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Fiddling with life and learning with the occasional dad joke thrown in…

 

 

Kerry Polka – Basic And Variation Performance

Hey folks, Here’s a short performance of an Irish tune called Kerry Polka. I play a very simple version and then play a version with some variation added. In particular, I added mordents and triplets.  Here is a downloadable mp3 for your listening pleasure:  I also made step-by-step lessons on how to play each … Continued

New lesson added: Fortnite Dance “Best Mates”

Here is a lesson on how to play the melody for a Fortnite dance called Best Mates” on violin and fiddle. This is a catchy tune, maybe a bit too catchy! Don’t listen to it before bed. Click here to go to the lesson page.

Fortnite Dance – Step It Up

Here’s a lesson on how to play the Fortnite dance Step It Up, which is actually just the B part to Swallowtail Jig. This is another example of the great folk process, in which older melodies are re-introduced in new settings that reflect the culture of the times.

The Goal of a Good Process

It’s no wonder I flunked out of that life coaching course 🙂 There are lots of ways to think of goals. But ask yourself, what are they for? If you reach the goal you have some gratification. But that doesn’t last too long. Then it’s time for a new goal. Always working towards a point … Continued

Developing Confidence

It’s important to develop a sense of confidence in what you can do on your instrument. If you’re always doubting what you are doing, this very doubt becomes an obstacle to playing well. But how do you do that? Maybe if you just say “I am good at the fiddle” a hundred times a day … Continued

What Is The Best Part Of Being A Musician?

At the risk of sounding like a hippie, I’d say the best part about being a musician is the experience of pure generosity, and of realizing connection to people through this generosity. It’s generous because the universe has given me music and I’m giving it right back. There’s no thought of “should” involved. I should … Continued

Gonzervatory Story

An Opportunity This morning I submitted an application to a master class called “The Gonzervatory”. It will be taught by the great pianist and producer Chilly Gonzales next April. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun, and along the way I had some new insights into what I want to do … Continued

Old Is The New New

Sometimes at fiddle jams I hear people say things like “I’m so sick of Kesh Jig. It’s totally been played out.” Maybe they just need a break from hearing and playing a particular melody. But tunes like Kesh Jig or Old Joe Clarke have been played a lot for a reason: they are great tunes. … Continued

Should I Find A Teacher?

If you want to get better at the fiddle or whatever skill you are learning, then you should find a good teacher if possible. A good teacher will: Point out your weaknesses and create exercises for you to work on those things. Get you to play slower. Correct your form. Motivate you to practice. Teach … Continued

Learn Some Easy Tunes!

Easy, recognizable tunes are a great way to work on your tuning, timing and flow. If it’s a melody you know already, like London Bridges, then you can pick it up more quickly. Once you’ve learned and memorized it, you can focus all your attention on making it sound good. Try to get this simple … Continued