Paul pick out the perfect mandolin for me, and keep up the good work on a most splendid and artistic web site.
Sincerely,
Stacey Chandler
Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 14:01:15 +0000
Subject: your violin tips
I got a violin for Christmas because I think it is such a beautiful instrument. It is physical beautiful but more importantly when it is played well it sounds wonderful. I am very motivated to play it but have very limited music knowledge. I Just wanted to inform you that I think you have the best website I have found on violin basics. I was going to give up.
Thanks Lots
Katie UK
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:23:14 EDT
Subject: thanks to Mickey
Thanks for your writings on fiddle/violin - I had thought that they were different also - I bought a violin/fiddle on eBay and was worried that I could not use it as a fiddle - but the dealer said both were the same - just different playing styles - So thanks for the information
Subject: Thanks
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2004 16:28:10 +0800
Dear Mickey Cochran and the rest of the people at the Folk of the Wood,
Thankyou so much for all the information on your website. the Violin lessons are a real gem, and it's good to be able to learn at your own pace. Thanks for taking the time to make the lessons.
Harley Davies
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
Subject: Much obliged
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2004 20:55:15 -0500
My name is Derek, I'm 20 yrs old and I'm from Michigan. I just purchased a fiddle and had certain questions that needed to be answered. By reading the begginers page, all questions were answered in detail. Now I know how to "rosin up that bow." Thanks very much.
Subject: Thanks!
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2004 10:28:40 -0400
Thanks for the generous sharing of your knowledge. I am a beginning violinist in a sea of fiddle teachers. Your information has given me a start at playing violin properly. I'll suggest your site and videos to customers of my music store, where I'm an instrument tech. We occasionly deal with FOTW. Thanks again!
Bill
Date: Fri, 04 Jun 2004 18:38:09 +0100
Hello Mickey Cochran
My name is Fotini and I have just started to teach my self folk fiddle. I
just wanted to say thanks for all the information you have on the
internet, it is very useful. you include all the things that I need to
know to practice my fiddle.
thanks
Subject: Aussie Melodic Banjo
Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 09:31:12 +1000
Hi from Australia
Great site and heaps of great information.
Melodic Banjo is literally the only style I can comprehend on the instrument. I've played guitar since age 10 and I'm now 50. Picked up a 5-string Banjo when I was 30 something and bought the book Melodic Banjo by Bill Keith.
After my ex-wife disappeared with another man, which I might add I could cope with but the cow flogged my banjo and books, now that was heart breaking.
Just a couple of weeks ago I finally picked up another banjo. Hallelujah!
What a great instrument the banjo is. Love Irish music so that's my main field of study.
So keep up the Melodic Banjo page after all without being predjudiced, it is the best style!!!
Warm Regards
Gary Johnston
Subject: violin lessons
Date: Thu, 13 May 2004 09:25:25 -0500
DEAR Mr. Cocharn,
I was very exicited to find your wide site on how to play the violin. I bought a violin three years ago. I have always wanted to learn to play the violin. I can read music because I play the piano, organ, and the accoridan.I am now traveling from Georgia, to Florida frequently to care for my parents who are almost 80 years old. My problem is, my dad's printer is not printing correctly it just prints out strange symbols. I can't figure out whats wrong. My question is this, do you have a book of the information you have on line that I can purchase? I an going nuts not having my piano etc.and now would be a good time to try to learn a little about the violin, it's easy to travel with. I would appreciate any information. Thank-you very much
Sincerely. Deborah Kelly
Greetings Deborah, Yes, a book is now in the works...please stay tuned on our free lessons section for updates...Mickey
Subject: mandolin exercises
Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 16:06:37 -0500
I have tried to take music lessons several times. First guitar and now mandolin. I learned to play by ear so I always seem to use that as a crutch and don't really learn to read music. Your site does an excellent job of breaking it down to manageable pieces, starting with the true basics. It's been very helpful, thanks!
Emily
Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 22:57:48 EDT
Subject: violin arrival
Mickey,
Greetings,
Just wanted to say "Thank You". I finally recevied the violin, I had been waiting for it so long and then upgraded the Cremona and it believe it or not arrived on my birthday!
