Help: Learning Fiddle--How Long?

Subject: Learning Fiddle--How Long?
From: Chicken Charlie
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 06:46 PM

I play several instruments but all with some variety of picking. What am I in for in learning the fiddle? How long did it take you fiddlers from the first time you picked up a bow to the first time you performed in public and felt good about it??

CC

Subject: RE: Help: Learning Fiddle--How Long?
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 08:02 PM

cant really say, I had violin lessons for about 8 yrs as a kid. I took up the fiddle 5yrs ago and have no problem playing in public and do paying gigs and solo for dances etc. but it was about 2 yrs before I played in public (after I took it up again)

As a general rule I think at least a year of playing is required to get some basics in fingering and intonation etc. and probably 5 years before anyone might want to listen to you. (this all depends on your age I think youngsters can learn really quickly as a young mind is quite adept at learning. In general you get what you put in. So if you play an hour everyday for a couple years youll get reasonably good. (and when I say practice I consider even noodling practice, above all enjoy.) petr.

Subject: RE: Help: Learning Fiddle--How Long?
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 08:38 PM

Don't remember exactly that, Charlie, but it wasn't very long. I started lessons in the summer of 5th grade and the school orchestra played a concert in October......

I just started a student who plays flute in Middle School Band. She has had 6 lessons and now has 8 tunes, sort of. I wouldn't ask her to perform in public, because she is shy to begin with, and nervous still about the instrument. If you are used to performing, you should be able to do at least a couple of tunes in public after a few weeks if you practice.

Subject: RE: Help: Learning Fiddle--How Long?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 08:51 PM

I took my first fiddle lesson in 1989 at the Fiddle Tunes festival in Port Townsend, Washington. Twelve years later, I can't play a note. Of course, that was also my last fiddle lesson....! But I sure wish I'd stuck with it. Now I'm working on ukulele. Seems to me a musician of any sort, especially one used to playing an instrument with strings, would have a head start. Good luck!

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Help: Learning Fiddle--How Long?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 09:04 PM

I know someone who was already very good on guitar and madolin but to the best of my knowledge no experince with the bow, get to grips with the fiddle well enough to have performed had he wished to in less than 12 months (if he was into performing).

Thinking of competent guitar players, I wonder how Rick Fielding (who I would view as a world class guitar player) is getting on with the fiddle now.

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: Learning Fiddle--How Long?
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 09:24 PM

As has been said, it depends very much on your age, level of experience and personal commitment.  Given that you already know your way around some other stringed instruments (this always helps a lot), take it seriously for a year, and then see what you, and other people, think about your playing.  It should be obvious by then whether or not it's worth your while continuing.

Subject: RE: Help: Learning Fiddle--How Long?
From: GUEST,willie-o
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 11:01 PM

Started at age 20. I'd say it took me 10-12 years before anyone other than myself enjoyed my playing. If your surname is McIsaac, MacMaster, Schryer, or Leahy it seems to take a lot less...

W-O