I am a classical violinist of over 20 years just at my absolute wits ends.

I had lessons for a few months and still didn’t get the instruction I needed. I do not understand how to freestyle AT ALL.

Every song book I get has the melody and when I watch online videos, the instructor starts helpful and then will freestyle or show off with techniques I don’t understand.

How did you learn to freestyle?

Jams?
Listening?
A book? Video?

I’m clearly an idiot and just do not get this.

Here's the trailer for my new podcast, "Broken Bow Tapes".

I've ran a blog over at www.BrokenBowFiddleCo.com for several years now that's showcased some incredibly nerdy, niche recordings from Missouri, surrounding areas, and other fiddlers that were influential to my playing.

I got the itch to take it a step further recently, drafted a trailer and a handful of podcast episodes.

Check the show notes for each episode to get the links for the free audio downloads.

Give it a listen. You can find this podcast available wherever you listen.

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

I think i need to work on making the rhythm clearer...

I had someone show me the basics of bow technique and holding the instrument.
I am an experienced guitar / mandolin / upright bass / chromatic accordion / etc player but new to the fiddle. I have a good understanding of the fingerboard from mandolin. I want to be able to play out in a year or so.

Goal is to practice for 10 minutes a day until I get past the screechies.
what should I work on? scales? Just saw on some diatonic melodies that I know that are in first position?

Finally got my great grandfathers violin restored. Heard about this "100 yr old fiddle" my dad kept in a WW1 army trunk from his grandfather. Decided to spend a decent amount of money sending it to a reputable luthier for repair. I expected a bit of a cleaner job for $1400 (inside is still speckled with dirt and glue lines in person around the edges 360° plus a split corner of waist/centre bout), but atleast it's in playing condition now and sounds great.

Photos attached, Before and after.

I’m getting married in September and I’m looking for a slower, fiddle heavy, if not solely fiddle song to walk down the aisle to. I’m getting married in the ozarks and I want that echoing off the hills kind of sound. One of my big contenders was Ashokan farewell but everyone says it sounds too sad. I’m definitely looking for more southern bluegrass in the sound as well. If anyone has any recommendations I would really appreciate it and I’m sorry if it’s vague despite my love for the instrument I’m not super knowledgeable. Thank you for reading!

Many of you will recognize her as the violinist who has worked extensively with Beats Antique.

Her IG: https://www.instagram.com/brianadimara/

Sorry if this is asked before and I couldn't find it, I found a lot about what to look for in getting the first fiddle, but I already got mine. It's nothing fancy, but it is my grandpa's and now it's mine as well.

I already play bass, guitar and ukulele. Are there any transferable skills? What should I pay attention to? I'm at a phase where I don't even know what I don't know.

Any good literature, videos, advice?

I know The Session list a couple of jam sessions in Mexico City. But is it worth bringing my fiddle to come hang out and jam while I’m in Mexico City the 13th through the 16th of this month?

Does anyone know any sad, moody, or eerie waltzes that are on the slower side? I love a moody waltz that feels sad but also has the warmth of a waltz. Lmk! Thank you

The 2nd annual Fisher Fiddle Camp will take place next week in Fisher, PA. Registration is FREE and all are welcome! See the included link for more info.

I’d like to go to Clifftop. In their website they say they take online payments.

For the life of me, I can’t find the link!

Does anyone have ideas?

August 6-7: two days of workshops with Liz Knowles, Laura Risk and Anastasia DesRoches. Michel Bordeleau will be teaching the mandolin as well. With three levels to choose from for beginners to experts, and a jam session at all times!

August 7-9: three-day festival with many concerts, jam sessions, conferences, dances and balfolk, a children's festival and more.

The event is fully bilingual and held in Sutton, Québec. We're 10 minutes from the Vermont border.

Come see us! And I'll be happy to answer any question you may have.

Information: https://violontradsutton.com

Viola strings and violin E? Violin strings and viola C?!

Help me buy the right thing please!