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I was lucky enough to get Kevin to help me record a few videos late last night, so better late than never.
Hearing "A Daisy in December" by Winifred Horan - 1 reason I wanted to learn to fiddle. Maybe you'll want to learn it too!
Here's today's excuses for my mistakes:
- I normally don't rush this tune & use longer bow strokes,
- Vibrato and I are still becoming acquainted
- The USNs (unidentified strange noises) around 1:40 -1:55 I'm blaming on the cat or Kevin
- My little finger has a mind of it's own
- I'm tone deaf...
All kidding aside, please be brutal - I'm pretty sure I already know what I need to work on, but I want to know everything... I can only get better from here on. (lol)

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If I had one suggestion for you it would be to do arm vibrato, I actually started on vibrato just over a year ago and used to watch my self in a mirror to make sure I was doing it correctly, and eventually worked out that for me at least it was easier to start with the full forearm, hope thats a useful comment for you, otherwise I cant think of anything else🤓
You are doing great.👍








Hey, @ELCBK, I don't know that much about violin, so I don't know how to help, but I did enjoy watching the video. I can give badges, though, and you received a critique badge for posting a video of you playing to get helpful critique. Congratulations.
I did notice a few intonation issues, but, I could be wrong, and it could be my ears. But, honestly, I am not sure if it was written that way, because it had a neat sound.
Congrats on the video, congrats on the badge, and thank you.
Cello, Violin, and Viola Time!

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@stringy - 🥰
Thank you for reminding me I need to try again... and again. (lol) I have tried arm vibrato many times, but maybe I can't get relaxed right (?) I'll keep trying, though!
@Mouse - 🥰
Thanx for the badges!
If it helps, I was playing on my 4 lower strings... VIOLA!
You're right - I've never been able to play anything without mistakes, especially while recording. Gave myself 2 years to try to sound half-way decent and that's not until June. Guess I better get krack'n!
@Mark - 🥰
If you're familiar with Mick McAuley, he usually has his name listed before Winifred Horan when you find recordings of this, but Winifred composed it.
- Emily

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Emily,
Nice job--pretty piece, I hadn't heard it before.
Vibrato--I'm still working on mine--believe me, it's been a long process. If you are having problems with the arm vibrato motion, it might help to put the scroll of the violin up against the wall. And then try, in 3rd position, with whichever finger you find the easiest vibration motion (for me, it's my 3rd finger) on whichever string you find easiest. Using the wall to support the violin & 3rd position can help you isolate the arm motion from the elbow.

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@SharonC -
Really appreciate your suggestions!
Guess I'm not as flexible as I used to be.(lol)
I'm having a terrible time with my 1st finger knuckle getting stuck either above the neck or just under, even if I swing my arm/elbow all the way under/past the other edge of my violin. Not holding with my thumb, either. It causes me trouble trying arm vibrato even more so.
I still struggle to keep my 3rd finger from crossing the string and I definitely can't get my little finger to set down in the right direction, so vibrato with my pinky is sideways. This is even with my hand completely over the fingerboard - very frustrating.
Making sure part of my practice is vibrating slow & fast on different kinds of notes... and it's slowly becoming a more natural movement (except when recording - lol).
Hope if I just keep at it there will be improvement.
...now, if I could just convince myself that this process is FUN, not just necessary, I'd have it made!
- Emily

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I thought it was great! I like the way you cross over the strings in the lower part! Also I really like the black violin. I thought it sounded good too. Maybe longer bowing but to be honest I have no idea!! I enjoyed listening to it !! I really like watching everyone’s videos!! So thank you !!
katie

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@katie m -
Thanx for listening, Katie!
My "Mortimer" is a Glasser AEX Carbon Composite, 5-string. Besides regular violin strings, I have a lower C string and can plug into an amp (haven't, yet).
Since I learned this piece by ear my "crossing over the strings in the lower part", you mention, is just a little part of what I heard of the guitar in the original performance.
"A Daisy in December" was originally played on a reg 4-string violin, by Winifred Horan. You can hear/see her wonderful performances on YouTube.
Photo by LindasAdventure
- Emily
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