Don't Write Off this Irish Fiddle Practice Tip

If you're feeling like you've had to take two steps back in order to take one step forward in your practice lately, this is the tutorial for you! It's not a fun feeling to "slow down in order to speed up" but I'm here to walk you through the process and get you out of a slump.
Tunes Played:
Martin Wynne's No. 4 (reel) - background music
East at Glandart (jig) - demo for using less bow to create a big sound
Paddy from Port Law (jig) - demo for ornament practice
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Check out my suggested order for adding ornaments to your tunes here: • The Best Order to Add ...
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Join the discussion! Every Sunday I send out an email with a tip around the world of Irish fiddling -- and it's one of my favorite parts of the week getting to chat back and forth with you when you reply! Sign up for free here: learn.hannahharrisceol.com/fi...
Use code word "pull-ups" when you send your first response -- you'll know why after watching this video!
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Irish Fiddle Tutorial Playlist link: • Explaining the Irish F...
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Learn Irish fiddle online via the Free Fiddle Tip Vault! These are quick tips and techniques to help you master the feel of your Irish fiddling, and they’re easy to add into your practice routine!
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TH-cam Video URL: • How to Build Speed in ...
Video hashtags: #hannahharris #irishfiddletutorial #irishfiddler

[@JDLandscapePainter]

You’re an excellent instructor Hannah! Your classical background really shines in how you explain technique. I really hope to see more tutorials on playing Celtic fiddle soon!

[@HannahHarrisCeol]

Thank you so much, Jan!! While I’ve taken a bit of a break from TH-cam tutorials for the time being, I do have lots more tutorials (a mix of free and paid) over on my website learn.hannahharrisceol.com if we’re not already connected over there! :)

[@IRELAND_MY_LOVE]

I'm a pro musician and I had to learn a jig (and I'm ashamed to admit I'm Irish born and bred but I'm a classical head and absorbed Irish music naturally but I never studied it formally) so thank you so much for this Hannah. You are a real Cailín.

[@HannahHarrisCeol]

You are so welcome -- and no shame needed! :)

[@frankdougherty3233]

Many of the most effective "secrets" - are often hidden right in plain sight. Great share. Thanks, Hannah.

[@HannahHarrisCeol]

Thanks for watching, Frank! And yes, sometimes I'm like "but isn't this obvious? Why bother sharing it?" -- and I'm always pleasantly surprised and reminded that we all approach music with a different perspective.

[@laila3039]

oh my god, thank you! Rolls are so very hard! Especially when a tune is totally embedded in my fingers.
Than they refuse to do something else. This idea of using scales is brilliant, I kind of trick my fingers to think they are training for a new song. So now I am practizing scales. I have not told my fingers yet that the goal is a tune they already know..:) And the bowing tip is also something to keep working on..as a left handed person, my bowing is my weak spot and I tend to lose control

[@HannahHarrisCeol]

Hey Laila! Fellow lefty here -- bowing was definitely a weak spot for me for years, so I totally relate to the struggle there. You've got this! I'm so glad to hear the scales are helpful for your practicing process. Keep up the great work, and you'll be putting those rolls in your tunes in no time. I bet you'll surprise yourself when one just naturally works its way in there after all the muscle memory work you're doing with the scales!

[@user-dl3wf3hl3t]

great video, thank you Hannah! I forget to use less bow all the time, great reminder! It really does seem to go a long way to help tone. Reminder to stay 'curious' about our playing too, so true...positive stuff, instead of getting upset and swearing when playing is not good haha

[@HannahHarrisCeol]

Haha your last line gave me a good chuckle, Francis! i've definitely tried the swearing route before and can't say it's particularly effective (though somewhat satisfying in the moment XD). So glad you enjoyed this one! I'll be watching your bow parameters next time I see you play! :D

[@mattmiller6973]

Visual learning works best for me. Video and sheet music

[@HannahHarrisCeol]

Both great strategies, Matt! Thanks for sharing which methods work best for you :)

[@sabaryn1]

Transcribing definitely seems to get songs to stick better in my head. Maybe that's because it's similar to school and writing notes! Writing stuff down sticks things to your brain!! :)

[@HannahHarrisCeol]

Yes!! Love this :) I can totally see how that would add a deeper layer for keeping track of your tunes. Thank you for sharing!

[@JustFiddler]

matur suksma miss harris

[@user-gs2ys9or9r]

PULLUPS Do you do workshops or do you know of any in Philadelphia PA area ?

[@HannahHarrisCeol]

Hahaha I see you watched the vid! I do some online workshops (best place to keep track of when those are is my Sunday email list: learn.hannahharrisceol.com/fiddle-emails). I'd love to get over to Philadelphia and check out the Irish music scene there. Not sure of any regular workshops but I know a few people in the area and can keep an ear out for those :)