Fiddle Lessons Tip 7: Customizing The Tunes
Nov 2nd, 2008 by Jim
Were you inspired to learn violin because you heard a fiddler play a really exciting version of Cripple Creek (or some other popular tune)? If you were, you’re not alone; and when you get to your first lesson, you’re probably going to say “I want my first tune to be Cripple Creek.” If your teacher responds with something like “We can get to that in about 6 months,” you’re going to be seriously disappointed.
If this happens to you, it will be because your teacher just uses the versions of tunes that are generally available in sheet music form. That’s not so good if you’re a beginner. The versions of these popular tunes that are found in most books are more complicated than is suitable for someone just starting out. They’re just too hard to play if you’re still struggling with the basics.
So what is the cure for this problem? Your teacher needs to be willing and able to rearrange the tune–to simplify it so that you can play it. This isn’t necessarily easy. It takes some talent and experience to take notes out of a standard arrangement, make is simple enough for a beginner to play it, and still leave the basic character of the tune intact.
It’s even more difficult to rearrange the tune time and again, to keep it at the right level to challenge you as you improve. If you are lucky enough to find a teacher who can do this, and is willing to do it, you’ve found a gem. Stick with ‘em.
