A Complete Guide to Learning the Irish Fiddle


Book Description

(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.




Tin Whistle - a Complete Guide to Playing Irish Traditional Music on the Whistle


Book Description

BOOK ONLY (Audio CD available to buy on author's website). Learn to play Irish traditional music on the whistle with this tutor book from Tradschool 104 tunes (28 children's & folk songs + 76 traditional Irish tunes) This book gives a complete introduction to playing Irish music in the traditional style on the tin whistle; it covers all from the very first notes on the instrument to the most advanced ornamentation. The course is broadly divided into two parts, with the shorter first part covering the basics of the whistle while the longer second part (pages 49-296) covers the playing of Irish traditional music on the instrument. It is intended for anybody who wants to play traditional music in the Irish style, from complete beginners to confirmed or advanced players who wish to work on their style or ornamentation. Tablature as well as sheet music is used throughout the book, so it is accessible to the complete beginner; while more advanced players will appreciate the attention to detail in style and ornamentation in the later parts of the book. Contents Introduction Part One Unit 1: Beginning the Whistle Unit 2: Right Hand Notes Unit 3: The Second Octave Unit 4 - Scales Unit 5 - Rhythm, Articulation & Breathing Unit 6 - Putting it together 1 Part Two Unit 7 - Irish Traditional Music Unit 8 - Listening to Irish Music Unit 9 - The Jig Unit 10 - The Hornpipe Unit 11 - The Reel Unit 12 - Ornamentation Ornamentation 1 - The Cut Ornamentation 2 - The Tap Ornamentation 3 - The Slide Ornamentation 4 - The Roll Ornamentation 5 - The Short Roll Ornamentation 6 - The Triplet Ornamentation 7 - The Bounce Ornamentation 8 - The Cran Ornamentation 9 - Combining Ornaments Ornamentation 10 - Staccato Triplets Ornamentation 11 - Summary Unit 13 - Other tunes Unit 14 - Playing in different keys Unit 15 - Playing Irish Music Unit 16 - Putting It Together 2 Unit 17 - Tunes Appendix 1 - Troubleshooting Appendix 2 - Reading Music Appendix 3 - Bibliography Appendix 4 - Tracklist




Learn to Play Irish Fiddle


Book Description

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.




Complete Irish Fiddle Player


Book Description

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.




Irish Mandolin Playing: A Complete Guide


Book Description

This is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Irish mandolin playing. As well as being a complete guide for the absolute beginner, this book also contains a mine of information, useful tips and ideas for the experienced player. the book takes the reader from the basics of the mandolin right through to more advanced topics such as creating variations, emphasis, improvisation, playing with other musicians, practicing effectively and much more. All the tunes and key exercises in the book are included on the accompanying 63 track CD. There is no need to read conventional music notation as all the music is written in easy-to-read mandolin tablature. However, for those interested in learning about music notation there is a handy section on this subject tailored specifically to the mandolinist as well as a chapter on modes.




Essential Guide to Irish Flute and Tin Whistle


Book Description

For the beginner to the highly advanced player of Irish flute, tin whistle, or Boehm-system flute. Features a simple and penetrating new approach to understanding and notating ornamentation that goes beyond any previous method, exploring ornamentation techniques never described in print before. Also includes adaptations for Boehm-system flute players, guidance on breathing and phrasing, 49 ornamentation exercises, history and theory of traditional Irish flute and whistle music, and 27 meticulous transcriptions of recordings by these important Irish flute and tin whistle players: John McKenna,Tom Morrison, William Cummins, Séamus Ennis, Willie Clancy, Paddy Taylor, Paddy Carty, Grey Larsen, Josie McDermott, Matt Molloy, Cathal McConnell, Mary Bergin, Donncha Ó Briain (Denis O'Brien), Desi Wilkinson, Breda Smyth, Seán Ryan, Conal Ó Gráda, Micho Russel, Joanie Madden, Kevin Crawford, Catherine McEvoy, and Seamus Egan. for those who don't read music, almost all the exercises, examples and tunes appear on the two companion CDs. Grey has, through his research, patience, and diligence, completed a work on Irish flute and tin whistle that I feel is essential reading for anybody interested in getting it right. - Matt Molloy, Irish Flute player with the Chieftains.




The Rough Guide to Irish Music


Book Description

Taking Irish traditional music as its starting point and focus, this guide traces the music's history, describes its fundamental elements and provides a detailed directory of all the key singers, musicians and bands, listings of venues, festivals, record companies, and instrument makers.




You Can Teach Yourself Fiddling


Book Description

With You Can Teach Yourself Fiddling, veteran Mel Bay author, Craig Duncan, has produced an excellent book for the beginning fiddler. Its 36 lessons teach basic techniques through specific exercises and traditional fiddle tunes. from holding the fiddle and bow correctly to playing moderately advanced tunes in double stops, Craig will guide you through each progressive step. Although it is not necessary to be able to read music at the start of this book, the author gradually introduces principles of effective note reading throughout. A unique feature of this book is that the same tune may appear in more than one lesson, increasing in difficulty with each recurrence. Each variation builds on the previous one and assists students in learning how to create their own arrangements. Even with some repetitions of the same tune, you'll find more than 50 popular fiddle tunes in the book's 80 pages. Check points and reviews keep you on track from cover to cover. the companion DVD/video covers the first 17 lessons from the book.




Fiddle For Dummies


Book Description

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.




50 Solos for Irish Tenor Banjo


Book Description

(Waltons Irish Music Books). The most comprehensive collection of Irish tenor banjo tunes currently available! Here are 50 jigs, reels and hornpipes arranged for two types of tuning; the standard CGDA used by Gerry O'Connor, and the traditional GDAE tuning used by David McNevin. The first 25 tunes are played by O'Connor, whose creative and individual style has earned him the reputation of being one of Ireland's finest banjo players. The remaining tunes are arranged and played by McNevin, an extremely skillful player in the traditional style, who has received major awards for his achievements on the banjo.