Hi Everyone :) Thanks for all the comments and likes - Please feel free to ask any questions about this fiddle lesson or about Irish music in general and we'll get back to you straight away. Remember to subscribe to our channel and click the bell to get notified of our new video releases.
You all probably dont give a shit but does someone know a way to log back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost the password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me
@Joseph Walker I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Hi. Many thanks. I bought a violin (to play as a fiddle ) when I was 17.( Pre-internet ). I gave up after reading books and not succeeding. Now at 51, I got it out of the loft and blown off the cobwebs. I saw a few online tutorials that I couldn't really take to, but came across these beginner lessons with naimh. These are great. She seems to have a way of explaining it at the right level and speed to learn. After one day I have already progressed to lesson 4 ( admittedly I will retrace the lessons properly to practice before moving on too fast), but what I wanted to portray by that comment, is she makes it so easy. Hopefully I will continue to progress and then enjoy and make up for the last 34 years of listening to but not playing fiddle music. Thanks again. Ian
Your opening lessons really made it easy to get started and focus on basic skills. You have such great patience and you're never judgemental when I'm scratchy and out of tune. Looking forward to advancing in your lesson plans.
Hi Michael, glad to hear it ! Let us know here if you have any questions. There's a lot of info for beginner fiddlers on this page - www.oaim.ie/irish-fiddle/fiddle-basics/
Thank you so much for uploading this. I've always wanted to play the fiddle (which is huge in American Appalachian music, where I'm from and live). I plan on watching all the videos. Thanks again!!
So far so good! Thank you for asking. Just got home from work and wondering if my neighbors will think it’s too late for me to practice right now... guess there is only one way to find out! 😂
Thank you Niamh. I just bought my first fiddle about an hour ago. Looking forward to learning it now. This video has been really useful because I had know idea how to even hold the thing! I need to go back and get myself a shoulder rest though... didn't realise I needed 1. Thanks again!! Mick.
I loved your video!! You were entertaining, informative, happy, I loved your accent! I just picked up a rental and found myself going to banff. Alberta. I will send you a pic because.......you deserve it. Covid hugs!
Did you start playing the fiddle/violin with playing irish tunes or classical music? I play the violin for 9 years. I started with classical music like Bach, Haydn etc. (I also really enjoy playing in a symphonic orchestra.) Now I want to start playing some Irish music. Do you have any advice for someone like me? (Sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes English is my second language, I am german.)
Any suggestions on which fiddle to purchase for live performances in a cover band? Will need a pick up. Also, I’ve never played before, will be using your videos to learn. Don’t need anything too amazing, just something decent and durable because I play out 3 to 4 times/week. Thanks!
I have a question, can the fiddle long term do hearing damage being so close leaning in? it plays some gorgeous notes though I was curious depending how you lean into it if some acoustic dampeners/ear plugs or plug is needed?
So i always liked Irish music and most of it with violin so is it dificult to learn this i have never touched An instrument but i honstly want to learn it also is it expensive, hard to learn etc thanks for help and information
Yes, the fiddle is one of the more difficult instruments to learn because you have to get the muscle memory for each of the notes. A fixed tuned instrument like accordion or concertina is easier to get going on. However, if it's fiddle you feel attracted to then go with that instrument. You will get out as much as you put in. Let me know if you have more questions.
That's debatable :) If you do wish to play left handed you will have to buy a left handed instrument. Most people play right handed and Imho It makes little difference whether you have your strong hand on the finger board or bow.
Hi Nive. Just started to learn my fiddle but find it difficult under the chin. I purchased a shoulder rest but it keeps slipping so can be a hendrence. Can one learn tunes by playing it against the chest like the real old time fiddle players in America. Your tuition is very helpful. Have you any easy folk tunes for complete beginners. Hope to keep practicing and watching your good tutorials. God bless your talent.
Thanks a lot! My E string sounds worse than a dying cat from the bow but sounds just right when plucked. I'm unsure whether I'm getting the right angle. Is the shoulder rest absolutely necessary?
