Joanne Iles

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 […]

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 t […]

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 y […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]