Learn To Play Orange Blossom Special on the Fiddle by Fiddlerman

Follow Fiddlerman's explanation of how to play the Orange Blossom Special on the violin. Learn some simple tricks to help you sound great.
When crossing the strings quickly it is important to keep the bow angle as close to the change as possible. Also it is important to use the lower half of the bow for less right arm travel distances. The higher on the bow you play the more movement necessary to change strings.  Practice the rhythms slowly with patience until they speed up naturally. This and many more how to videos available on http://fiddlerman.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRrS4a7wWks

Fiddlermans Christmas Project Video Finished

Check out Fiddlerman's first collective online collaboration with members from around the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8FXLVeTSOg

You too can participate in the next project. Join the forum and stay informed of what is going on at Fiddlerman.com

A date has been decided for the CVN-300 give away

http://fiddlerman.com/2011/11/date-decided-for-the-cecilio-cvn-300-give-away/
Fiddlerman will be raffling a Cecilio CVN-300 Violin on Saturday the 17th of December at 11AM on Fiddlerman TV.  The next violin in order to be raffled will be announced and shown also at this time.
See how you can be eligible to win.

Double Stops on the Violin

One great exercise to get started on Double stops is by Sevcik called Preparatory Exercises in Double Stopping Op.9 for the Violin. These exercises can be found on http://fiddlerman.com under SHEET MUSIC and choose FREE VIOLIN STUDIES, ETUDES AND SOLOS
In this tutorial I go through no.3 which is exceptional for pinpointing intonation in advance, correcting when combining the interval and for finding the correct bow arm angle. This and many other tutorials found on Fiddlerman.com

Work on the intervals slowly while concentrating on intonation. Memorize the position of your right arm when on the double-stops and make as little movement as possible when moving over to the intervals. Apply even pressure on both strings when playing both notes together.
Learn to play Double Stops on the Violin

Learn to Play Jingle Bells on the Violin

Follow Fiddlerman's easy instructions and learn to play Jingle Bells on the violin just in time for Christmas to impress your friends and family. This sheet music and much more available on Fiddlerman.com
http://fiddlerman.com/tutorials/beginners-tutorials/learn-to-play-jingle-bells-on-the-violin/

2 Octave G Chromatic Scale for Violin

Learn a simple 2 octave G chromatic scale. Sheet music available on Fiddlerman.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx_EhAQkqiE

Win the Cecilio CVN300 Christmas Give away on Fiddlerman.com

You can be the lucky winner of the Cecilio CVN-300 in December, 2011 (date to be announced soon).

To be eligible to win you need to involve yourself in the “Fiddlerman’s Christmas Project”

• Download and learn any of the four parts found on the above links page. Using the upcoming click-track, (will be uploaded to above page soon) record yourself playing one of the parts and send the video to Fiddlerman (instructions coming soon).
• All of Fiddlerman’s Fiddle Talk forum members with over 100 legitimate posts are automatically eligible and are not obligated to upload a  video to be entered.
• Forum members involved in the Christmas Project will receive an additional entry increasing their chance to win.

Join our 2011 youtube Christmas project :-)

http://fiddlerman.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Click-for-Christmas-Project.mp3

Here is the CLICK TRACK for Fiddlerman’s Christmas Project for use with recording your recording. Play through your computer or use with MP3 player through earphones, jacks or headphones. Not to be heard on the recording.
For all the files including music, demo's and instructions go to:

http://fiddlerman.com/studies-etudes-and-music/christmas-project/

How To Hold The Bow by Fiddlerman

How To Hold The Bow – Place your thumb in the C of the bow frog and place the other fingers on the other side of the stick with the pointer finger towards the tip of the bow. Keep the all the fingers comfortably together and relaxed. The bow’s stick makes contact on the first fingers knuckle with each following fingers closer to their tips. Finally the pinky needs to learn to sit on top of the stick and stay there. A proper hold will enable you to make flexible smooth bow changes. This and many more tutorials available at http://Fiddlerman.com

Win a Cecilio CVA-400 Viola

You can win a Cecilio CVA-400 Viola

The CVA-400 comes with everything you need to get started. It's a beautiful instrument and produces a great sound right out of the box for under $160. If you are starting out on the viola you probably can't find a better sounding instrument for the same price. Visit violaman.com to see how you can win this CVA-400

Cecilio CVA-600 Viola Review

First impression when opening the box and the case was that this is a beautiful instrument. Even nicer than expected and hard to believe that you could get such a nice instrument for the money. First I checked the Viola to make sure that there were no cracks or major damages incurred by shipping. I also checked the sound-post to make sure that it had not fallen down and was straight enough to put pressure on the bridge. When tuning the instrument I constantly checked that the bridge was in the right place, centered so that the strings were  and fairly straight, I rosined one of the bows that are included in the case. To get enough rosin on the bow I had to scratch the new surface of the rosin and work it in for about 10-15 intensive minutes. When I finally got some friction on the bow it was time to play.
Suddenly a big smile on my face and difficult to put the instrument down again.
There are of course flaws as well. For $400 you can't get everything.

