Learning to play by ear definitely has it's advantages! 

Cécile Corbel's music was a huge incentive for me to learn to play by ear.  Her songs have distinct melodies, inspired by traditional folk tunes, that are catchy enough to get stuck in my head - and most of her music can be heard with violin in it, even though she plays the harp.  Here's a couple of her CRITTER tunes - with melodies that are fun to try on the fiddle! 

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