Wow! Sounds like it was destiny...
The quality is amazing and more importantly the sound, which is so warm and full and it just carries so well. Needless to say I have a lot of practicing to do, and the advice from your staff was appreciated. I now have a wonderful instrument and I'm playing "Dixie" already, "lefty" and all. Still sounds great. Your video is helping me tremendously.
That's great to hear...thanks so much for the positive update...and be sure to get back with me if you encounter any technical hurdles during your learning journey...I'd be glad to personally assist...
Mickey
My next purchase will definitely be from you and will probably be an acoustic guitar. Thanks again,
G. Bruciak
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 14:46:36 -0400
Subject: Great Site
Mickey,
Greetings Whit,
I purchased my mandolin a few years ago and have been getting great pleasure from it. Unfortunately, the beginning books the merchant armed me with were not enough to keep me from developing bad fingering habits. Many thanks for your simple beginning lessons. I'm now trying to rid myself of the "flying fingers" and trying my best to incorporate the fifth finger. With work, I think I can get back on the right track. No wonder I was having such difficulty with broken chords and walks! It is hard enough to find basic scale exercise books at all, and most are ridiculously priced. Your attitude in offering this help at no charge is commendable. I have been a reed musician all of my life and realize full well the importance of scale studies. Now I have some good beginning exercises to work with.
Thanks so much for the inspiring words...I'll work harder on adding even more studies and exercises...this makes it far worth the effort for me: when someone such as yourself takes the time out to write a letter of appreciation..
Many thanks, feel free to use my testimonial, and rest assured, I will avail myself of your video and other materials.
Best Regards,
Whit Davies
PS: Where can I catch you performing?
You can find me sometimes performing at our store here in Alto, New Mexico...I may be playing in our vicinity of Ruidoso this summer...additionally, you might enjoy some of our video samplers linked from here...
Thanks for asking...and keep on pickin', Mickey
Subject: Thanks!
Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 18:51:57 -0400
Thanks for a great web site. I've been looking all afternoon for a decent intro to fiddle. I just started this week after years of deciding whether or not to. I play mandolin, and didn't want to give up time I could be spending playing it. I'm finding it to be good for both. Thanks again for the generous starter lessons……I'm off to practice some scales, tunes, bowing, and tremolo. Bowing and tremolo are the difficult parts for me now. (not counting getting the note exactly right). I sound like crap today, but it's still music to my ears!!!
Andy Karpay
Subject: thanks!
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2004 17:30:15 -0500
You're my hero today. I've wanted to learn to play banjo for years and
today my husband bought me one for our anniversary. I"m trying to find
lessons to take here, but wanted to put my hands on it. I bought a book but
this is by far much more informative.
Thanks so much for your web site!
Connie Linz
Nicholasville KY
Subject: On Line Lessons
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2004 09:19:12 -0800
Thanks for the online lessons - they really compliment my private lessons I am taking. I have difficulty keeping the beat while warming up with Mickey's practice sheets, ans trying to scroll down on the PC at the same time. Are his lessons available in print format, 8.5 x 11, or in one (or more) of the Mandolin books you offer?
Thanks.Walter Stanley
Greetings Walter,
You're welcome to print directly from the site...only make sure that your printer allows you a "fit to page" setting...if not, each manuscript, on our Free Lessons section can be saved and downloaded as an image...once you've done this, you can then take it to another art program by importing...and then size it to print...
And, yes, many of the lessons can be found in the Videos offered by Wisdom of the Wood...along with the Mel Bay publication: "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique"...there are many exercises and studies that go beyond crosspicking technique itself...
Hope something here helps...and study hard...Keep on Pickin', Mickey
Mickey, thanks for the tips. Worked great and now I have a practice plan in place. Now all I need is a front porch on a sunny day and I'm pickin'! Great web site - best I've seen for ease of navigation and usefulness!!
Subject: New Violin
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2004 16:00:11 -0500
My husband gave me a violin for Christmas and I am taking my first lesson on
Wednesday, 1/7/04. I play the piano, but have not played in some time. I
found your instructions so helpful in refreshing my knowledge of reading
music. I can also pick out a few tunes on the violin. You have helped me
gain a little confidence before starting my first lesson. I am 65 years old
and look forward to making beautiful music on the violin. Thank you.