Hi; on holding the bow, you say to have the little finger bent but when you show us playing a note with long strokes, it appears that your little one is straight and actually bent backwards a bit at the first joint. Am I seeing things :) I ask this because my little on tends to go straight. Thanks love
Not trying to seem like some kind of creep, but your voice is very delightful! I can't explain, but I am finding myself falling in love with your accent! But onto my question... when planning to learn how to play a fiddle... are there any noticeable differences between the fiddle and the violin other than the method of play and string tension? Are they 2 separate instruments when purchasing at a music store?
Is there a best brand or tone of fiddle that suits Irish fiddle songs best (for when I buy my first fiddle?) As compared to a tone that better accompanies Classical? Thank you.
Thanks. I am an adult and have not started playing yet. I was trying to decide on my first instrument, and tho I am crazy nuts about all Irish music and some instruments in particular, the violin seems most versatile over several genres. So I thought to go with that. (I don't like classical, however!)
The fiddle is quite difficult to learn and can take considerable time to make a clear, consistent tone that is in tune. I also started to learn Irish music as an adult and play the concertina. The ease of this instrument is that the instrument creates a perfect tone every time you play a note. It's the same for accordion and makes the learning curve faster than fiddle.
I wonder if i could ask an odd question. Basically I have always wanted to learn the fiddle but have been very intimidated. I am trying to get over it but I have quite large hands and fingers. I spoke to a friend who advised the viola may be better for me because of this. Can you still play the fiddle on the viola or would you advice just going with the violin?
Large hands are ultimately an advantage. There are a some minor adjustments to be made but I recommend going for a violin. Here's a decent reddit thread on your question - www.reddit.com/r/violinist/comments/1by5vg/are_my_hands_too_big_to_play_violin_as_an_adult/
Hi Niamh, sorry for making a fool of myself by asking. It's just that I'm a total clueless beginner and just about to buy a fiddle. What, in your opinion, should I buy; a Viola 15", 16" etc or a Violin ? Thank you in advance.
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic I thought so. A friend of mine told me that the fiddle used a bridge with less curvature, but that sounded odd to me. Thanks for the response!
@@ghostofdavid thats true. Fiddle music . . Often the bridge is filed down a little to allow for the quicker changes back and forth across the strings. The instrument is the same but the bridge is often not
Yes indeed. The violin is a fiddle is a violin. The bridge is often modified. Fixed down to be slightly flatter so it is easier for more flexible quick jumps back and forth
Hi Everyone :) Thanks for all the comments and likes - Please feel free to ask any questions about this fiddle lesson or about Irish music in general and we'll get back to you straight away. Remember to subscribe to our channel and click the bell to get notified of our new video releases.
Great lesson::)) Cheer's from Australia again at least I can show the Irish pub this:::)))
You all probably dont give a shit but does someone know a way to log back into an instagram account..?
I stupidly lost the password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me
@Beau Lyle Instablaster =)
@Joseph Walker I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process now.
Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Joseph Walker it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thanks so much, you saved my account!
Hi... I'm from Indonesia... your explanation is good.. I try to learn fiddle in order to play country music...Thank You...😍
51 and now into my third day of trying the fiddle/violin. Our cat now hates me, and probably my neighbours as well. Cheers from co Galway.
Keep practicing and you'll get there! Are you following the series from Niamh on here?
Online Academy of Irish Music thanks. I am following Niamh among others plus trying to learn to read music at the same time.
I thought it was only my cats that hated me playing the fiddle 😂
I'm on the same journey! ^_^ Hugs from Italy
How have you got on?