• The bows are not very good and I managed to break at least 10 hairs in the first hour of playing.
• The sound-post was cut badly (too short) and was pulled out closer to the f-holes to stay in place.
• The bridge was sanded on one side instead of evenly planed on both.
• The strings are steel-core and would much nicer if switched to high quality synthetic core.

See the whole review on the below link:
http://violaman.com/2011/10/cecilios-cva-600-viola-review-by-violaman-com/

My new violas

I received three violas from kkmusicstore today. I was seriously impressed with the first one that I opened. The bows are junk, the case is cheap but looks great non-the-less, and the end pin sticks out way too much. Also the sound-post is real crocked but I don't dare move it because the feet are flat at that angle. The instrument itself is beautiful, real inlaid purfling, and nice grains in the wood. The sound is great even with the bad sound-post and cheap strings. Look forward to opening the other two boxes and doing a review on all three violas tomorrow.

VIOLA TUNER

In case any of you play the viola or would like to learn, I just finished my VIOLA TUNER :-)
http://violaman.com/viola-tuner/

Fiddlermans Christmas project!

Good morning :-)
How is your practicing going? What kind of projects do you have going on?
Are you joining in on Fiddlerman's Christmas Project?
Visit this link for details: http://fiddlerman.com/studies-etudes-and-music/christmas-project/

You can be the lucky winner of Cecilio's CVN-300

http://fiddlerman.com/2011/10/win-the-cecilio-cvn300-christmas-give-away-on-fiddlerman-com/

To be eligible to win you need to involve yourself in the “Fiddlerman's Christmas Project”

• Download and learn any of the four parts found on the above links page. Using the upcoming click-track, (will be uploaded to above page soon) record yourself playing one of the parts and send the video to Fiddlerman
• All of Fiddlerman's Fiddle Talk forum members with over 100 legitimate posts are automatically eligible and are not obligated to upload a  video to be entered.
• Forum members envolved in the Christmas Project will receive an additional entry increasing their chance to win.
• Previous winners are not eligible to win.

China makes 70% of the world’s violins.

 China now makes 70% of the world’s violins. And the quality at the top-end is quite good. In fact, it’s making Italian violin makers nervous. The World’s, Mary Kay Magistad checks out China’s violins.

http://fiddlerman.com/2011/10/violins-made-in-china/

Learn to play "Deck The Halls" on the violin

Learn to play,"Deck the Halls" a traditional Yuletide and New Years' carol on the violin. The "fa-la-la" refrains were probably originally played on the harp.
The tune is Welsh dating back to the sixteenth century, and belongs to a winter carol, Nos Galan. In the eighteenth century Mozart used the tune to "Deck the Halls" for a violin and piano duet. The repeated "fa la la" is from medieval ballads and used in Nos Galan, the remaining lyrics are American.
This free PDF can be downloaded, print, and played and includes suggested fingerings and bowings. More free sheet music can be found on Fiddlerman.com

Want to learn to play violin from scratch. The lessons are free.

Do you want to learn to play violin? If you've never touched a violin before start here !!!!
http://fiddlerman.com/fiddle-learning-tools/where-do-i-start/

Violinist played his instrument as surgeons performed deep brain stimulation.

Roger Frisch of Plymouth, Minn., lay on the operating table with his hands clutching his violin to his chin. While surgeons operated on Frisch’s brain, Frisch began to play the chords he’s known for more than 30 years.
Read all about it here

Third Position Smear exercises for Violin

Learn to shift more accurately from first to third position. Practice shifting slowly at first. Slide on each finger from first to first, second to second, and third to third and steadily increase tempo for best results.
Try to memorize the feeling of where your hand ends up, either by feeling a guide when reaching the position or by memorizing the feeling in your left elbow when bent the proper amount. Remember to rely strongly on your hearing both in anticipation and arrival to the note.
Download and print this free smear exercise and many more from fiddlerman.com

A date has been decided for the CVN-200 give away

http://fiddlerman.com/2011/10/date-decided-for-the-cecilio-cvn-200-give-away/

Glissando and Portamento on the Violin

Glissando and Portamento on the Violin

Glissando is a when you slide a finger on a string from one note to another. The word comes originally from the French word glisser which means to glide. A portamento is when you slide from a note or to a note but do not connect the two notes.
Watch this instructional video on what is, how to play, and different types of glissando. Learn the differences between glissando and portamento. Hear how different glissando's can sound using varying speeds, amounts, volumes, and lengths. Glissando is used in all genres of music and is a great part of musical expression.

Fiddlerman is on a roll for Christmas.

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a Christmas carol that first appeared in 1739 in the collection Hymns and Sacred Poems, having been written by Charles Wesley.
In 1855, English musician William H. Cummings adapted Felix Mendelssohn's secular music from Festgesang to fit the lyrics of Wesley's "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". Wesley envisioned the song being sung to the same tune as his song Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, and in some hymnals, is included along with the more popular version.
This hymn was regarded as one of the Great Four Anglican Hymns and published as number 403 in "The Church Hymn Book" (New York and Chicago, USA, 1872).
This free PDF can be downloaded, print, and played and includes suggested fingerings and bowings. More free sheet music can be found on Fiddlerman.com
Check this and more Christmas sheet music for violin out here.

