Mel Bay American Fiddle Method, Vol. 1 (Book & CD) [Paperback]

Brian Wicklund (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2001

Destined to become a classic, this method provides the beginner with the elements needed to become a proficient fiddler. Based on many years of teaching experience, the author introduces the concepts and techniques that yields solid results. This method encourages creativity in the student by including variations to the tunes and illustrating how they can serve as a basis for improvisation. To assist in the development of ensemble skills, chords and lyrics, basic music theory, and demonstrations of such skills as backup and lead playing are included in this profusely- illustrated book. A CD for listening and play-along captures the excitement of the music and aids instruction. This book is beneficial for both fiddle students and classical Suzuki violin students.

Product Details

• Paperback: 60 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications (March 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786652519
• ISBN-13: 978-0786652518
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,446 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The very best beginners fiddle instructions!, November 21, 2005

By 

Persson Anders "Fiddle Castro" (Sweden) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mel Bay American Fiddle Method, Vol. 1 (Book & CD) (Paperback)

I wanted to learn how to play the fiddle, and had absolutely no knowledge about any instrument, and notes, and "how notes worked".
I bought this book, along with a dozen other "beginner" books, but the only one I really ever needed to get started was this wondeful book, which shows finger placements, and "where" the notes are "placed" on the violin, and after only two weeks, I was playing a beautiful irish song "The Arran Boat Song", which was easy to learn, after listening to the CD (Which by the way, is so beautiful, that I sometimes just put on the CD, as background music, at home).
-Can be truly recommended to any beginner (and intermediate) player of the fiddle!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Method - Great Fun, May 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mel Bay American Fiddle Method, Vol. 1 (Book & CD) (Paperback)

I studied classical violin many years ago and never played fiddle
tunes. After picking up the violin again recently I found and bought both volumes of this fiddle method and am truly enjoying learning a tune every few days. The songs are graded from easy
to difficult, with a good mix of tempo and keys. This is a wonderful, fun method. The CD is an excellent learning tool - listen and play along!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good starter book., June 27, 2004

By 

"tracy7196" (Neah Bay, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mel Bay American Fiddle Method, Vol. 1 (Book & CD) (Paperback)

I am just learning to play fiddle. I already know how to read music and play a little trumpet, french horn, piano and guitar. But fiddle is new to me and this book is a terrific beginner book. I really enjoy the cd play along, it makes it much more fun to feel like you are having a jam session. I don't have other musician's around to play with so I really like the cd. The book is easy to follow, and has served me well as my teacher, since there are also no fiddle teachers where I live. I would definitely recommend this book. I am looking for more book/cd combos like this one so that I can continue to improve my fiddling.