You've got a sweet irish smile and your instructions are kindly
Hi. Many thanks. I bought a violin (to play as a fiddle ) when I was 17.( Pre-internet ). I gave up after reading books and not succeeding. Now at 51, I got it out of the loft and blown off the cobwebs. I saw a few online tutorials that I couldn't really take to, but came across these beginner lessons with naimh. These are great. She seems to have a way of explaining it at the right level and speed to learn. After one day I have already progressed to lesson 4 ( admittedly I will retrace the lessons properly to practice before moving on too fast), but what I wanted to portray by that comment, is she makes it so easy. Hopefully I will continue to progress and then enjoy and make up for the last 34 years of listening to but not playing fiddle music. Thanks again. Ian
Well done for starting Ian
Maybe a dumb question, but is there a difference between a fiddle and a violin? Thanks
Your opening lessons really made it easy to get started and focus on basic skills. You have such great patience and you're never judgemental when I'm scratchy and out of tune. Looking forward to advancing in your lesson plans.
We LOVE to hear all the places where Irish music is being played around the world! Where are you playing fiddle today??
I am gonna start practicing on my fiddle soon. :)
I'm starting to learn Irish fiddle and mandolin on the is!e of wight uk.
Gold Coast Queensland Australia 🇦🇺
Tuscany, Italy!
I'v'e purchased a Beginner Violin, This lesson is helpful.
Hi Michael, glad to hear it ! Let us know here if you have any questions. There's a lot of info for beginner fiddlers on this page - www.oaim.ie/irish-fiddle/fiddle-basics/
Thank you so much for uploading this. I've always wanted to play the fiddle (which is huge in American Appalachian music, where I'm from and live). I plan on watching all the videos. Thanks again!!
Keep the culture alive
Boom, subscribed. As soon as my birthday hits in december when i get my first inexpensive fiddle, i'll be coming back here!!
Excellent ! Let us know if you have any questions.
Very helpful, clear, concise direction. Thank you so much 🙏
You're welcome, hows the practice going?
So far so good! Thank you for asking. Just got home from work and wondering if my neighbors will think it’s too late for me to practice right now... guess there is only one way to find out! 😂
Thank you Niamh. I just bought my first fiddle about an hour ago. Looking forward to learning it now. This video has been really useful because I had know idea how to even hold the thing! I need to go back and get myself a shoulder rest though... didn't realise I needed 1. Thanks again!! Mick.
Hi Mick, glad you liked the video. Did you get a shoulder rest?
Love to hear feedback on how you go mate? I am looking at buying a beginner fiddle for 150 odd dollars.
Relaxing as well as informative lesson
Glad you enjoyed it! Here's the next lesson - ruclips.net/video/iM_-VlN_5oc/видео.html
I loved your video!! You were entertaining, informative, happy, I loved your accent! I just picked up a rental and found myself going to banff. Alberta. I will send you a pic because.......you deserve it. Covid hugs!
Absolutely lovely! Thank you!
nice fiddle good lesson!
Glad you liked it!
So helpful! Thank you, can't wait to watch the rest!
I have not practiced much. No regrets I have to ease into it slowly
I'm the same exact way. I appriciate motivation but I don't appreciate pressure. It takes time!
@@yamigurl822 I'm not gonna follow through...... Although I love the instrument and sound.
I love you and you fiddle
Did you start playing the fiddle/violin with playing irish tunes or classical music?
I play the violin for 9 years. I started with classical music like Bach, Haydn etc. (I also really enjoy playing in a symphonic orchestra.)
Now I want to start playing some Irish music. Do you have any advice for someone like me?
(Sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes English is my second language, I am german.)
came for a League Build Learned to play an instrument 10/10 would watch again
Any suggestions on which fiddle to purchase for live performances in a cover band? Will need a pick up. Also, I’ve never played before, will be using your videos to learn. Don’t need anything too amazing, just something decent and durable because I play out 3 to 4 times/week. Thanks!
I'd suggest going to your local music shop, ask them there and try out a few.
Very nice introduction.
thanks
Her accent is beautiful. I could listen to her read the dictionary. 😍
I have a question, can the fiddle long term do hearing damage being so close leaning in? it plays some gorgeous notes though I was curious depending how you lean into it if some acoustic dampeners/ear plugs or plug is needed?
Hi Tommy, I've never heard of anyone wearing acoustic dampener when playing fiddle. Are you learning Irish music?