Fiddlerman is the number 1 violin site :-)

This is great news. We are no. 1 and not just on Google :-)
One of my members shared this link with me.
http://onlinedoctoratedegree.org/top-50-violinist-blogs

Happy Fiddlerman Day to everyone :-)

Happy Fiddlerman Day to everyone :-)
Today is one year since I uploaded Fiddlerman.com



I first decided I wanted to devote time to an online violin learning site about six months before actually doing it. It occurred to me that if done correctly I could help so many more violinists with each lesson than giving private lessons. I’ve always felt like everyone who wants to learn should be able to do so whether or not they are fortunate enough to be able to afford it. Internet is world wide as opposed to local and I love the idea of connecting to the entire world. Another thing that enticed me is knowing that whatever I produce now can theoretically remain indefinitely. It’s obvious that internet will continue to expand at great speeds.  One of the first things I did after deciding to start a site was to read a book about SEO (search engine optimization), not having ever done anything like this before I wanted to know what I would be getting myself into and what I needed to do to get traffic to such a site.
READ MORE...

Todays addition to Fiddlerman's free X-Mas sheet-music

"O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a popular Christmas carol. The text was written by Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) Organist, Lewis Redner, added the music. Redner's tune, simply titled "St. Louis", is the tune used most often for this carol in the United States.
In the United Kingdom, and sometimes in the U.S. (especially in the Episcopal Church), the hymn tune "Forest Green" is used instead. "Forest Green" was adapted by Ralph Vaughan Williams from an English folk ballad called "The Ploughboy's Dream" which he had collected from a Mr. Garman of Forest Green, Gloucestershire in 1903. Adapted into a hymn tune, it was first published in the English Hymnal of 1906.
This free PDF can be downloaded, printed, and played for free and includes suggested fingerings and bowings. More free sheet music available on Fiddlerman.com

This and many other X-mas tunes can be found here.

"O Christmas Tree", or "O Tannenbaum"

Entertain your family and friends this Christmas with free X-mas sheet music available on fiddlerman.com
Todays addition is, "O Christmas Tree", also known as "O Tannenbaum",  a Christmas carol of German origin.
A Tannenbaum is a fir tree (German: die Tanne) or Christmas tree (der Weihnachtsbaum). Its evergreen qualities have long inspired musicians to write several "Tannenbaum" songs in German.
The best known version was written in 1824 by the Leipzig organist, teacher and composer Ernst Anschütz. The melody is an old folk tune (Lauriger Horatius). The first known "Tannenbaum" song lyrics date back to 1550
This free PDF can be downloaded, printed, and played for free and includes suggested fingerings and bowings. More free sheet music available on Fiddlerman.com

http://fiddlerman.com/studies-etudes-and-music/christmas-music/

In the Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Grieg

Happy Halloween - In The Hall Of The Mountain King by Edvard Grieg

Learn to play, "In the Hall of the Mountain King" composed by Edvard Grieg for the sixth scene of
Act II in Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt, which premiered in Christiania on February 24, 1876.
The piece is played as the eponymous Peer Gynt, in a dream-like fantasy, enters "the royal hall of the Old Man of the Dovrë (the Mountain King)." The scene's introduction continues: "There is a great crowd of troll courtiers, gnomes and goblins. The Old Man sits on his throne, with crown and sceptre, surrounded by his children and relatives. Peer Gynt stands before him. There is a tremendous uproar in the hall." The lines sung are the first lines in the scene.
Grieg himself wrote: "For the Hall of the Mountain King I have written something that so reeks of cowpats, ultra-Norwegianism, and 'to-thyself-be-enough-ness' that I can't bear to hear it, though I hope that the irony will make itself felt." This free PDF can be downloaded, printed, and played for free and includes suggested fingerings and bowings. This and much more free sheet music available on Fiddlerman.com

Instructional Video on Swan Lake for Violin

Watch this instructional video and learn to play the Finale of the "Swan Lake" ballet, op. 20, by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, composed 1875--1876. See how fiddlerman phrases and makes music out of this piece. This sheet-music includes bowing suggestions and dynamics and is a much simpler version than the orginal. Download, save, print and play this and much more free violin sheet music at Fiddlerman.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Un_f-4I4oE

Silent Night. "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht"

Download and learn to play the popular Christmas carol "Silent Night" (German: "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht")  composed by Franz Xaver Gruber. In 1859, John Freeman Young published the English translation that is most frequently sung today. The version of the melody that is generally sung today differs slightly (particularly in the final strain) from Gruber's original, which was a sprightly, dance-like tune in 6/8 time, as opposed to the slow, meditative lullaby version generally sung today. Today, the lyrics and melody are in the public domain.

A version recorded by Bing Crosby is one of the fewer than thirty all-time singles to have sold 10 million (or more) copies worldwide.

Silent Night and other free sheet music found here.

Joy To The World for Fiddle

Simple Christmas pieces for fiddle added to Fiddlerman's free sheet music section.
See the Christmas music section.

