Now that I have a somewhat firm grasp on the basic melody of 'Sugar In My Coffee' I am working on adding some ornamentation to 'flesh out' the tune and give it some polish. Basically, a couple of quick hammer-ons here and there as well as a few slides should to do the trick.However, I'm finding that adding those grace notes isn't as easy as it seems. It's likely just a matter of more practice, but adding those tiny notes seems to be just enough to throw off my shuffle rhythm. Faster fingers. I need FASTER FINGERS! Oh, and did I mention coordination?
Not to mention that finding a balance of just the right amount of ornamentation and placement of said ornaments takes a little practice too, but I'm thinking that what everyone's mom tried to tell them about makeup (less is more) likely applies here too.
Listening to my teacher (and other fiddlers) play a piece, I have also grown to realize that a piece is seldom played through exactly the same way twice. Quite often it seems like the location of the ornamentation changes. Coming from a classical background where sticking to the notation was a way of life, this 'artistic freedom' is new to me... Geez, I'm sounding like a classical snob here, aren't I? Sorry. lol.
I've got only a couple of days to shine up 'Coffee' before I'll have a new tune to tackle, so I suppose I should stop writing and keep practicing! ttyl.
Hi Melissa,Just found your site.Its nice to see other people as passionate about "Fiddle and Old Time" music as myself.What a great site.I play Old Time Fiddle too.I will write again when I have more time. Keith
ReplyDeleteHi Keith!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the compliments. Lucky you, you are my official FIRST comment on my new blog. I'm truly excited to think that someone is actually reading this (besides my mom - lol). Would love to hear what you are working on and how long you've been playing and any tips you could share.
Thanks again,
~Melissa
Hi Melissa,Since I'm the FIRST commenter do I win a prize? Or do you have to be the ten-thousand one or more?I am actually pleased and honored.I have never the the first at anything until now!!!I too love Tommy Jarrell not everyone wants or should sound ultra smooth.Old Time fiddling is great because of the different styles and sounds.Also I am told that he was an incredible person which makes it all the more special.Other Fiddlers I like are John Sayler,Edden Hammons,Bruce Molsky,Kenny Jackson,Rayna Gellert and others that I could write about some other time.Oh yea,Ive been playing 4 years (this time),and right now I am working on "Queen of the Earth,Child of the Skies" mostly from WV fiddler Edden Hammons.Have you ever heard a more beautiful title for a tune? Much prettier than "Possum's Tail is Bare" or "Blake Snake Bit me on my Big Toe" Oh well I'll write again.See ya, Keith
ReplyDeleteHey Keith,
ReplyDeleteYou win 'the honor' - what can I say?!? If I get to ten thousand comments, that may indeed deserve a prize. I just hope this blog lasts that long. haha.
I've heard of Edden Hammons and Bruce Molsky but not Kenny or Rayna - I'll have to look them up. Thanks for the info. It's always fun to find out about other artists and give them a listen.
So, 4 years (this time)...hmmm...how many other times were there? Have you always been doing old time or did you start out with another style like I did with classical?
BTW, check out my latest lesson blowing post and you'll see where classical training get's you. lol.
Take care,
~Melissa
Hi Melissa,Me again.I found out about your site by looking up info on Salvador de Durro violins.How lucky was I? Your site is laid out so nice.I'm not to sure about this blogging stuff.Do I keep writing here or do I go to a different topic or what? Anyway,yes I did take some classical lessons in the late 1970's. But I did that to learn the fundamentals.I always figured on playing Bluegrass and Country Fiddle.I didn't know that much about OldTime then.I played for a couple years.Then I quit because of a broken heart and a job change.I did not play the fiddle again for over 25 years.Anyway....Pick up Rayna Gellert's "Ways of the World" cd.She is one of the best (Living)Oldtime fiddler's that there is.Kenny Jackson's "Over The Mountain" is also great.Both of these are mainly fiddling with some vocals.Talk to you later.Keith
ReplyDeleteHi Keith,
ReplyDeleteSorry, I just now realized that I never answered your question about where to comment back to me. You can comment on any one of my posts - whatever strikes your fancy. I get a notification whenever anyone comments so that I can moderate that comment before publishing it. Power rush! lol.
I did give Rayna a listen (I found her 'Starch and Iron' webpage.) She's great. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Work (the kind that pays, but isn't so much fun) has kept me busy and I've not found much spare time for my fiddling or blogging in the last couple of weeks, but hope to get in some good fiddle time during the upcoming holiday weekend.
BTW, what do you think of my blog redesign? I was advised by a designer to step away from the template and individualize my blog for a better look. Hope I did ok. If you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know.
Happy Fiddling (and Thanksgiving!)
~Melissa