Thoughtful question
It can, it’s actually pretty common for violinists or fiddlers to wear something in their ear to dampen the sound.
Love it so much 😊
Good video very descriptive .
Great ! Have you taken the next lesson in the series? ruclips.net/video/iM_-VlN_5oc/видео.html
So i always liked Irish music and most of it with violin so is it dificult to learn this i have never touched An instrument but i honstly want to learn it also is it expensive, hard to learn etc thanks for help and information
Yes, the fiddle is one of the more difficult instruments to learn because you have to get the muscle memory for each of the notes. A fixed tuned instrument like accordion or concertina is easier to get going on. However, if it's fiddle you feel attracted to then go with that instrument. You will get out as much as you put in. Let me know if you have more questions.
If you're left handed should you hold the bow with your left hand?
That's debatable :) If you do wish to play left handed you will have to buy a left handed instrument. Most people play right handed and Imho It makes little difference whether you have your strong hand on the finger board or bow.
Just subbed,..i bought a student fiddle and looking forward to getting started,..really excited💫
Excellent ! Let us know if you need extra help ...
Hi Nive. Just started to learn my fiddle but find it difficult under the chin.
I purchased a shoulder rest but it keeps slipping so can be a hendrence.
Can one learn tunes by playing it against the chest like the real old time fiddle players in America.
Your tuition is very helpful.
Have you any easy folk tunes for complete beginners.
Hope to keep practicing and watching your good tutorials.
God bless your talent.
I'm going to have a fiddle on this wensday
Hey Amanda, delighted to hear it ! You're in for a treat :)
Hallo. Miss.. May You come to BAlI.. Please!!!
Just picked up an old fiddle and I’m 45 😆
Brilliant!
Wishing my practice rental fiddle had a shoulder rest right now
Thanks a lot!
My E string sounds worse than a dying cat from the bow but sounds just right when plucked. I'm unsure whether I'm getting the right angle. Is the shoulder rest absolutely necessary?
Hi Anton, Did lesson 2 fix your problem then?
U have to use the full bow u should glide quickly and not to hard or too soft and it should sound clear
Easy does it, learn bit by bit.
Hi; on holding the bow, you say to have the little finger bent but when you show us playing a note with long strokes, it appears that your little one is straight and actually bent backwards a bit at the first joint. Am I seeing things :) I ask this because my little on tends to go straight. Thanks love
Hi Kevin, This is the kind of question you would ask on our forum as I'm not qualified to answer it.
I just rosined up my bow and i started playing and it looked like it was making the strings bare? Did i put too much rosin?
played like a damn fiddle!
Not trying to seem like some kind of creep, but your voice is very delightful! I can't explain, but I am finding myself falling in love with your accent! But onto my question... when planning to learn how to play a fiddle... are there any noticeable differences between the fiddle and the violin other than the method of play and string tension? Are they 2 separate instruments when purchasing at a music store?
It's the exact same instrument :)
Yes her accent is indeed charming!
Is there any discussion about choosing the right size fiddle for your body?
Hi Alexandria, there is all that info and more on this page - www.oaim.ie/irish-fiddle/fiddle-basics/
Do you absolutely need the shoulder rest to play? The violin I got doesn't have one and I don't have much money to spend at the moment
I'm not sure. This is the type of question you would ask on the OAIM forum.
Can one teach or learn irish folk songs etc from videos like this?
Hi Saffron, sure, it's a great way to learn as you can rewind the tutor as many times as you need to.
Is there a best brand or tone of fiddle that suits Irish fiddle songs best (for when I buy my first fiddle?) As compared to a tone that better accompanies Classical? Thank you.
Hi, How long have you been playing fiddle? If you are just starting out, any fiddle will work with a decent set of strings.
Thanks.
I am an adult and have not started playing yet. I was trying to decide on my first instrument, and tho I am crazy nuts about all Irish music and some instruments in particular, the violin seems most versatile over several genres. So I thought to go with that. (I don't like classical, however!)