Learn to play, "Joy To The World" on the violin. The music was adapted and arranged to Isaac Watts' lyrics by Lowell Mason in 1839 from an older melody which was then believed to have originated from Handel. As of the late 20th century, "Joy to the World" was the most-published Christmas hymn in North America. This free PDF can be downloaded, print, and played and includes suggested fingerings and bowings. More free sheet music can be found on Fiddlerman.com

Thousands of Taiwanese children set violin record

TAIPEI — More than 4,600 Taiwanese schoolchildren came together for a mass violin-playing session, breaking a world record that had stood for 86 years.

An official from Guinness World Records witnessed Sunday’s event that brought together 4,645 children aged under 18 at a stadium in central Changhua county, the county government said.

The performance was 30 seconds longer than the required minimum of five minutes, it said.

http://fiddlerman.com/2011/09/thousands-of-taiwanese-children-set-violin-record/

Learn how to find 3rd, 2nd, 4th and 5th positions on the violin without having to search for it.

Learn to easily your positions right away without having to search for them. The best way to learn to find a position is to have a guideline. Playing a position with your hand between the scroll and body of the instrument makes it difficult to insure you are right until you actually hear the notes and can readjust. Having a guideline will give you confidence even before playing your first note. Practice scales in all positions to reinforce the feeling of being in the correct position.

Begin these shifts with slow slides and have patience. Once you feel comfortable with the positions begin to shift quicker with less slide. Every time you find the correct note try to take a snapshot of the feeling and save it in your brain for future use. Practice reaching up and grabbing the correct note immediately without a slide as well. The more often you can begin in the desired position without fault the more confident you will become starting without test notes.

Lastly, memorize your fingering patterns in all the separate positions for reading purposes. Practice easy works that you know well in different positions regardless of which position works the best, for position practice purposes.

http://fiddlerman.com/2011/09/learn-second-third-fourth-and-fifth-positions-on-the-violin/

Learn "Solveig's Song"

Learn "Solveig's Song"-  Sheet music available on Fiddlerman.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZhSixDqJ68

New piece added to Fiddlermans Free Sheet Music page

Solveig's Song from Peer Gynt, Op 23

Solveig's Song from the play, Peer Gynt, Op. 23 was written by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (15 June 1843 – 4 September 1907) in 1875. This simple sheet-music for violin includes bowing suggestions, string indications, dynamics, and fingering. Download, save, print and play this and much more free violin sheet music at Fiddlerman.com

Learning Third Position on the Violin

Learn how to play in the third position on the violin and to find it easily. Positions are used to avoid awkward fingerings, string crossings, and open strings as well as to play higher notes than reachable in first position. Feel the curve of the neck on the violin to locate first position accurately. Learn where your guidelines are on your instrument to shift easily and find the position without having to search or test the notes first. Practice slowly at first then work up your speed. This and many more tutorials available at http://fiddlerman.com

http://fiddlerman.com/tutorials/advanced-tutorials/third-position-on-the-violin/

Fiddlerman's 2011 Christmas Youtube video project

All of Fiddlerman's interested members can record themselves individually using a click-track to create a memorable and new yearly Christmas tradition for the Fiddlerman family. Download any or all parts and choose the most appropriate one to record based on your capabilities. If you wish, upload your progress and embed on the forum to receive constructive criticism for improving your performance. Record the finished project and send it to Fiddlerman (details on that to come) Watch this video for help on how to perform this part. Fiddlerman will mix all the parts and post the result on youtube and Fiddlerman.com sometime in November.

The pieces being played are a combination of “Carol Of The Bells” and “What Child Is This” and were voted on by Fiddlerman's members on the Fiddle Talk forum.

See details

Great new additions to the free sheet music page on Fiddlerman.com

Check out all the free beginners to intermediate sheet music that I have written special for violin. Latest additions are Vilja Song and Hello Dolly.http://fiddlerman.com/studies-etudes-and-music/free-etudes-by-fiddlerman/

Lindsey Stirling, an exciting and unique hip hop violinist and dancer

Lindsey Stirling is a young and unique hip hop violinist that not only plays fun original music on the fiddle but also finds a way to control her bow while dancing, jumping, and performing impressive gymnastic moves. Besides being a fantastic entertainer Lindsey also strives to help others.
READ MORE

Trills On The VIolin

Trills are embellishments using two adjacent notes alternating quickly.

Practice trills keeping your fingers as close to the strings as possible. A good way to practice trills is with scales playing a trill on each note. Begin slowly and work up the speed with time. Playing trills will help increase finger dexterity and speed. Most trills are marked above a note in music and played one half or hole step above the note. In baroque style the trill usually begins on the upper note unless the previous note is the auxiliary note. More tutorials on http://fiddlerman.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6ZTZete3dI

Violin Vibrato Mechanics

This video will teach you the mechanics of a good vibrato regardless of whether it is an arm, wrist, or finger vibrato. See how the fingers are pulled back smoothly when using the correct movements and angles. Many more tutorials can be found on http://fiddlerman.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWdHld_KfIM

Learn to play the blues on the violin

Jamming is one of the most fun things to do on the fiddle. The blues is one of the most fun and easiest genres to jam to. I'll show you how to play the blues even with the most basic technique and knowledge of the violin.

