Exploring Folk Fiddle: An Introduction to Folk Styles, Technique and Improvisation

I was so pleased with a prior book (same author) and it came with a cd. I love this book and material but I am not pleased with the format as my description said includes “CD” The description I ordered stated that this book also came with a CD. It comes with a computerized zip file which I was able to download on a laptop but not on my newest computer. I tried 2 times and it reads error. You can not download to apple iPhone. I like to play along without the computer instead I like to use a cd or iPhone. I will ask - maybe I can purchase a cd to go with the book. I really want this material and I am disappointed as the zip file limits me as I can not pop in a cd or play it on my iPhone.

good

Excellent in every context. I am a violinist and although my preference is for classical music, I wanted a guide to understand and play folk. This book delivers more than I expected.Very clear explanation of the styles. The writer is concese, friendly and full of good insight. If the book didn't have sheet music, it would still be good from those comments.A lot of good sheet music to illustrate the styles, pointing out the important things about each of them. Each piece is very well played by the accompanying CD.Fabulous printing quality.

This is a really nice substantial book but more than that it has a lot of information on ornamentation which you don't get with many other fiddle "tutors" been playing the violin for more than 20 years, and I was struggling to understand the ornamentation when playing Scottish music. I have a fiddle tutor as well, but I'm not very good at looking and copying what he does when the fingering is so quick. Worth the price. Some really nice tunes in different styles as well with a good explanation of what makes that style unique.

A good introduction, though centred mostly on Irish tunes. Useful CD though a bit annoying that half recorded on mp3 and half audio.

This book is very clearly laid out and makes you want to read the content, even when it is quite technical. It's good to dip in and out of and as a reference text.

Clear exposition of various folk styles, excellent choices of music as examples, interesting historical detail. I particularly appreciated the sections on modes and scales and on improvisation. I am an intermediate fiddler learning to play in a folk ensemble.