Eileen
Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2004 22:52:02 +0000 (GMT Standard Time)
Dear Mickey
I want to thank you very much for your wonderful free violin lessons on the Folk of the Wood website. You are a real lifesaver.
Why? because today I bought my first violin, a new one. I have been dying to learn to play the violin for a long time now and today, for some reason, I bought one.
I have never touched a violin before, or a bow, or known of the existence of rosin! I was expecting discordant screeches and wheezes and squeaky sounds, which is what is expected when someone first tries to play the violin but, to my utter astonishment, I couldn't get a flipping sound out of the thing. I also couldn't figure out how to use this solid, shiny, hard and unforgiving block of "rosin". It made no difference to anything no matter how much I rubbed the stuff onto the bow hairs. I kept checking for Sellotape on it, it is so smooth. I kept thinking, I'm sure there should be some resistance between the strings and the bow, to create the sound, but I couldn't figure out how to make this happen, so I decided to look on the web and see if I could find out how to make it work. Luckily, VERY luckily, I found the Folk of the Wood and your Lesson 2 on preparing the bow and priming the rosin.
I haven't tried it yet, but I will do so tomorrow (it's late here in London, England, and I need to get to sleep) but I just know that it's going to be OK.
I've saved all your violin lessons and also your guitar lessons. I bought one of those as well! but I do have some idea of how to play the guitar, so that's not so much of a problem. I can't wait to play my fiddle and thank you again for your wonderful and generous help for everyone who needs it.
Sincerely
Carole
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
Subject: tell them thanks for teaching me how to play tabs
Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 21:21:38 -0500
thank you so much for teaching me how to read tabs. i mean all the other web-sites didn't
teach me squat. your freind, tim adams
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 12:34:57 -0700
Subject: RE: Lessons
Just one more quick note. I have been looking at your site on lessons and am very happy to find everything we need on it. I play a 12 string guitar and have been teaching my husband to play a 6 string I bought him. I have recently aquired a dobro, 5 string banjo, mandolin and our son is getting a 6 string guitar for christmas and my husband just got a fiddle for an early christmas present which he very much wants to learn to play. With all these lnstruments your site is very much appreciated so that we can all learn the instruments we want and with the lessons on how to tune them it will make our lives much easier. I do have an electronic tuner but didnt know the different string names to use and now I do. Again I thank you very much your site is a godsend to me and my family. Anything you might be able to send me to help further along our lessons would be much appreciated as I am a very quick learner and have always wanted to play the dobro, banjo and mandolin and would like to further my guitar skills as I only play basic rhythm on the 12 string.
Sincerely
Heather Langlands
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 11:15:08 -0700
Subject: god bless you
Dear Sirs, Thank you so much for sharing basics of the mandolin with the public.
I got one for Christmas and did not know where to begin thank you once
again I will make sure you hear about my progress and anything else I
need to order and support you folk.
Bright Blessing
Barbara in
Arizona
Date: Fri, 02 May 2003 21:34:19 -0700
Subject: crosspicking recording(s)
Hi Mickey,
Your crosspicking book is a great teaching resource has been one of the most useful mando books i have encountered. Yes, I have most every McReynolds, Tiny Moore, Grisman, Wakefield, Thile, and Kenny Hall recording with crosspicking available, but here is the inevitable request:
Pending your CD to accompany your great crosspicking book, can I buy ANY recording of you crosspicking one or more of the pieces from your book. I really love the selections, but am finding it a bit slow going without a recording to guide me. I would not mind making a fair contribution toward your next recording effort if you could sell me even an unedited cut or two. thanks, john comstock
Greetings John,
Thanks so much for your kind enthusiasm regarding my crosspicking instructional material.
Yes, the crosspicking accompaniment CDs, for the "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" and the "Guitar Crosspicking Technique", are in planning. Therefore, please stay tuned with us on their release.