These step by step videos and interactive audio files will give you the tools and knowledge necessary to start jamming real soon and enjoying yourself immensely right from the beginning. Download or play the interactive blues accompaniments by MGN right off my page and begin working on Fiddlermans blues exercises. 

http://fiddlerman.com/blues

http://fiddlerman.com/studies-etudes-and-music/christmas-project/

Get involved in Fiddlerman's Christmas Project 2011

Members will learn and record specific parts with a provided click track and Fiddlerman will mix it the results for a cool YouTube video :-)

Anyone can participate.

Finger Flexibility for Smooth Bow Changes

Finger Flexibility for Smooth Bow Changes

Learn how to train your fingers to be flexible for the best and smoothest bow changes possible. Your fingers need to be comfortably together rather than spread for lessened tension. The tip of your pinky should be on top of the stick. Practice while applying more pressure than usual to develop the timing and correct feeling. Exaggerate the movement when working on this technique so that the movement will come by itself after much practice. Your right elbow should lead the motion. Practice this exercise with a pencil or other appropriate object while doing other things for maximum practice time. This and many more tutorials available at http://fiddlerman.com

Fiddlermans facebook page!

For those of you who are following Fiddlerman.com, please LIKE this page for more updates:
http://www.facebook.com/TheFiddlerman

Swan Lake - Finale - for violin

Learn to play the Finale of the "Swan Lake" ballet, op. 20, by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, composed 1875–1876. The scenario, initially in four acts, was fashioned from Russian folk tales and tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. This sheet-music includes bowing suggestions and dynamics and is a much simpler version than the orginal. Download, save, print and play this and much more free violin sheet music at Fiddlerman.com

CVN-200 Salut d'Amour - Fiddlerman

Fiddlerman will be giving away this fine instrument in the first weeks of October.

LIKE = Fiddlerman.com and become one of the forums top posters for your chance to win.

http://www.youtube.com/v/wSftTypBsX8

Congratulations to Bindy, otherwise known as Pikachu on Fiddlerman's Fiddle Forum for winning the Cecilio Black Metallic Silent Electric Violin

On August 6th we had our drawing and chose from 20 eligible members and 8 that were voted on by our regulars.  I received this email from Bindy(Pikachu) shortly after the drawing:

Hi Pierre!

Thank you for the opportunity and your wonderful site. The community you’re building is fantastic. I learn something new on every visit. I’m super excited to have won the violin! I usually have such bad luck with these things.

I’ve been playing violin since this March and picked it up because I needed a creative outlet. I’m really bad, so I’ll be using the junk out of my headphones so I can practice without waking people up. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but couldn’t due to financial constraints and studies. Now that I’m out of school I can finally pursue it! I’m going to try and learn Spring on it first, simply because I got hooked after seeing someone play it with an electric violin on a J-drama. Then I can rock out with BURNING PASSION!

Bindy S.

Fiddlerman.com 

Learn to play Sul "Ponticello"

Sul Ponticello is the term used to describe the effect that comes from playing a stringed instrument such as a violin, viola, cello or bass extremely close to the bridge without too much pressure and fast enough so that the string doesn't vibrate too much.

Ponticello is frequently used to make music sound spooky and metallic. Ponticello is yet another effect that one can use on the stringed instrument to add a very different and interesting color to the sound. Learn how to play ponticello and hear how it sounds with this tutorial. More free tutorials available at http://fiddlerman.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaM8RZI-Qg4

New Christmas piece for violin added to Fiddlerman.com

New addition to the free sheet music section, "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire".
Christmas seems far away but get going early on this music to impress your friends. This page will fill quickly with more X-mas favorites.
New Christmas sheet music section

Learn to play "Ave Maria" on the violin.

Learn to play "Ave Maria" on the violin.
Ave Maria was written by Franz Peter Schubert, and Austrian composer who died at the age of 31 but still managed to write well over 600 Lieder (voice and accompaniment), nine symphonies, liturgical music, operas, and a large body of chamber and solo piano music.
This simple sheet-music for violin includes bowing suggestions, string indications, dynamics, and fingering. Download, save, print and play this and much more free violin sheet music at Fiddlerman.com

Ave Maria with 1st pos fingerings

Ave Maria without fingerings

"Over the Rainbow" for violin

Learn to play "Over The Rainbow" on the violin.
Over the Rainbow is often referred to as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and is a classic Academy Award-winning ballad song with music by Harold Arlen. It was written for the movie "The Wizard of Oz"
This simple sheet-music for violin includes bowing suggestions, string indications, dynamics, and fingering. Download, save, print and play this and much more free violin sheet music at Fiddlerman.com

http://fiddlerman.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Over-The-Rainbow1.pdf