The fiddle is quite difficult to learn and can take considerable time to make a clear, consistent tone that is in tune. I also started to learn Irish music as an adult and play the concertina. The ease of this instrument is that the instrument creates a perfect tone every time you play a note. It's the same for accordion and makes the learning curve faster than fiddle.
Thank you very much.
I wonder if i could ask an odd question. Basically I have always wanted to learn the fiddle but have been very intimidated. I am trying to get over it but I have quite large hands and fingers. I spoke to a friend who advised the viola may be better for me because of this. Can you still play the fiddle on the viola or would you advice just going with the violin?
Hi Mr Morgem, big hands should not be a problem when learning fiddle. Have you got a fiddle?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic I am planning on getting one very soon, But i am not sure whether to get a viola or a violin
Large hands are ultimately an advantage. There are a some minor adjustments to be made but I recommend going for a violin. Here's a decent reddit thread on your question - www.reddit.com/r/violinist/comments/1by5vg/are_my_hands_too_big_to_play_violin_as_an_adult/
what fiddle are you playing in this video? it looks nice
Any fiddle will do for starting off !
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic thanks. good vids!
Hi Niamh, sorry for making a fool of myself by asking. It's just that I'm a total clueless beginner and just about to buy a fiddle. What, in your opinion, should I buy; a Viola 15", 16" etc or a Violin ? Thank you in advance.
Hi Élvyn, No worries this is a beginner clip :) You need a full size fiddle if you're an adult.. Where are you thinking of buying one from?
Is this only applicable on a fiddle? Can we do this on a violin?
Yes, definitely try this on violin as there's no difference between the two :)
Is the fiddle bridge a different shape from the classical violin bridge?
Hi David, Fiddle and violin are the exact same instrument :)
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic I thought so. A friend of mine told me that the fiddle used a bridge with less curvature, but that sounded odd to me. Thanks for the response!
@@ghostofdavid thats true. Fiddle music . . Often the bridge is filed down a little to allow for the quicker changes back and forth across the strings. The instrument is the same but the bridge is often not
Yes indeed. The violin is a fiddle is a violin. The bridge is often modified. Fixed down to be slightly flatter so it is easier for more flexible quick jumps back and forth
good videos..what fiddle are you using?
Hi Archie, Any fiddle will do to start learning. Do you have one a t home?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic yes
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic yes i bought one from Glarry
They play us like a god damn fiddle
Who's they ?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic master miller
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic reference to metal gear solid ground zeroes
I was nearly sure you were going to start talking about governments and the like haha. Have you got a fiddle?
@@onlineacademyofirishmusic no i find them very interesting
So what’s the difference between fiddle and violin
No difference!
Maybe add how hard your supposed yo do it cause i straight snapped a string watching this video and trying it out
Girl how? If you're pressing down that hard and can't get a sound it's because your bow needs to be rosined. The bow needs minimal pressure
Galway girl
Hi
Hi can one learn the fiddle at any age.
Yes of course!!
I'm 51 and just started. never played any instrument before.
It's NEVER too late to start playing music. Just enjoy the journey :) Good luck with your fiddle. If you have any questions let me know.
I'm 48 and just bought my fiddle. Getting ready to start learning with no prior musical experience.
it took a while for me to start getting the fingering down on a simple song, but stick with it.
Ok
Hi Jeff, did you like the lesson?
What a great video, and not to mention, a beautiful woman
Love your accent. Greetings to ya from TX. I'm representing clan Ainslie! ;) Find me a Irish gal to marry lass! :)
Just bought a violin.
Hi Michael, How's the practice coming along? Have you been following the RUclips playlist?
Online Academy of Irish Music how are you getting on?
Have you been thrown out of the family home?
Please. PLEASE! Clean the rosin off that poor fiddle! D:
LOL - Irish fiddles are rarely cleaned like that .. The rosin doesn't damage the fiddle does it?
No, It does muddle up the tone a bit, but it's mostly a pet peeve of mine.
Do you play Irish music? Or have you a local session?
speakup lady
Turn up your own volume