Last October, I was inspired to make a go at the National Fiddle Contest in Weiser, ID. I haven’t been to Weiser since 2002, and if I’m going to make the trek, I want to make it worth my while.
So, I started thinking about what can I do to make sure that I am prepared for the contest when I go. I could prepare my rounds ahead of time. I can get my body in good condition. I really need to practice daily, and, I can have some top notch fiddlers coach me along the way.
From my need to practice daily, and my habit of not practicing daily came my inspiration for fiddle tune a day. I thought it would be a great way to force me to get my fiddle out every day to play. It would stretch my fiddling ability and get me out of my comfort zone by making me learn a few new tunes, AND, it would push me outside of my comfort zone with the public, putting me out in front of the public every day – whether I feel good or not, whether I want to or not, and whether I was happy with my playing or not.
In December I committed to take on the Fiddle Tune a Day project, and January 1 seemed like a great day to start. So, for the year of 2012, I will be posting a new fiddle tune online on youtube, and on my website right here. You can also signup to get fiddle tune a day in your email. (In the right hand sidebar.)
There you have it, the story of Fiddle Tune a Day has just begun. Tune in daily and join me in the journey!
Vi,
I would like to hear The Lover’s Waltz as a fiddle tune of the day. I would especially like it if it was the fiddle tune for June 27th. That day will me my husband & my 20th wedding anniversary.
Thanks,
Peggy
Hi Peggy,
You’re in luck! I already recorded it:
https://www.vithefiddler.com/lovers-waltz-fiddle-tune-a-day-day-121/
Vi-
Thanks for playing at Old Town Sq in Ft. Collins. The wife and I enjoyed it! I was wondering if you know the song “The Rowan Oak” Thanks Again
You’re welcome Jack. The Rowan Oak isn’t a tune I’m familiar with, but I will add it to my list of tunes that I don’t know and may end up playing for my fiddle tune a day project. Thanks for tuning in!
Vi
Vi,
You will do very well at Weiser.
I have really enjoyed receiving your Fiddle-Tune-A-Day ditties everyday by email. Your enthusiasm and inspired playing have kept me playing and improving every day on my fiddle and mandolin. For me it’s going on two years since I undertook simultaneously learning both instruments. The many hours and days I have put in “in the Woodshed” really have paid off and I am very, very happy and proud of my progress. I have a long way to go, but I am truly enjoying my musical journey.
Thanks!!!
Mike – Racine, WI
Thanks Mike. I have an awesome project I’m already working on that will be following fiddle tune a day. It is be a music instruction project. Stay tuned.
Hello Vi – See you in Douglas tomorrow?
Not this tomorrow, but that tomorrow. 🙂 I missed this comment until now.
Not this tomorrow, but that tomorrow. 🙂 I missed this comment until now.
Not this tomorrow, but that tomorrow. 🙂 I missed this comment until now.
I’m loving these! I picked up the violin after 13 years of not playing, and wanting to start learning Irish songs, partially because my partner is from Ireland and partially because some of the best violin music comes from Ireland (personal opinion) I have found your fiddle tune a day videos a very good reference point! And also sometimes a little depression as I am nowhere near there yet 😉
Thanks!
Thanks Niels. I’m say glad you are enjoying Fiddle Tune a Day. Keep practicing. AND, if you are interested, my new project is http://www.myTalentForge.com, an online music school featuring some of the best musician teachers in the US.
great music
Thanks, Doug!
Thanks, Doug!
Hello. I have a question. Do you sell each 'tune for the day' as a digital download? I would like to buy some songs and download them to my computer. Thank you.
Hi Kristi,
I’m working on this. It’s going to require a lot of work for me to make it happen, but I’m committed to getting it done this year. If you signup for my blog or fiddle tune a day, you will get notified as they are completed.
Thanks,
Vi
Great tunes.
Thanks, Patricia. I hope you are enjoying them.
Thanks, Patricia. I hope you are enjoying them.
Hi Kristi, I am working on getting them all prepared as digital downloads. I will put out a blog post announcing them when it's done. If you signup for my blog, you will get a notification when I get it finished.
Hi Kristi, I am working on getting them all prepared as digital downloads. I will put out a blog post announcing them when it's done. If you signup for my blog, you will get a notification when I get it finished.
I’m a self taught fiddler who always does better with an irish fiddle piece when I hear/see someone else play it. I had been working on the Swallowtail Jig for a while and after seeing you play it my tempo and voicing immediately took an evolutionary step. Lovin them irish jigs! Thanks!
That’s great, Rob! I’m glad you learned something new, and that I was able to help you in your musical journey.
Loved seeing you and hearing your wonderful music every day in Fiddle Camp! Already looking forward to the National Old Time Fiddle Festival in Weiser for 2015.
Thanks Lois. Likewise! Keep in fiddle touch!
Fiddle playing with a backup musician is a little like dating and marriage. Since my 'band' split up I sort of stopped playing. I've been looking at my fiddle in the case for a long time and thinking about playing again. Your fiddle tune a day is inspiring. But I need a plan of attack so I'm getting your Fast Fiddle FItness and Music Scales e-books to start with some focus instead of random tune playing. As a string player, I've never really had a plan to warm up or cool down. Just playing through tunes can only improve your technique in a random sort of way. Thanks for making these excellent books affordable. I look forward getting in 'fit as a fiddle' shape again soon. Thanks.
That's fantastic, Charles. I'm so excited to hear that I inspired you to pick it back up. Don't overdo your practice as you get started again. Let your body tell you when you need a break, and never practice more than 45 minutes or so at a sitting. Blessings on your new adventure!
Vi
I look forward to adapting these tunes to my dulcimer
That's fantastic, Rose. If you need help, Steve Eulberg has put a number of tunes on his Dulcimer teaching website, DulcimerCrossing.