Find this and many more free easy violin pieces at:

http://fiddlerman.com/studies-etudes-and-music/

Cecilio CVN-600 vs CVN-700

Cecilio offers two higher priced quality violins called the CVN-600 and CVN-700. The CVN600 goes for $399 whereas the CVN700 costs $499. I find both instruments well worth the price. This CVN700 has a sweeter sound and quicker reaction time to quick notes. Both fiddles can be played extremely high without any problems. This CVN600 has a more powerful overall tone though the E-string dominates slightly over the other strings. In my opinion they would benefit greatly if more precision was taken when fitting the sound-posts. I am able to see space under the foot of one of the sound posts. Keep posted for details on how you can win one of these fiddles and which will be the next on the raffle schedule.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TzAw587N-Q

Learn to play harmonics on the violin

This tutorial will teach the basics of playing harmonics otherwise known as flageolets on the violin. Learn where and how to place your finger to get an octave or two octaves above the open strings. Learn also how to play a 13th above.  Listen to a simple explanation and demo of how to play fingered harmonics as well. Remember to bow close to the bridge for the best harmonics. See more tutorials at http://fiddlerman.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue90f5r-2Qw

Try my new RHYTHM GAME!!!!!

WELCOME TO FIDDLERMAN'S RHYTHM GAME

This game is designed to teach musicians to count rhythms. Learn to read rhythm notations while having fun. The beginners level contains whole, half, quarter and eighth notes. Intermediate level contains the same plus sixteenth notes and dotted rhythms. The advanced level contains all of the above plus more advanced dotted rhythms and triplets.  First choose a level then begin the game by pressing "Begin game" followed by a 4 beat count-off.  

The SPACE BAR is used to tap the floating notes on the beat as they float over the green beat line.

Listen carefully to the drum loop for the tempo while counting. 

The more accurate you are tapping the correct rhythm, the higher your score will be. ENJOY!!!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO EVERYONE!!!!

Here is a little 4th of July addition for those of you who wish to surprise your friends and family with: The Star Spangled Banner, for violin including bowing and fingering suggestions :-)

Help me test the BETA version of the new RHYTHM COUNTING GAME

Please help me test the BETA version of the RHYTHM COUNTING GAME

I am considering changing the background music to something that makes it easier to keep the real beat in mine. Such as 1,2,3,4 being counted out loud. If the game lags, try quitting some programs.

http://fiddlerman.com/fiddle-learning-tools/rhythm-counting-game/

A date has been decided for the free Electric Violin raffle.

I will be raffling the Cecilio Silent Electric Violin on the 6th of August at 11AM onFiddlerman TV. The eligible contestants will be chosen from the most deserving entries found under THIS forum topic. With help from my members I will be choosing around 10 deserving entries and let faith determine a winner from a drawing.

For your chance to win this fiddle, visit THIS link and follow the instructions carefully.

Cecilio's CVN-200 vs CVN-300 violin test

CVN-200 vs CVN-300

Watch my comparison of Cecilio's similarly priced CVN-200 and CVN-300. The CVN200 goes for $99 and the CVN300 $129. Both instruments bare great value for the buck though with these two examples the less expensive CVN-200 had few faults, Great sound and a nice look with the Rosewood fittings and solid one piece back. For your chance to win one of these violins visit Fiddlerman.com on a regular basis for details as to which violin is next on the Raffle schedule. For free tutorials, sheet-music, games and advice, visit http://fiddlerman.com

Win a Cecilio Black Metallic Silent Electric Violin

Follow these instructions carefully to be eligible for the next free drawing of a Cecilio Black Metallic Silent Electric Violin

http://fiddlerman.com/2011/06/win-a-black-metallic-silent-electric-violin/

Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" for Violin

Check out Fiddlermans newest free beginners sheet-music piece.
Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”

Stradivarius violin sold for $15 m at charity auction

A well-preserved Stradivarius violin has been sold in an online auction for £9.8m ($15 m) to raise money for disaster relief in Japan.

Stradivarius violin sold for $15 m at charity auction

CVN-500 vs MV-650

See the test of Cecilio's Mendini MV650 at $198 vs their CVN500 at $179. Of the two violins I prefer the looks and sounds of the less expensive violin. Both violins are priced reasonably, sound and look great though the Mendini needs more bow pressure. Learn to play violin for free. Visit http://fiddlerman.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b1e3uurOBI

Cecilio Black Metallic Silent Electric Violin test

Cecilio's Electric Silent Violin test.

This solid body electric violin has a base sound comparable with my Zeta Jazz Fusion violin which cost me 30 times more money 10 years ago. It is easy to play and all the parts are in good working condition. Nice Ebony pegs and tailpiece with mother of pearl inlay. The violin is attractive and gives the impression of a fiddle that costs much more money. The violin includes features that you wouldn't expect to find on such a low priced instrument. The case looks really nice but the cloth lining ripped easily when I separated the velcro neck holder.

Congratulations Willie Tigges

Congratulations to Willie Tigges, who won Fiddlermans - Cecilio Ebony Fitted Metallic Black test violin. This was my first give-away and completely self sponsored. As a result of the video review Cecilio has sponsored Fiddlerman.com with 6 regular violins plus an electric fiddle that will be reviewed and posted in the near future. I will be raffling off at least 6 of them and use one to finance shipping costs. No deals have been made with Cecilio except that they may use the videos as they see fit.