Now, I have performed a few of the crosspicking mandolin, and guitar, pieces on our website as instrument video samplers:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2518.htm
Unfortunately, I do not have them all documented...and, therefore, am not too sure of each instrumental's location.
You're welcome to go through these samplers, at the above link, to see if you discover any of them...I will also try to add a few more crosspicking arrangements in upcoming video samplers soon to be posted.
Keep on pickin', Mickey
Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2002 18:36:05 EST
Subject: banjo lessons
Thank you so much for posting your banjo lessons! I received a banjo last Wednesday for my birthday and didn't know where to even begin. I purchased a couple of 'beginner' books, but they didn't even tell me how to hold the banjo - they weren't simplified enough. They all assumed I knew what the strings were and how to read them. Your lessons are worth more than all of the books I have looked at so far. You showed me how to re-learn reading music - I kept trying to read the notes like a regular piano score. What a surprise! Now I am already on lesson 5 and am working on chord progression without pausing. I do believe that my several years of playing the piano have helped me with the individual string picking, but your lessons have done more than any number of years would have. I still need to take formal lessons (at least once per two weeks), but your simple, easy-to-follow lessons have given me a leg up. Thanks so much. Sincerely, Robin Blazer, Newly 27 and a future banjo player.
Testimonials:
Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2002 17:38:21 +1000
Hi Guys
Great web page. I have searched the Internet for web sites on the violin for beginners. Its good to finally see a web page that actually has all the notes for us beginers.
Good stuff
Pabbo
Subject: a new fiddle
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2002 13:45:18 -0600
Hello! Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful and informative site. I won a new Steuben fiddle off of EBay last week, and at the time I had never even held a fiddle. I've been getting books and doing a lot of surfing on the web looking for information, but your site actually helped me learn how to place the bridge, how to adjust the tuning pegs and keep them from slipping, which was a problem. Thanks again! Jessica
Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2002 17:37:59 EST
Subject: Hi Mickey
Hey, your how to on fiddles, really helped. My Aunt has my Great
Grandfather's fiddle. And since I'm the only one in the family, who can play
a couple of instruments, she wants to leave it to me. But I don't want to
accept unless I can use it. No use letting a beautiful instrument sit in the
closet. So I bought an el cheapo, to see if I would even like to play it. LOL
Thank God for your web site. I've never fooled with a stringed instrument.
LOL You should have seen me when I tryed to rosin up the bow. The rosin was
as hard as a brick. Anyway thanks for your web site. Douglas Powell
Subject: Fiddle
Date: Sat, 30 Mar 2002 08:15:42 -0800
Just a note to say a great big thank you for your wonderful site. I just copied out the fiddle related pages and they are an absolute life-saver. It might amuse you to know I bought my husband a fiddle as a "retirement" present. Neither of us know anything about fiddling, except that we do enjoy the sound. We couldn't get one darned sound out of it, and finally found your site and read about rosin etc. Yes, it's working fine now, and I'm searching for a supplier of ear-plugs now (grin). Many thanks again, it's a wonderful site and it's very generous of you to supply this information. Oh yes, you might enjoy my site - it's full of animations with music - my favourite being Lucy and Katie - the fiddling bostons.
http://www.wagtime.net/violin.htm Rita
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 20:40:05 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
Subject: Thanks for the lessons!
Thank you so much for your beginning violin lessons on your website. I just purchased a violin off of eBay, and could not figure out why I wasn't getting any sound from it. Your suggestion to crosshatch the rosin did the trick. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Karen Litzau
Subject: Violin
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 14:48:55 -0500
This is the ONLY place I've been able to find out which fingers to use and where to play them. I figured this would be basic information, but evidently not. You guys may have violated a sacred trust by making this general knowledge. :-)
Troy Allen
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 03:21:28 -0500
Thanks for the web page about violins. I am just starting out and have been holding the bow wrong for months. I now hold it like your page instructs and am having much less difficulty. Thank You - the pictures are very helpful too.
Subject: Thanks
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 15:47:51 -0600
Mr. Cochran
I've searched the internet for some time trying to find a good site. Your website helped me remember the notes and where my fingers go on the violin. THANKS.
Tom Diederich.
