A Guide to American Fiddling


Book Description

Classical violinists can help keep alive the historic traditions of American fiddle music, but doing so requires a clear understanding of performance practice. A Guide to American Fiddling exposes serious students of the violin to the technical nuances of traditional Old Time fiddling. In this book, violinist/fiddler Andrew Carlson provides a detailed technical analysis of Missouri-style fiddling, focusing primarily on the use of the bow. Carlson further offers a comparison of classical and non-classical techniques, a brief history of American fiddling, plus 23 traditional tunes with authentic bowing indications. A CD recording of the tunes is included.




Old-Time Fiddle Round Peak Style


Book Description

Traditional Southern old-time fiddling from the world-renowned Round Peak area of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, focusing on the style and repertoire of master fiddler Tommy Jarrell (1901–1985). Author Brad Leftwich, himself an acclaimed fiddler who learned the music in person from Jarrell, presents detailed, accurate transcriptions of 83 tunes (the bulk of Jarrell's repertoire) both in standard music notation and fiddle tablature, along with interesting anecdotal information relating to each tune. All of the tunes are included on the accompanying CD as transcribed, played solo at a moderate tempo to facilitate learning. Helpful stylistic tips and important background information on the area and the music, along with biographical information on Jarrell and many of the musicians from whom he learned, illustrated with many fascinating old photographs.• Featuring the old-time Round Peak fiddle style and repertoire of Tommy Jarrell• Detailed, accurate transcriptions of 83 tunes in standard notation and tablature• CD including all 83 tunes played solo at moderate tempo• Stylistic tips, photos, and background information on Round Peak music and musicians




Fiddling Around the World


Book Description

Play along with a lively Irish session, a spirited Ukrainian hopak, a tantalizing Arabic belly dance, a famous Italian tarantella, a joyous Klezmer hora, and over 50 other international favorites! This definitive book/CD sampler features vibrant folk music from North America, the British Isles, Western and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. the text combines clear explanations of authentic ornaments, bowings, and rhythms with fun tunes which are comfortable and easy to learn. the music includes chord symbols and some twin fiddling harmonies. the book also includes a helpful Quick Reference Key and Glossary of musical symbols and terms, as well as performance notes for each of the 58 songs. the included compact disc provides accompaniment for all of the tunes. By the author of bestseller Gypsy Violin, this outstanding intermediate-level collection is a must for handling assorted ethnic requests, or exploring ethnic styles.




Mel Bay's Complete Fiddling Book


Book Description

Mel Bay's Complete Fiddling Book is a compilation of arrangements of traditional tunes by several outstanding practitioners of the art of fiddle playing: Craig Duncan, Bill Guest, Dave Reiner, Frank Zucco, and Joe Castle. From The Arkansas Traveler to The Yellow Rose of Texas, over 300 colorful fiddle tunes populated this book's 205 pages. Scant on text or historical notes, but long on musical content, the Complete Fiddling Book is a great resource for any fiddler or teacher in search of a delightful, toe-tapping repertoire. Although most of the tunes are written for solo fiddle, the last ten pieces are arranged as fiddle duets. A masterful solo collection presenting a vivid assortment of fiddling styles and repertoire. On the companion DVD, fiddler Craig Duncan and guitarist Robert Bowlin perform 34 favorite tunes which are played at a slow and medium tempo to demonstrate many fiddling techniques. Split-screen filming features close-up angles of both the left hand and the bow. This DVD is the perfect companion to the Complete Fiddling Book, bringing the teacher right into your living room. Compilation of arrangements of traditional tunes Over 300 colorful fiddle tunes populate the 205 pages Most for solo fiddle, but the last ten pieces are arranged as fiddle duets Intermediate to advanced in difficulty Split-screen companion DVD of 34 tunes performed by Craig Duncan and guitarist Robert Bowlin.




Mel Bay's Deluxe Anthology of Fiddle Styles


Book Description

A critically acclaimed book covering old-time, bluegrass, Irish, blues, Scandinavian, Cajun, Texas, swing and jazz, and twin fiddling styles. This book also covers bowing, chords, chord progressions, kickoffs and endings, and improvisation. The companion recording features David Reiner's solo performance of all the tunes in the book.




Championship Contest Fiddling


Book Description

Championship Contest Fiddling contains painstakingly detailed transcriptions of 44 fiddle tunes as they were played by thirteen champions of the National Old Time Fiddlers' Contest held in Weiser, Idaho. In addition to the tunes, the book includes excerpts of extensive interviews with these champions where they offer advice on how to play in the contest style, prepare for contests and deal with nerves, adapt and arrange tunes to make them your own, and play with drive, among many other topics. It is an indispensable resource for fiddlers seeking to understand contest fiddling better and prepare for fiddle contests, or learn some great tunes from the masters! Includes audio CD of the actual piece played during the contest.




A Rag, A Stomp & A Reel


Book Description

Fiddling cellist, Renata Bratt, presents breakdowns, rags, waltzes, reels, songs, and stomps. American fiddle music is fun for cellists at all levels. Arranged from easy to intermediate, this book contains Appalachian dance tunes, Texas-style contest tunes, old-time, and bluegrass music with an authentic cello accompaniment for each tune. From first position with simple rhythms through fifth position with syncopated rhythms, learn or reinforce left-hand technique with extensions, shifting, and fast passage work. For the right-hand, fiddle tunes use string crossing, rhythmic bowing patterns and an ever-changing use of slurs and accents to create compelling rhythms. Join in with fiddle-style players, learn new styles and enhance your playing. Includes access to online audio.




Top Fiddle Solos


Book Description

If you are looking for exciting and challenging fiddle solos by one of America's hottest fiddlers, this book is for you. Contains Craig's outstanding fiddle arrangements on: Dueling Fiddles; Rocky Top; Black Mountain Rag; Tennessee Waltz; Faded Love; Cajun Fiddle; Jole Blon; Gardenia Waltz; Draggin' the Bow; Granny Does Your Dog Bite?; Black-Eyed Suzie; Wabash Cannonball; and many more. Presents 60 great fiddling tunes! the CD is sparkling stereo listening recording featuring Craig Duncan backed up by a top Nashville country rhythm section!




Herman Johnson Master Fiddler


Book Description

"Transcribed and edited by one of Herman Johnson's former students, this book offers 39 solos in the inimitable smooth, precise, and innovative Johnson style. Inspired in his youth by Bob Wills of the Texas Playboys, Johnson learned tunes by listening to records and the radio. At 16, he successfully auditioned to play in Willis' band, but was then too young to join the musicians union. Johnson went on to a distinguished career as a performer and contest fiddler, winning the National Fiddling Championship in Weiser, Idaho five times, the only player to reign undefeated each year he entered the contest. He also won the Grand Masters Championship in Nashville. Many of the intermediate to advanced-level selections in this collection were drawn from Johnson's 1993 recording, Simply Perfect."