Jazz improvisation for violin part 2

Jazz improvisation for violin part 2

After learning your minor dorian scales begin to experiment with random patterns. Create your own patterns and learn them inside out in as many different key signatures as possible. Practice slowly to begin with then work up the tempos. Experiment playing different rhythms for your patterns and when possible playing with friends or recordings. Practice with your favorite jazz recordings whenever possible and expect to crawl before you can run. Sometimes long and slow notes and rhythms are more appropriate than quick and flashy ones.
Enjoy jamming!!!!

Learn to play the simple version of Rossini's "Barber of Seville" for violin

Simple version of Rossini's "Barber of Seville" for violin

Simple version of Rossini's "Barber of Seville" for violin

Learn to play a simple version of Gioachino Antonio Rossini's "Barber of Seville" on the violin part 2. Download the part from fiddlerman.com and follow Fiddlermans demonstration. More free tutorials available on fiddlerman.com

How to play PIZZICATO

Pizzicato is a term used to describe when you pluck the strings on a string instrument using your right or left hand fingers. To get a better sound while playing pizzicato apply more pressure to the left hand fingers than you normally do. Applying too little pressure dampens the vibrations of the string. Pizzicato can be played with either hand and with several fingers. It can be played alternating the fingers from both hands and can even be played with the left hand while fingering. The most common way to hold the bow when playing pizz is to grip it securely with your fist so as not to drop it and to secure the thumb to the corner of the fingerboard as a guide to find the notes. To play a more careful and soft pizzicato draw your hand forward while pulling across the string. SEE THE VIDEO

More tutorials available at: Fiddlerman.com

How to remain motivated

How do you stay motivated?

It can be tempting to neglect your instrument and do something more enjoyable for the moment such as watching a movie, hanging out on Facebook, playing online games, or perhaps taking an unnecessary nap. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated.

• Leave your instrument out in plain site.
• Listen to great music and performances.
• Read through new pieces of music.
• Find play along recordings or music to jam with.
• Plan a performance.
• Find a friend to play duets with.
• Find musicians to motivate you on a forum or other social network.
• Enroll in a competition.
• Plan a chamber music party or jam session.
• Record yourself.
• Join a community orchestra.
• Find friends with mutual interests.
• Set specific goals for your instrument.
• Get a teacher. If you don’t have time for lessons every week, maybe every other week.

DETACHE

Fiddlermans latest video - DETACHE
http://fiddlerman.com/tutorials/advanced-tutorials/detache/

Pure detache is a form of bowing in which you play non-accented even notes. In order to achieve a good detache you need to train your finger tips to be flexible and to follow the hand in the same way as a paint brush flows on a surface. Practice changing bow direction while hearing as little of the bow change as possible. 

Detache sec is a strong accented bowing. Petit detache is a short accented bowing usually played at the tip. Grand detache is a strong and full, long accented bowing. Detache simply means detached.

More tutorials on Fiddlerman.com

Make sure your name is on the list. FREE VIOLIN GIVE AWAY

Less than two weeks left for the free violin give-away.

Be sure that your name is on the list and eligible to win

THIS VIOLIN. 

LIKE this facebook page for a chance to win the raffle in June.

Visit Fiddlerman.com and start learning to play violin for free.

Finger and hand vibrato on the violin

Watch Fiddlermans latest video on finger and hand vibrato.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2K2fcTYdQzI

Finger vibrato is very useful when playing 16th notes that need color.
It is a combination of wrist and finger, back and forth quick motion. It is important to allow the first and second finger joint to be flexible, curve, and straighten.  Your finger tip should roll back and forth smoothly and evenly. Vibratos should vary in speed, width and intensity depending on the type of music being performed and desired flexibility. Apply more weight to the left side of your left hand fingers for better strength and angles.

New sheet music on Fiddlermans SHEET MUSIC page

New sheet music on Fiddlermans SHEET MUSIC page
http://fiddlerman.com/studies-etudes-and-music/
Now a days - you can find fantastic sheet music for free made available to us by public domain copyright laws. You may download, copy and print any of the free violin sheet music on Fiddlermans site. The files are in PDF format which means that you need a program such as Adobe Reader or Preview (Mac) to view and print. To download, right click on the file and choose Save Linked File to ” ” and choose your favorite location.

Learn to play jazz on the violin or fiddle

When practicing scales for jazz, do not play even eighth notes. “Swing” the eighth notes by playing the 1st eighth as 2 tied triplets and the next as the following triplet in a beat.
The importance of playing scales on an instrument can be compared to lifting weights for a human body. Become so familiar with the scales that you do not need to think. Practice them in both directions and different tempos.
Check out fiddlerman's new free jazz scales and studies.
More to come soon.

Win a violin

Please help FiddlerMan build an active forum :-)

Register login and comment or create a topic.

