Fiddlosophy

Music is a fun way to upgrade your mind

Why do we play music? For most of the answer is, “I do it for fun and enjoyment.” Here’s another reason people start playing an instrument: they want to upgrade their thinking. How does learning music upgrade your thinking? Here are some cognitive processes that improve as you learn and practice an instrument. Focus Memory … Continued

Ask Questions As You Practice

  Ask questions as you practice. Don’t worry about the answer. The question brings awareness to what you’re doing. Ask questions before, during and after a practice session Asking questions before a session will prepare you, helping you to focus. Asking questions during a session will keep you engaged with the practice. Asking questions after … Continued

How To Build Your Fiddle Skills

You can steadily learn and improve any skill if you move your skills through a series of stages: Can’t do yet Can do with effort Can do with flow   In this lesson, I’m going to give you a method for doing that. It’s based on a framework Kathy Sierra teaches this in her book … Continued

Fiddling With A Master Practice List

Overview A master practice list is simply a big list of everything you’ve learned. If you write down everything you’ve done, you’ll be able to make better decisions about what to practice. The MPL acts as a practice partner. It offers suggestions to enrich the daily practice. Ultimately, your sessions will be more fun… How to … Continued

Joe Cooley: Irish Music Legend

This was written by guest blogger Robin Stem. Joe Cooley was born the son of two melodeon players in Peterswell, Galway, Ireland in 1924. By age 10 he took up the famed Irish-button accordion. He played with the St. Patrick’s Amateur Band, Tulla, in the 40’s and 50’s, along with Galway fiddler, Joe Leary. In … Continued

Is it harder to bow on certain strings?

It’s easier to bow on the D and A strings for most beginners. Why are the G and E strings harder? The E is challenging because it’s temperamental. It tends to sound screechy. It requires a lighter touch. Also, if you’re sitting down, it can be awkward. The right arm might be hitting the right leg. G string … Continued

4 Tips To Improve Your Bowing Precision

Are your string crossings sloppy? Do you unintentionally hit other strings as you play? Are the fingered notes a bit mushy? If so, you’re not alone. These are common bowing pitfalls. In this lesson I’ll give you strategies to practice precision. This will also help you with fingering precision. 👌🏼 4 tips to improve your bowing precision. … Continued

6 Ways To Get A Better Sound With The Bow

Do you struggle with getting a good sound on the fiddle? Are you unsure of how much pressure to use? Do you want a smoother bow sound? If so, take heart. You’re not the only one. In this lesson I’ll show you some ways to improve your sound on a daily basis. If you do this, … Continued

6 Tips For A Better Bow Hold 

Do you struggle with holding the bow correctly? Do you find it slips out of your hand? Does it feel awkward? If so, take heart. You’re not the only one. You can improve this a little every day with focused practice. This lesson is for beginners, but also for intermediate fiddlers who are uncertain about … Continued

How To Use Strum Machine As A Metronome

A lot of my students want to improve their timing and play faster. But when I suggest using a metronome their eyes glaze over. It just doesn’t seem like fun. I get it. I believe that learning and practice can be fun for a student. And that they can make real progress as they have … Continued