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Hi Dennis! Glad you stopped by the site. Also glad to read your suggestion. I like it. Sort of a general overview of different types of fiddling including what differentiates one from another.

I’ll consider baking something like this in as we go forward. The current focus is to get as much lesson content out there as soon as possible for…[Read more]

Hi Casey, I am not a fiddler and don’t play one on TV, but I know one! When Hanneke told me the site was up and running I checked it out. It is very well done and has a good look to it.

I listened to a lot of the tutorials and learned a lot, even though I am just a “listener” of fiddle music. However, that brings me to my suggestion. I have…[Read more]

Good topic, Roland. Hopefully you’ll get some good feedback from others, but I’ll put my thoughts down:

I found the state fiddling association to be a great oportunity as I was a young fiddler. It provided regular occations for me to play in front of audiences and also jam with other players. Combined with regional fiddle contests, the jams…[Read more]

Agreed, Roland. The guy has taken it to the next level for sure. Good stuff. Love the 5-string too.

I’ve been impressed with this performer since I first heard him. He has taken the chunk to an entirely new level. Hard to comprehend the subtleties and small accents he has mastered.
Not to mention the purity of his intonation with complicated double stops.

Sounds good Mike, You have some good options, and Casey is right about pro help, it will save you time in the long run to learn it right the first time. Good luck with your Scottish Fiddling, I hope you give Hanneke a listen while you get going. Best regards.

You bet, Mike! If you’re into the Scottish thing, I defer to Hanneke Cassel’s exceptional teaching. She knows her stuff, for sure. Self learning is great, and getting some in-person feedback from a qualified instructor sure helps. If we can help fill in the blanks with the lesson material posted on this site, so much the better! Let us know…[Read more]

Hi Roland and Casey – nice to hear from you – I am currently 7 months into “self-learning” in the Scottish tradition (pretty much 100%) so appreciate what you guys are making available for when I dip my toes further into the site and sign up for the lessons! I have had a quick look at Hanneke’s short tutorials of course and will sort out a…[Read more]

Good question Mike, and follow-up Roland. I agree that it makes a difference what style you are most into…And yes, Hanneke has some really good advice when it comes to the Scottish GNs.

Unless you’re 100% into the Scottish style of playing, my advice would be to pick a spot in a waltz where you like the ornamentation. Then check out the…[Read more]

Hi Mike, Roland White Forum Moderator and Fiddler here, thanks for your post on Grace Notes. Grace notes are used in virtually every style of fiddling I have ever heard. Perhaps a good place to consider starting is to listen to the style of fiddling you personally play and want to add grace notes to and get an idea of how they are applied…[Read more]

I’ll have to check the Phantom out, Roland. It sounds like it does basically what I like in the Wolfe rest…open up the instrument. Cool.

Right on Casey, the traditional rests are tried and true. I was very intrigued at the end pin mounting system that allows the shoulder rest to float free and is not in contact in with the violin. It is malleable material that bends to conform to your body. They showed an acoustic test and sound test showing the traditional rest and the Phantom…[Read more]