You could also win a violin :-)

http://fiddlerman.com/forum

99 dollar violin test

What kind of violin can 99 dollars buy you?
I was curious when I saw an ad from one of my own sponsors for a 99 dollar violin. From time to time I get emails from Fiddlerman.com visitors who want to learn to play the violin but do not know where to find one or how much to spend on a violin. Not only did the violin cost $99 but the package includes everything you need in order to play. I decided to order one and test it for my visitors.


Want to win a violin? Visit this link for instructions on how you could win Fiddlermans black violin :-)
http://fiddlerman.com/2011/04/99-dollar-violin-test/

What do you think about when you play?

http://fiddlerman.com/forum/playing-the-violin/what-do-you-think-about-when-you-play/

LOGIN - COMMENT ON FIDDLERMANS FORUM

Check out Fiddlermans new violin game.

People with absolutely no knowledge of playing the violin or fiddle can now learn to read music and finger the violin fingerboard with the help of a simple game.
http://fiddlerman.com/fiddle-learning-tools/violin-fingering-game/

READ THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT PLAYING VIOLIN

Latest news about playing the violin or fiddle.

http://fiddlerman.com/news-and-fun/

New free game to learn how to play violin

Learn the fingerboard layout on the violin by playing a game.
Learn while having fun. Kids love this game as well.
Mark the correct location on the fingerboard while a note
floats across the screen. Get scores and share them on Twitter
or FaceBook. Beginners level marks the string to help you learn
and does 10 notes on each string before mixing it up.
Play as much as you like, share the game link with your friends
and ENJOY!!!!
http://fiddlerman.com/fiddle-learning-tools/violin-fingering-game/

Free online Violin/Fiddle fingering game

Try this completely free "Violin Fingering Game" and learn to play the violin.
Kids learn quickly while having fun.

Fiddlerman

Brand new Violin Fingering Game

Please help test my "Violin Fingering Game"

A brand new unique game that will help you learn to finger the violin in first position in 8 common signatures. Also find an active fingerboard guide under "Scales"

If you think that you know your fiddle test this game and see what kind of score you can get.

http://fiddlerman.com/fiddle-learning-tools/violin-fingering-game/

HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE COFFEE?

Almost every orchestra I play in has coffee available to the musicians for the breaks.

Sometimes you hear musicians moaning, COFFEE COFFEE before they get their fix.

I am a super coffee nerd. I order green beans and roast my own from all my favorite coffee countries such as Ethiopia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, etc. and grind the beans only right before I pull a shot with my ECM Giotto espresso machine :-)

I also have quite a few orchestra colleagues with the same interest. Is this more common among us fiddlers and fellow musicians? How much do you love coffee?

HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE COFFEE?

DO YOU VIBRATE ABOVE THE PITCH, OR ABOVE AND BELOW?

DO YOU VIBRATE ABOVE THE PITCH, OR ABOVE AND BELOW?
I learned at an early age that the ear registers the highest tone reached on a vibrating note and have always based my intonation on this theory. I have also spoken to musicians who feel that the correct pitch should be in the center of the vibrato. Opinions seem to differ. What are your thoughts on this and why?
LOGIN TO "FIDDLE TALK" FORUM AND COMMENT

Get your technical questions about playing the violin answered now.

Fiddlermans "Fiddle Talk" Forum


Your questions about technique will be answered normally within 24 hours. Fiddlerman checks the forum regularly as well as many other qualified violinists. Please feel free to use this forum for your benefit at any time.

Violinists - Do you use a shoulder rest?

Hey,

I have read many discussions about shoulder rests and would like to have one here.

Personally I don't use one. Not because I am against them in any way. It is just that I don't need one. I have a short neck and like to balance the fiddle way up on my shoulders instead of having it on my chest. There are clear advantages to using a shoulder rest such as not dampening the sound by having contact on the ribs of the violin instead of where your shoulder would be touching it without a shoulder rest. I feel as though it is a good thing not to raise the violin too much to avoid the need to lift the bow arm more than necessary.

Tell us your thoughts on shoulder-rests

http://fiddlerman.com/forum/the-violin/what-kind-of-shoulder-rest-do-you-use-and-why/

Kids fascinated with the violin.

A picture tells a thousand words they say. Well, here is a photo that I would like to share with that in mind. What do you think. Please register - login - and share your opinion.
Great shot.

Do you wipe off your instrument after each playing session?

Do you wipe off your instrument after each playing session?
Register, LogIn, and comment on "FIDDLE TALK" forum
http://fiddlerman.com/forum/the-violin/do-you-wipe-off-your-violin-every-after-each-playing-session

Fiddle Talk

How often do you re-hair your bow?

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK, REGISTER, LOG-IN AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.

What goes through your mind when you play the violin?

What goes through your mind when you play the violin?  Do you think about technique, intonation, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing or the music? I was reading a discussion about playing great one day and completely different the next,  and it occurred to me that the mental aspect of playing the violin must be dependent upon what we are thinking about while playing. What goes through your mind when you play the violin?  Do you think about technique, intonation, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing or the music? Personally, I like to focus on phrasing, articulation and dynamics. It makes playing so much more fun. This is not to say that I don't work on technique as well. Fiddlerman