Fiddling Competitions

More and more violin teachers are incorporating fiddle tunes into the programs. Fiddle music is becoming very popular in the United States, whether it be bluegrass, Irish, Celtic, cajun, jazz or swing. Fiddle music has been passed down traditionally through the generations and learned by ear. Fiddling is exciting for the student to learn, but it serves an important purpose in greatly improving strength and dexterity of fingers and bow movement, increased tone quality, clarity in double stops, and string crossing skills. If a student has been working on a piece for several weeks and is not yet ready to move onto the next, it is an excellent time to be introduced to a fiddle tune with similar technique so as the student finishes his classical piece, he can feel the challenge of something new. The best way to learn a fiddle tune is to listen to the CD daily for ear training.

There are fiddle clubs, contests, and fairs everywhere. Fiddlers of all ages may join and participate including Junior Fiddler competitions. This give children a chance to perform with “back up” instruments and also hear others play which is inspiring and motivating. The personalities of some children may not be conducive to competition, or they may simply not be mature enough to accept the outcome. Anything you allow your child to participate in should be a positive experience for them. If a child desires to participate in a competition, he will be required to memorize and play competently two types of tunes:

1) Hoedown or breakdown (i.e. Boil that Cabbage, Arkansas Travelor, Turkey in the Straw, Soldier’s Joy, etc.) These are typically played fast and furious.

2) Waltz (i.e. Westphalia waltz, Danny Boy, Ashokan Farewell, etc.) These are typically played slow.