Hello everyone

I have just returned from a wonderful weekend of playing and singing Folk music. I went along a bit apprehensive about whether I could play the music or not but needn't have worried. I was able to play everything that was thrown at us and at the correct speed and even managed to play solo the melody line and then swap to harmony on another piece. There was only one other violin in the group but it wasn't his main instrument so he didn't use it much. He was happier with the flute. Other instruments were accordions, guitars, electric and accoustic, mandolins, ukeleli (can't spell that), recorder, penny whistle, spoons, and many many percussion instruments. I have never had the opportunity of playing with others before and thoroughly recommend it.

I even started playing two of my chosen Grade 2 exam pieces and straightaway I was accompanied by an accordion and two guitars. It was wonderful. I even sang a solo which I have never done before. It certainly was a confidence booster for me and I want to do it again now. The songs are still going around in my head. It was a totally different way of playing the violin for me. Trouble is I have got to discipline myself again now and get back to classical types of things too with the correct bowing positions etc.....

Hi Alto,

I'm really glad you enjoyed playing traditional music - it's great fun.

Don't worry too much about technique differences - these days most players use a very classical hold, very classical bow hold and the same techniques as classical players for left hand. The main differences will be in bowed ornamentation and some left hand embellishments such as cuts, rolls and piping grace notes.

Older players have odd ways of holding the fiddle etc, but this is largely due to the fact that they had to learn by watching other players. Modern players having access to quality tuition progress through the classical school of technique usually (hence the sudden appearance of real virtuoso fiddle players).

You can focus entirely on your classical technique and still play traditional music well as the difference is not one of technique, but one of feel and rhythm.

Enjoy!

Maybe you should just stick to being a fiddler - its much more fun!!!I have played in quite a few sessions on Skye and the fiddlers I met there I don't think have ever seen a teacher. They have all learnt by ear and play in the most bizarre manner. One of them holds the fiddle half way down his chest, most play without a shoulder rest, their thumbs are all over the place - except on the back of the neck, bows are held half way down the stick etc etc...what a mad bunch!!

Hi Alto,

Wow, sounds like you had a really good time, and I'm glad it's increased your confidence in yourself.



You tend to find this with more traditional events; you can start playing something and before you know it, other people are improvising to accompany you and it sounds really good as well, which you probably wouldn't expect!



If you normally play clasically, that shouldn't be a problem for you. I play classically, with a bit of traditional fiddle playing on the side, and to be completely honest, my technique changes very little when I'm changing between the 2. This probably isn't ideal, but it works for me as I spend most of my time concentrating on classical, and just play the fiddle on the side. Hopefully you shouldn't find it too hard to adjust . As rosfrog said, some of the ornamentation is different, and bow control can also vary, but it really shouldn't pose a problem.

I also agree with Malone, playing traditionally can be a lot more fun and inclusive, as everyone tends to just 'muck in', so hopefully you'll decide to pursue this a bit as well, as it's a fantastic experience.

Yes, I would certainly like to do it again. I had never sung a solo before either, so it gave me confidence to do that too. I shall certainly book again for next year but would hope to find something else in between that I can join in with.

I practicised my violin at home tonight and it sounded a bit lost after hearing it with all the other instruments.