Fiddlosophy

Joe Cooley: Irish Music Legend

This was written by guest blogger Robin Stem. Joe Cooley was born the son of two melodeon players in Peterswell, Galway, Ireland in 1924. By age 10 he took up the famed Irish-button accordion. He played with the St. Patrick’s Amateur Band, Tulla, in the 40’s and 50’s, along with Galway fiddler, Joe Leary. In … Continued

Is it harder to bow on certain strings?

It’s easier to bow on the D and A strings for most beginners. Why are the G and E strings harder? The E is challenging because it’s temperamental. It tends to sound screechy. It requires a lighter touch. Also, if you’re sitting down, it can be awkward. The right arm might be hitting the right leg. G string … Continued

4 Tips To Improve Your Bowing Precision

Are your string crossings sloppy? Do you unintentionally hit other strings as you play? Are the fingered notes a bit mushy? If so, you’re not alone. These are common bowing pitfalls. In this lesson I’ll give you strategies to practice precision. This will also help you with fingering precision. 👌🏼 4 tips to improve your bowing precision. … Continued

6 Ways To Get A Better Sound With The Bow

Do you struggle with getting a good sound on the fiddle? Are you unsure of how much pressure to use? Do you want a smoother bow sound? If so, take heart. You’re not the only one. In this lesson I’ll show you some ways to improve your sound on a daily basis. If you do this, … Continued

6 Tips For A Better Bow Hold 

Do you struggle with holding the bow correctly? Do you find it slips out of your hand? Does it feel awkward? If so, take heart. You’re not the only one. You can improve this a little every day with focused practice. This lesson is for beginners, but also for intermediate fiddlers who are uncertain about … Continued

How To Use Strum Machine As A Metronome

A lot of my students want to improve their timing and play faster. But when I suggest using a metronome their eyes glaze over. It just doesn’t seem like fun. I get it. I believe that learning and practice can be fun for a student. And that they can make real progress as they have … Continued

The Magical Practice of Bowing On Open Strings

Playing on the open strings is your magical amulet for more fun and productive sessions. Do this at the start, middle and end of a practice period. It’s a way for the mind and body to relax and reset. This practice is for everyone, beginner to expert. Start with open strings Play an open string G. … Continued

Seven Ways To Play Faster On The Fiddle

Here’s a question I hear all the time: “How do I play faster?” It may take time to ramp up your speed, but you can do it. Go into this with the right mindset: work at your edge. Don’t worry if you can’t play something as fast as Mark O’Connor. At the same time, if … Continued

Make A Tempo Sandwich 🥪

A good rule of thumb is to play everything at a medium speed, then a slow speed, then your fastest speed and then ending on a medium speed. An easy way to remember this is that you make a Tempo Sandwich. We begin and end with easier medium speeds and then the meat of our … Continued