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After almost 10 years of starting a career, endless licensing exams, and grad school, I'm finally going to start putting my "free time" towards something I want to do for myself - learning the fiddle. This is my first step on the new journey...my violin arrives tomorrow via UPS!
Just a little about me...I'm 30 and currently live in Morgantown WV. I grew up near Pittsburgh, PA but my job as a structural engineer has taken me to Washington DC and Richmond, VA since. I have a 3 year old and another on the way so the "free time" I spoke of earlier is fleeting at best. Nevertheless, you only live once and I finally want to be able to put the little time that I have towards something I have always wanted to do...which brings me here!
I have some musical background as I played alto sax growing up but it's been many years since I have done anything musical. And I'm well aware how difficult the violin is to learn...but that's what makes it worth it, right?!
I'm a big Civil War nut and I have always loved the song "Ashokan Farewell" that Ken Burns used in his documentary. I've probably listened to it 100 times. That's my first goal and it might take 5 years to get to that level...but I want to be able to play that song with as much passion as I have when I listen to it.
Anyway...I'm very grateful for this site and plan on becoming a frequent visitor as I begin this journey!
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Welcome @kylesito
The fiddle is far from the easiest instrument to play, but assuming that you practice every day, I would imagine that you can measure the time between your start and playing Ashokan Farewell, well enough that people will enjoy hearing it, in months rather than years. It is, at its most basic form a slow waltz in D, covering no more than two octaves. That means that it "could" be played only in first position (the "home position). Many people play it in first and third positions I think, but it isn't required. Just stick with it, and you'll be playing it before you know it.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright
Honorary tenured advisor
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Welcome Mike ... or ... G'day mate!
Enjoy your journey, it's been great for the rest of us too!
If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.
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welcome!!!! it indeed i a hard instrument to learn but well worth it!!!
Lead me, Follow me, or get out of my way!
~General George S. Patton
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Welcome aboard !! Ashokan Farewell is well within reach 
There is no shame in playing twinkle, youre playing Mozart
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Lots to learn on this instrument > you will enjoy it > Welcome to the site kylesito
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Hey kylesito,
Real glad that you found us. You picked a great freetime activity which can be very rewarding in more ways than you might expect.
Thanks for your introduction. Look forward to following yours and possibly your 3 year old's (later down the road) progress. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Hi, Kylesito!
Ashokan Farewell is a nice tune, i like it too. And many other
beautiful songs are waiting for You in this journey! Welcome to the forum!
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Thanks all - really appreciate all the support. Can't wait to get into it.
Didn't realize Ashokan Farewell was such a reachable goal! I look forward to recording it here for others when I finally get there.
Thanks again.
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Hi there - I'm also new to the site. I love Ashokan Farewell and would like to learn it too. All the best!
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Welcome to the site Kathie. Looking forward to more of your posts and a little more information about your playing. 
Happy fiddling!
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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