Has anyone used Philip Berthoud's books? I've been teaching myself fiddle for a few years since there isn't a teacher here. I seem to have come to a halt as far as progress goes, still far short of being able to play most of what they play at the local session. I can only manage if they play something slow.
Would these books and CDs help?
Since you know what this music's supposed to sound like, you could probably find any violin teacher to help you with mechanics. There are some good online resources too - Todd Ehle's videos are excellent: http://sites.google.com/site/virtualviolin/todd-ehle-videos
Also Matt Cranitch's book "The Art of Traditional Fiddle Playing" and "Mel Bay's Complete Irish Fiddle Player" by Pete Cooper are very good - both are available with CDs and cover the basics of ornamentation and bowing. Hopefully you'll find some other players at your level who you enjoy playing with - that's the real craic. Good luck!
Iomhair - I have the book you mention and it's OK, but the Matt Cranitch and the Pete Cooper books are much more extensive. After starting as a "dots" learner and then leaping into the fray at sessions and going on a steep learning curve, I am now going back and paying attention to bow markings. Cranitch is particularly rewarding. The books I like best though are the Scottish ones by Christine Martin. They are really helping me to make progress.
Berthoud fiddle books
Berthoud fiddle books
Has anyone used Philip Berthoud's books? I've been teaching myself fiddle for a few years since there isn't a teacher here. I seem to have come to a halt as far as progress goes, still far short of being able to play most of what they play at the local session. I can only manage if they play something slow.
Would these books and CDs help?
# Posted on September 22nd 2009 by Iomhair
Re: Berthoud fiddle books
Since you know what this music's supposed to sound like, you could probably find any violin teacher to help you with mechanics. There are some good online resources too - Todd Ehle's videos are excellent:
http://sites.google.com/site/virtualviolin/todd-ehle-videos
Also Matt Cranitch's book "The Art of Traditional Fiddle Playing" and "Mel Bay's Complete Irish Fiddle Player" by Pete Cooper are very good - both are available with CDs and cover the basics of ornamentation and bowing. Hopefully you'll find some other players at your level who you enjoy playing with - that's the real craic. Good luck!
# Posted on September 22nd 2009 by airport
Re: Berthoud fiddle books
Iomhair - I have the book you mention and it's OK, but the Matt Cranitch and the Pete Cooper books are much more extensive. After starting as a "dots" learner and then leaping into the fray at sessions and going on a steep learning curve, I am now going back and paying attention to bow markings. Cranitch is particularly rewarding. The books I like best though are the Scottish ones by Christine Martin. They are really helping me to make progress.
# Posted on September 22nd 2009 by RichardB