I’m a classical violinist and bluegrass fiddler, but lately I’ve found myself drifting away from bluegrass fiddle. Instead, I wish to learn Scottish fiddle. Classical violin has given me solid technique and sight-reading ability and bluegrass fiddle has given me the ability to learn by ear and improvise. However, I can’t possibly afford to take any lessons apart from the classical violin lessons I already take. I’m looking for a Scottish fiddle method that assumes an intermediate-advanced level of proficiency. A CD is an absolute must, as I greatly prefer learning by ear as opposed to the dots.
So far, the only book I’ve found with both a CD and a wealth of technical info is “Traditional Scottish Fiddling”:
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?item=4906100&cart=3424426357791582&cm_re=289.1.4-_-Results+Item-_-Title
If there are any traditional fiddlers lurking about, I’d love to hear their input.
Perhaps that book, combined with a bunch of plain old Scottish folk music cds? Listen and listen and listen. Then maybe use something like
Transcribe! software (available to download and try free for 30 days…then you have to buy to keep using,) which enables you to slow down the songs you want to learn (even selecting just certain parts, like…um…the fiddle part) and play them over and over until your fingers catch up with your ears.
With your experience, I’d expect you to be much better at this method than I am, but it’s pretty cool.
Cullivan, you might research Cape Breton style fiddle, it may be the most accurate representation of old Scottish style fiddle. I know there are some instruction materials available. Google Cranford publications
Good Luck
After 2 or 3 yrs of silence, your question on Scottish fiddling sparked a reply. There is so much out there and I have tons of music. I spent 2 summer sessions w/Jink & Diddle Scottish Fiddle School and 2 at Alsdair Fraser’s Sierra Fiddle camp and this summer it was the Oberlin Scottish Arts Fiddle School. You’d think I’d be pretty good by now but sadly…I’m not. Not being modest…just truthful. There are many cd’s and some have a slow version of the tune, followed by the normal speed. I hav e had the Amazing SlowDowner software which was very helpful. Don’t mean to just throw out a carrot here but the question sort of overwhelmed me. I’m sure with your expertise you will learn quickly.
Best to all my old C&F friends
GM
There’s tons of stuff on line.
Start with: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/scottskinner/
J. S. Skinner the strathspeay king.
Most of all… LISTEN