Hey, I’ve been playing a little over a year but only since March with Jason’s program. I am just starting the immediate level lessons. I have played piano and sung for many years so I read music and struggle with ear training.
You?
Hi Mary, I’ve been playing violin for just over a year too. I started with the beginner’s course because I really had no idea about bowing etc, though I have played other instruments, I’d never really learnt how to read music properly. I’ve really improved with that and am so much better at following the tempo. The beginner’s course also helped me with listening and ear training – I’d recommend doing all of the call and response exercises (a few each day). I found them very difficult at the start but now it’s become so much more intuitive through that practise. I actually revisited all the scale variation and rhythm exercises in the beginner’s course (some which I’d skipped) because I realise they are the foundation of the rhythms in more difficult Irish songs. My biggest challenge for myself is learning everything by memory so I don’t need the music in front of me, so make sure I use a drone and do ‘fingerprinting’ to remember the songs. There’s so much I want to improve in; tone, bowing etc – but I love Jason’s fiddlosophy, and just try and play everyday. I’m definitely addicted to playing – even though I get frustrated with my sound, I try to be kind to myself and realise I’m improving. Ultimate goal is to be able to improvise (I’ve started playing along with the ukulele club, which is challenging because they only show the chords for songs, so I have to work out what notes go with each chord and try and work out what key it’s in – but really enjoying it – they’re a forgiving and welcoming bunch!)
Sounds like we are having similar expereinces. I too, skipped some of the ear training because I as frustrated but have gone back to it. I sometimes try and play along with a group on Youtube. My Friday jam sessions have stopped because covid-19 did a number on the group back in December. I miss playing with people but understand not getting together in groups now.
Have you done any of the group lessons? I’m attempting the Georgia Shuffle for tomorrow’s immediate lesson but I fear it’s just beyond my edge. Been working on the Flop Eared Mule with my 4th finger to do A and B.
I haven’t joined in the group sessions because I’m in Australia and the time zones don’t work, so just working my way through the modules – up to 2.2. I’ve only started gaining confidence playing with others and played with the ukulele club yesterday. It is so much fun and I understand how you must miss your jam sessions. I’ve discovered it really has helped me to listen and get into a type of musical zone. They encourage other instruments to join in, so we had a bass, guitar and percussion as well. It’s very casual (in someone’s garage) but I find it a bit intimidating trying to play along sometimes because I can’t hear myself, so don’t know if I’m in tune or not. So yesterday I stepped outside so I could still hear them and myself. It was so much better and I was able to do some harmonies and attempt a scale run now and again, and start to improvise more intuitively, which is a big surprise. I’ve started to record their songs on my phone so I can practice at home, which has helped. I feel more motivated to learn scales and chords now but still haven’t mastered double stops. Sooo much to learn! Hope you’re keeping safe. I worry for you all in the States and other countries where it is having such a severe impact. But I must admit that when we had the early lockdowns and restrictions it gave me so much more time to practice the fiddle. We still have Covid restrictions, but everything is pretty much back to normal – but we continue with covid safety practices in place.
kate.kakadu are now friends 5 years, 4 months ago 
You?
Have you done any of the group lessons? I’m attempting the Georgia Shuffle for tomorrow’s immediate lesson but I fear it’s just beyond my edge. Been working on the Flop Eared Mule with my 4th finger to do A and B.