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27 contributions to The Hot Violinist
12d •
To Viola or NOT to Viola...
Hi, I've been studying Violin for just shy of a year now (Jenny's course along with 2 other courses) and it's going pretty good so I'm considering acquiring a 16" Viola as well (Yes, I know they're tuned different and a slightly different world). Does anyone have any experience with Violas who could give me some wise/sage advice on what kind of starter/beginner model to acquire and which to steer clear of?
1 like • 11d
Thankyou for steering me in the right direction in regards to whether or not to play a Viola. I did check out the Fiddlershop.com site. I'll definitely tap into them when(or if I ever decide to "upgrade" from the violin I'm playing now). I was advised (by a seasoned player on the Adult Starters Violin/Fiddle group on FB) to get my pitch more consistent and "in line"(which,TBH, I haven't reached that level...yet) before trying to attempt playing a ViolaI although I'm wondering if I couldn't just acquire a Viola, tune it like a violin, and play it that way. (like the sweet teenage girl I saw-and filmed-,4 or 5 years ago, playing Colonial tunes on Violin & Viola at a War of 1812 era "Traditional arts" weekend event at Ft.Meigs. (Kudos to her ,BTW,for being so sweet and giving a wonderful presentation in spite of being REALLY sick). Is there anything from stopping me from tuning & playing it like a violin?
20d •
Playing uneven phrases over an even tempo.
Not sure if anyone here knows what Hemiola is but I accidentally did it today in my studies. I had the metronome set for 3/4 and played it to a 4/4 study piece. I did it once before, years ago, during "at home" classical guitar study. It was used by a fair amount of Neo classical 80's metal guitarists. Not sure if I could do it deliberately like they did though.
1 like • 19d
@Jenny O'Connor Yes, I believe Kashmir is 3 over 4. The Beatles did some 3 over 4 stuff too. Jake E. Lee's guitar solo on Ozzy's "Bark at The Moon" is Hemiola. Cliff Gallup incorporated some patterns of 3 over 4 into Johnny Burnett's "Race with The Devil" as well. I'm definitely not ready to do a "deep dive" into THAT rabbit hole in my studies. I'm gonna play it safe and staying in my level of development.😏
Aug 6 •
Curious question about playing for all
Out of interest, how long do people actually practice for and the frequency of their practice. I aim for at least 15 mins a day ( some days do slip past but I work shifts and it’s easily done especially when I do days and come home knackered) , but I’ve noticed of late that my left hand starts to cramp up now, reducing practice time ( might have something to do with new hand position for attempting vibrato). This is for my own curiosity to know if I need to make more practice/playing time. Thank you for reading
2 likes • Sep 5
@April Ellis I love this idea! I just started to incorporate in my everyday practice this past week. It's a good "trainer". Thanks for the tip!
2 likes • 20d
@April Ellis It's working good! I keep it inserted into the F-hole (sorry if that sounds a little inappropriate🫤) every practice session. I try playing w/o it every so often just to see if I'm ready to fly solo. I can keep the bow straight for most of the time. This plus Jenny's Bowing dojo class (I'm in purple belt 1) class helps immensely.
Aug 17 •
Scarborough Faire Tab and Scale
Just made this today and thought I’d pass it along in case you want to try. The scale is also tabbed out below. It’s the Dorian Mode. This is the scale that makes anything you do sound like medieval music. Therefore it is the best. Enjoy! Jenny
2 likes • 22d
@Graham Acres or ,maybe, with her sister accompanying on the guitar.
Aug 31 •
Scarborough Run Through
After teaching today figured I’d give this one a try since there were a couple requests. Still need to memorize the main notes a bit more but this was fun. :)
1 like • 22d
@Graham Acres I have that on DVD.haven't had time to watch it...yet. I'll have to check it out this winter.
2 likes • 22d
Love hanging out on this platform and watching all these videos people are posting. This one and La Vernia and the others. They're inspiring me driving me forward. I'm still working on the "Hog Wild"/Bluegrassy version of Auld Lang Syne (which 's coming along). Slow and steady.
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@douglas-kooienga-3957
Single,never married,no kids.Medically retired since Xmas of 2014. Music is a hobby.
Active 11d ago
Joined Sep 17, 2025
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