Fiddlosophy

Mary Had A Little Lamb – Five Fiddle Variation Performance

Hey folks, Here’s a performance of Mary Had A Little Lamb in which I add five different types of fiddle variation on each pass of the tune: -Hoedown -Melodic variation -Triplets -Cuts -Rolls Here is a downloadable mp3 for your listening pleasure (without all my rambling and yammering): I also made step-by-step lessons on how … Continued

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

Kerry Polka – Fiddle Raga

Here’s a fiddle raga performance of Kerry Polka. What the heck is a fiddle raga? It’s an improvisation based around a fiddle melody accompanied by a drone.  Here’s an mp3 for to listen to here or download to your device so you can listen while walking the dog, doing laundry or going to sleep … Continued

Hector The Hero – basic and variation performance

Hey folks, Here’s a short performance of a Scottish tune called Hector The Hero. I play a very simple version and then play a version with some variation added.  Here is an mp3 that you can stream or download for your listening pleasure:  Both versions are taught in step-by-step lessons in the Irish Fiddle Variation … Continued

Practice Notes – October 22, 2018

Trying out something new with this post. I’m going to share a few things I’m currently practicing. Stuff that I’m struggling with, stuff that I’m enjoying. In case you haven’t heard, this post comes in the middle of the Fall Practice Challenge 2018. Today is day 8. For fourteen days, fiddlers around the world will play every … Continued

Practice challenge notes – day two

Today is day 2 of the 14-day practice challenge. This is one way for you to establish music practice in your life. Would you like to be a musician? If so, then just play music every day! That’s what this is all about. It’s not too late to take part. Click here to go to … Continued

A simple tip for getting better sound

I want to offer a simple tip for getting good sound on the fiddle. The simple tip Start by playing an open string. In the video example, I play an open G string with a G drone. Focus on a simple, good sound. Become aware of your breath. Is it happening naturally or is it … Continued

Foxhunter’s Jig – Fiddle Raga

Here’s a fiddle raga performance of Foxhunter’s Jig. If you like this track then download and listen to it while you walk the dog or do the dishes… It’s an improvisation based around a fiddle melody accompanied by a drone. It’s a term I’ve coined as I’ve explored folk fiddling and Hindustani Indian music. What … Continued

Play every day, be a musician

Hey Folks, I’m leading a practice challenge from October 15-28. The main goal, as usual, is simply to play every day. This time, we will emphasize finding joy in your sound. For those of you who sign up, I’ll be sending check-in emails with cheerleading, short lessons, exercises and prompts to get you to slow … Continued

Foxhunter’s Basic and Variation Performance

Here’s a short performance of an Irish tune called Foxhunter’s (slip jig). I play a very simple version and then play a version with some variation added. And here’s an mp3 for your listening pleasure: A bit from the A part of the second quarter keeps reminding me of the theme to the movie Chariots … Continued