 Lessons are a must.  One may or may not choose to further contact information and describe what they do in the community space. When an entire range of resources were shared, I may give a quick thank you along the way. Sometimes as in the Violin Artistry link, direct solicitation cannot be avoided. I would like to link you directly to Mr. Sonne's video from the first paragraph at the site entrance, it so important to the spirit of Fiddler Cove, but this must be said first. Please view Roy Sonne's Violin Artistry after you finish reading the disclaimer, and you will understand the spirit of Fiddler Cove, from the top down. I prefer to think of it as, from the ridge. I will see you back on the front porch in a few minutes. You will notice this is one of the the only times a link on this site exists twice. Why? First a Quick Recommendation:There is a free video saving software called Miro. Nobody can guarantee how long videos stay on youtube. Using Miro, if you find videos that help you, save and organize the videos on your computer. There are likely other video management approaches--whatever works for you... And yes, I even make backup copies. Copyrights not withstanding, ethics are something we 'all' must wrestle with in todays information revolution. I am 'not' saying,steal things. Nor is anyone associated with this site implying anything unethical. The spirit:: Though the very advanced concept called neural nodes in computer sciences as well as information sciences allow for sweeping expansions of knowledge and information, learning does not work that way. I have just been on about a three and a half year journey exploring information related to learning violin, and will thus try to tame that beast of too much information for you. Saving and organizing what really works for you, is purely, in that spirit. Before proceeding to Todd's Videos 'It is most honest to say this site is focused mostly on general formal violin, with hopes to eventually take one to informal music, with some chops. I will try and find some links for those looking purely at fiddling as I go along though. I am simply not there yet--and because of my own formal approach, it may, be awhile.. Next, this site is a collection of resources I use to learn violin--I see it as a 'learning space'. I am not a teacher of violin--I barely pull a straight bow for goodness sakes! But I work very 'very' hard. Moreover those who advise me are brutal, and know my love for intrigue. Yes, there exists a spirit of very hard work here. Many people have been so generous helping me from literally all over the world, I wanted to share anything I have collected along the way with others--I actually use this site almost daily. Those who have helped me are of an unbelievable caliber of expertise, so I will strive to return the favor here if possible. Currently, people from 79 countries have stopped in, and people from about 29 countries visit routinely(return visits and time on site). Violin is a very very difficult instrument to play on a high level. If you wish to play on this level you will by necessity need a good teacher. If you must find your own way however, or if you are looking at different perspectives, you will find some great resources at Fiddler Cove.... I think however anyone can learn violin--on 'some' level. Moreover for amateurs 'I am' the guru of believing in your abilities. I am deeply involved with adult learning. My mantra is: 'do not set limits for yourself, or allow others to set limits for you--just do it'. I can say these things because I have looked at them for many years. Violin in the spirit of Fiddler Cove takes literally years and years, even when finding our own way--we wait for the harvest--wait for the violin.. Fiddler Cove is dedicated to the idea, that violin is a lifetime journey, rather than on raw achievement. Closely related is a need to watch many fine players play, and see what they do with posture, balance and flow. My friends are concerned with my obsession of watching myself in a mirror--no, I am not explaining myself. David Oistrakh, Nathan Milstein and Hilary Hahn are very good examples of handling yourself and the instrument well(a very supportable opinion). You may watch these performers on youtube. Hilary Hahn routinely does tours in the US currently. I highly suggest taking the time to take in Hahn, or the many string quartets that are available regionally to help you both get better and stay motivated. Ms. Hahn literally melted my heart into a puddle a couple years back with her Bach A-minor in Greensboro NC USA--I will not even think about it. Guilty I say! Todd Ehle is a professor at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi Texas. And, besides believing a private teacher is necessary to play on a very high level, has generously shared these videos for his students, and actually anyone who wishes to view them... Todd Ehle has set trends for giving, unselfishly and with purpose that sets extremely high standards in an interconnected world. This very site was started because of his work, and will culminate in a Gutenberg spirited effort at taking knowledge just as freely as possible to those who desire it over time. Rock on Todd--if you were not already married you could marry my sister--well, she and thankfully, is prettier