Weekly Sessions’ Wrap Up
This week on Kimberley Sessions, I covered a wide range of topics. I started off answering some common questions regarding the necessity of music training ranging from reading music to understanding music theory. I came to the conclusion that while these skills are not necessary to learn traditional music at all, any tool like reading music or knowing a bit of music theory can open doors in the learning process.
On Sunday, I posted a short clip with an in depth look at how I hold my bow. I offered a few suggestions to improve your bow hold.
I then wrote a post to demystify strathspeys; what they are, why they are difficult and how they differ from other tune types.
On Tuesday, I gave you some links for listening and learning Cape Breton Music. These included resources for live music, play alongs, tune books and recordings, as well as practice tools like online metronmes and the Amazing Slow D0wner
Finally, on Friday, I gave you some tips to ponder over if you are choosing a fiddle camp for the first time. What genres are offered? What are levels are offered? Is their quiet housing? What is the day’s schedule?
What else would you like me to write about? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on here!
March 3, 2011 at 12:22 pm, Kay Strosnider said...
Just a note concerning fiddle camps…there is no age limit!… I am old and hesitated to attend a “camp”, thinking it was only for younger and more experienced folks… I was wrong. I started teaching myself fiddle at age 66 using some books I bought from Amazon… (I knew music theory, but knew nothing about violin.) I’m 70 now and I have been to 3 different camps and plan on returning again this summer to my favorite one, Swannanoa. I have never felt out of place, I really enjoy and benefit by the classes and teachers, I made some good friends and I’m now an intermediate player! Fiddling is one of the biggest joys of my life!
So… no matter what your age or experience, stick your neck out there and go!
March 4, 2011 at 5:58 pm, Kimberley Fraser said...
Thanks so much, Kay, for sharing. What a great story. I will be at Swannanoa this summer as well during the Fiddle and Celtic weeks. Hope that I will catch you then!