DVD-Learn To Play Irish Fiddle #1

DVD-Learn To Play Irish Fiddle #1
by Happy Traum

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DVD details

Actor: Kevin Burke
Director: Happy Traum
Brand: BURKE,KEVIN
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 90 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-10-01
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Homespun Tapes

DVD Reviews of DVD-Learn To Play Irish Fiddle #1

DVD Review: Helpful Fiddle Lessons
Summary: 4 Stars

This is a nice DVD to learn a few tunes from. While I'm not new to the violin, I'm relatively new to Irish fiddling, and only in the last year or so have been making any effort to develop my ear. Thus, the hardest part for me is to learn by ear, and that's what I'm focusing on right now. This DVD was great for that purpose. Once learned, the tunes were not really difficult for me, although there are some technique and stylistic emphases which took a little getting used to.
Kevin Burke's style is indeed rather 'laid-back'. It creates sort of a homey atmosphere, which is nice. On the other hand, it means there's not a whole lot of verbal explanation. This is a little annoying, but the net effect is probably positive: it forces you to *listen*! He plays the tunes first at a slowed-down pace, repeating each complete musical phrase twice, and then plays through the whole tune. He also introduces each tune at full-speed, so you have the feel for what it 'should' sound like.
I found it was a perfect pacing for me, but I would not recommend it to a true beginner. It would have been enormously frustrating. Get some lessons first and get comfortable with fingering, and smooth bowing patterns, then buy this disc and learn from the best!

DVD Review: Nothing special
Summary: 3 Stars

Frankly I haven't viewed the whole video because he almost put me to sleep with his laid back approach. Also, it is hard to see exactly which notes he is pressing on the fingerboard of the violin when he is teaching a tune. I guess this is the way people are supposed to learn this type of music but I would have preferred an actual reference to music and notes as opposed to just see him pressing down on the strings.

DVD Review: Bad Instructional Video
Summary: 2 Stars

This DVD, like a lot of others, assumes that you already know how to play the fiddle. I do wish that beginner videos were really for beginners. It would have been a total waste of money had it not come with sheet music so I could at least figure out what he was doing. I do not recommend this for anyone who does not already know the note placement on the finger board or for anyone who cannot play by ear.

DVD Review: A MUST BUY FOR IRISH FIDDLE PLAYERS
Summary: 5 Stars

This video is a must buy if you want to learn the Irish fiddle from one of the best. Kevin burke teaches you each tune slowly than takes you up to full speed with some great slides, jigs and polkas. He teaches the correct way to bow that enhances that Irish sound along with all the grace notes and left handed techniques that will make your fiddle playing very impressive.

DVD Review: Learn some lovely tunes quickly from an Irish fiddle master
Summary: 5 Stars

I've collected several instructional fiddle/violin dvds over the past year, and this one is by far the most enjoyable and clear to learn from. The tunes are easy to pick up for an advanced beginner and yet they are complex enough melody-wise for friends and family to enjoy. I actually LOVE playing each of these tunes. This was a nice change of pace from the Suzuki books I'm currently using. Good job, Kevin Burke and Homespun! Can't wait to get Kevin's #2 DVD.

Description of DVD-Learn To Play Irish Fiddle #1

Kevin Burke's easygoing manner and encouraging teaching style invite you into the world of authentic traditional Irish fiddle. In this superb starter lesson, he passes on his vast knowledge and experience through an in-depth study of some of his favorite tunes, styles and techniques.

Kevin understands the needs of the learning fiddler, and he conveys his ideas with clarity and simplicity. Focusing on Irish polkas, slides and jigs, he teaches the basic tune, along with several variations, explaining the rhythmic devices that distinguish each dance form. He then shows you the grace notes, rolls, double-stops and other ornaments that make this music so distinctive, and that keep it in the true Irish tradition.

By the end of this first lesson you'll be playing Saddle the Pony, The Connaughtman's Rambles, The King of the Fairies, Bill Sullivan's Polka, Johnny Leary's Slide, Micho Russell's Slide and more. Best of all, you'll have gained a solid foundation that will enable you to play this beloved music with real flair and authority.

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