Designed for violinists who have never fiddled in the Scottish style or for anyone who would simply like to brush up on their "Scottishness," this guide discusses ornamentations and their applications, bowing styles, rhythmic issues and stylistic interpretations. It covers five basic types of tunes: airs, marches, jigs, reels and strathspeys, as well as Scottish fiddle history and regional styles. Accompanying video clips demonstrated by former U.S. National Scottish Fiddling Champion, Melinda Crawford, show how to execute all of the different techniques and how to perform more than 44 full-length traditional Scottish fiddle tunes. Transcriptions of the tunes are included within the guide. Includes access to online video.

Not your typical fiddle-tune book, these tunes range from variations of regular tunes to obscure Scottish polkas, classical duets, gypsy fiddle tunes, Cajun tunes and even two or three original tunes, with many in third and fifth position. Uncompromising care was taken in the transcription of these pieces, and virtually nothing was simplified. There are several classical piano pieces trimmed down to violin solos and duets, Americana, and even the author's own variations on "Carnival of Venice." Included is an extensive section on playing back-up fiddle to another instrument, dwelling on chord patterns, double-stops, bowing patterns, "shuffles," and all manner of accompaniment, and all fiddle tunes have chord symbols included.

Learn to play the fiddle? Easy. Tackling a new instrument can be intimidating, but with this easy-to-use guide, you'll have no trouble at all! From selecting, tuning, and caring for your fiddle to mastering various music styles, Fiddle For Dummies walks you step-by-step through everything you need to start playing the fiddle like a pro. You'll discover how to hold a fiddle, master fundamental techniques, and take your skills to the next level. This title also features companion audio tracks and instructional video clips hosted online at Dummies.com to help further enhance your skills. The fiddle is a popular instrument across many continents, and is a favorite for many because it is small and portable. Playing the fiddle can expose you to a range of musical styles from all over the world, such as Irish, Scottish, Celtic/Cape Breton, country, folk, bluegrass, and more. Plus, if you're already a violin player, you'll impress yourself and fellow musicians as you unlock your instrument to open up a whole new world of sounds. Learn fiddle techniques and fundamentals Select, tune, and care for your fiddle Join the folk instrument movement and master the fiddle Play fiddle music from all over the world Whether you're a complete beginner or a violin player looking to branch out and try something new, Fiddle For Dummies will have you fit as a fiddle in no time.

As part of the Mel Bay Encyclopedia Series, the purpose of this book is to offer fiddlers direct access to the gems of the genre. Composers represented in this volume span a three hundred year period including works by: Patrick MacDonald, Adam Craig, Capt. Charles Duff, Simon Fraser, Robert and Joseph Lowe, Robert MacIntosh, William Marshall, and J. Scott Skinner. Ms. Rideout's original compositions are also included. the tunes are listed in order by key signature to enable the fiddler to put sets together for performance, competition or session playing. This book contains extra marches and strathspeys unique to Scottish fiddling. the end of the book is dedicated to solo numbers consisting of piobaireachd (pibroch) and slow airs. the Scottish Fiddle Encyclopedia is an essential tune book for musicians interested in developing a deeper appreciation for genuine traditional Scottish fiddle music.

(Waltons Irish Music Books). Everything you need to know about the Irish fiddle, from playing your first notes and tunes to advanced solos and ornamentation. This book includes special chapters for beginners, "key points" highlighting essential aspects of fiddle technique, a comprehensive guide to traditional ornamentation and over 80 carefully chosen tunes. One of Ireland's most exciting fiddle players, Paul McNevin has had an equally influential career as a teacher. During his long association with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, he won the All Ireland Slogadh and Plearacha competitions and received his Comhaltas teaching diplomas in 1991. Paul has toured throughout Europe with the Donal Lunny Band, Damien Quinn and Speranza, among others and has been a regular guest with Stockton's Wing and the Riverdance dancers.

Learn to Play Irish Fiddle is a book and two CD set that introduces the absolute beginner to the great traditional fiddle music of Ireland, going right from the basics of how to hold and make the first sounds on the instrument - through specially composed, manageable tunes in the Irish style - right up to playing traditional reels, jigs and other dance tunes from the traditional repertoire (the specially composed tunes bridge the gap between the basics and the traditional music). Embellishments and techniques that make good Irish fiddle playing so infectious, such as rolls, cuts, triplets and slides are gradually introduced. the student will also become familiar with some of the more advanced ideas concerning playing Irish traditional music such as variations and dynamics - subjects which are covered in greater detail in "Irish Fiddle Playing: A Guide for the Serious Player" book/CD sets by the same author. Useful appendices and a cross-referenced glossary are also included.The accompanying CDs contain all the tunes in the book (played at a slow tempo) plus many exercises.There is NO NEED FOR ANY PRIOR MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE in order to use this book. Each aspect of playing and theory is covered in an accessible and manageable way.

In his preface, the author reminds the reader that this is not a book for the absolute beginner. Even the experienced player may not get it on first reading a given tune, but You can expect to enjoy the process of learning... [and experience] the joy of recreating a traditional tune, of making it your own. This is the teacher/ student pact in effect throughout this marvelous book, written for the literary as much as the musical connoisseur. Although no classical violin experience is needed, you will need to know how to hold the fiddle and bow, and be able to play at least simple tunes in the first position. Having the ability to read music will enable you to follow the bowing patterns and left-hand techniques which the author feels are crucial in grasping the playing style.

(Schott). Here is a practical, in-depth instruction book covering all aspects of pop, folk and rock violin technique. Over 150 different rock violinists are referred to in detail covering a range of styles including blues, folk rock, country rock, progressive rock, jazz rock and heavy metal. This book explores a wide variety of technical aspects including chords, scales, soloing and effects, and is accompanied by a CD containing demonstrations, play-along tracks and exercises performed by Chris Haigh on violin with a live backing band. Ideal for the budding rock star, or classical player looking for something a little different!

From the author’s preface: “This book was conceived four years ago, almost to the day, at a time when I was teaching fiddle and mandolin in New York City. It was my idea then, with my students in mind, to compile a book of the most often played, most important and most interesting fiddle tunes from the various Celtic and North American traditions. The tunes were chosen by cataloging a large number of recordings by tune title. A tally was taken to find out which had been recorded most often. This established a foundation of material that could not be left out. To this list I added the names of other pieces which had not been recorded as frequently, but which I knew were played regularly and with respect. I admit to sprinkling the collection with a few lesser known tunes which happen to be personal favorites, but I am sure they will hold their own when placed next to the old war horses of the fiddler’s repertoire. . . . Although I started out with my students in mind this book has turned out to be the book that I’ve always wanted and I hope that it will serve the advanced player as well as the beginner.”

Teach yourself authentic bluegrass fiddle with this book. The book contains clear instructions on the basics: bowing and left-hand techniques, solos, backup, personal advice on performance, and much more, as well as a complete selection of the best bluegrass songs to learn from. Written by Matt Glaser, chairman of the String Department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston since 1980.