*posted this elsewhere on the forum - thought it might be helpful, here. 😊 

Celtic/Cape Breton Music Over-run With Critters Thread

Just in case there are viewers that think these shared videos are merely entertaining fodder for chit-chat... think again! 

Even Fiddlerman makes a point to mention in his beginner videos - listen to what notes you play!

Use music videos as an additional/alternative way to learn a tune you like! 

Yesterday was my 2nd day trying to learn "Bang Your Frog On The Sofa", from the video in the 7th post. 

Got it pretty well memorized and playing along with the video at .25 speed - very few mistakes, but no ornaments.  My goal is to play this tune at .75 speed, so also looped/listened to that. 

On my 1st day; I set the video to loop, listened quite a few times thru at .75 speed, .50 speed, then realized I needed it even slower - so picked at a few notes that were emphasized while listening at .25 speed and got acquainted with the rhythm.  Next, I went over small sections of the tune at .25 speed, until I was sure I had all the correct notes.

Today, I'll loop the video and just reinforce my memory at the .25 speed by only playing along with the video a few times, then the rest of the time without it - maybe try to push the speed a few times.  I'll also listen more times at .75 speed - trying to continually convince myself it sounds natural and will be doable for me. 

You ALL can learn one of these fiddle tunes, too! 

• Just pick a clean sounding video, one you really like. 
• Don't concern yourself with ornaments & double stops if you're not ready - and remember, there's usually sheet music to help if you need it, but it may not exactly match your favorite video.  
  
• Adjust the speed of the video in the YouTube video settings, will help you learn it. 
• Right mouse click the video to loop it, then use your cursor on the timeline for restarting each section you need to work on.
• Those of you newer to your instrument than me, just expect to take more time, as much time as you need - there's no race. 
  

My ear training started with seeing AND LISTENING where the notes of scales and tunes are on my "Mortimer".

...I also pick up parts of tunes all the time, then return to them at a later date - to finish learning them. 

- Emily