than I! There is much more to come, so please visit often and be patient. Resources(things) will not be added randomly or arbitrarily however. I have taken it upon myself to organize Todd's videos from youtube because they are simply excellent. I have created an alternative to Todd's playlists--it is a different perspective of Professor Ehle's important work, focusing on how one might experience the violin from the beginning of their journey. Used in tandem with the way Violin Masterclass Online, is likewise arranged, from the very first experience--creates a major lesson to how one might experience the violin. These two thoughts taken together create the idea of Fiddler Cove: A Violin Learning Space. Also included in that idea Learning Space, will be support and learning support to help you, and me along. This support notion though will be done hopefully in a calming manner that proves to be truly helpful. It can feel like a jungle out there. Finally, variety and perspective in learning violin are for the advancing/advanced student. Please please, go very slowly as you learn the basics of violin--it will make all the difference in the world--and yes that is experience talking. And learn the language and vocabulary of violin. I have high standards that I may not even be able to reach, so the spirit of this site expresses that. I simply do not care if I never play advanced Paganini, but I do hope to play some Mozart and Bach. Leopold Auer in his book "Violin Playing as I Teach it", makes an important point about achievement, expectations and ability. Using myself as an example, again I will not likely play Paganini's Violin Concertos. But as a musician, I also know there is literally a universe of both beautiful and challenging music I can aspire to play. Indeed this universe of music is both my best friend and worst enemy in my own efforts. I will be able to play Paganini's Cantabile. These aspirations have meaning for all amateurs, especially on violin. Do you have no background in music and are starting at 45? Do you have an ear for music? Violin takes a lot, and I mean a lot of time and focus to become accomplished on--do you have these? Should you still learn violin? Of course you should. There are other instruments that might be more agreeable if you just wish to play music and do not care how. But if you have a real desire to play violin, you can. Will you play Paganini as a late starter? Probably not very well. Can you play Bach's "Air on G String" beautifully" in time? Absolutely--and there are just so many more awesome things one can play if they wish. But again, at Fiddler Cove, exists pretty high standards. Violin is truly, the instrument of emotion and expression when one gets to that level. Can you add beautiful harmonies and string lines to other music? You bet. Earlier I mentioned a universe of music being my best friend and worst enemy. If you are to achieve your potential, you cannot go where the spirit leads you for a long long time. Can you creatively use music you already know to practice technique? Yes. Can you still learn to be all you can be? I hope you wish--that is up to you.. I will be helping modeling some potential game plans for you later. Over in the "More Help Section" are my thoughts on basics at the end of the page. Rather than repeat myself, I will just say besides reading those remarks, please get a plan of action very early in understanding what basics means. I will try and do some work to help with defining basics, but I have already mentioned that the order of the videos, the links, the pages and even the help sections say instinctively: Basics. You will notice that you cannot contact me from this site--it is a service and support site, and will remain so, encompassing the spirit of teamwork, community and sharing. Violin, fire and water are very old things--you can do this! If you need help visit Violin masterclass forums--I am zeagle79. And finally,you are watching this site evolve as I both learn violin and try to model that experience to help others at the same time, and it is always changing as am I, until I get some basic things correct. You are welcome to be part of that conversation. Truly finally, if you find typos and grammar errors, please feel free to knock me around a little, by visiting Violin Masterclass forums--it is all about the fiddle, and I exist--tiredly.. My long-windedness, I get it honestly! |
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The Mountain Mary Beth Kirkpatrick, 1st Chair, WV Symphony, Studio, Gorby's Music, 7th Ave., Charleston WV. Amelia Chan, Concertmistress, WV Symphony, Charleston WV Montclaire String Quartet Coach, Christine Carr McGuire, War , WV; alum, honors, UCinn. Conservatory, Pi Kappa Lambda. There will be no direct solicitation on this site The Hollow"Thanks a lot for organizing and posting these videos..... In just a few viewing minutes I've received answers to basic questions which I've been asking for years! I enjoy reading your posts..." (Patricia) My Mountain...born in the mountains, climbed the mountain, tilled the rocky soil, heard the song of the hollows, and learned the names of the stars on a cold clear winter night on my favorite ridge, 'everyman's' chapel. Al Justice |
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