Private studio teachers, school string programs and Suzuki teachers preparing for recitals will welcome these tasteful piano accompaniments for the violin, viola and cello editions of Volume 1of Brian Wicklund's American Fiddle Method. Acknowledged as the most widely used fiddle method in the country, Wicklund became aware of the increasing demand for a parallel piano accompaniment series and engaged his friend Bob Walser to take on the task of writing it.Collaborating closely with Wicklund, Walser was encouraged to adhere to the chord progressions suggested in the original books, but given leeway to add interesting variations in rhythm and harmony. the result is a book of arrangements that welcomes pianists to the jamming circle. Piano playing teachers, parents and siblings can now join in the fun, and fiddle tunes can be featured in concerts and recitals with the support of an accompanist. In addition, principals of accompaniment learned by playing these arrangements can be applied to accompanying other tunes, the voice or other instruments.The American Fiddle Method itself provides the beginner with the elements needed to become a proficient fiddler. Based on many years of teaching experience, the author introduces concepts and techniques that yield solid results. This method encourages creativity in the student by including variations of the tunes to illustrate how they can serve as a basis for improvisation.

Designed as a follow-up to Volume 1, Volume 2 addresses such important skills as: 1) expanding a basic repertoire of common intermediate-level tunes, 2) learning to use low first position, 3) mastery of bowing down on the beat and corrective slurring, 4) artistic slurring, 5) understanding basic music theory, and 6) learning double-stop backup combinations. Some students who have studied violin or fiddle music before may be able to skip Volume 1 and start with Volume 2, assuming they are proficient at skills such as proper violin and bow placement and can play a small repertoire of fiddle tunes with good tone and intonation.

Written as a companion to the wildly popular fiddle book, this method opens up the world of fiddling to the beginning/intermediate cellist. Finally fiddlers, violists and cellists can jam together! Unlike many books for violas and cellos which simply transpose the tunes, the authors went to considerable effort arranging the tunes to be both playable and true to the original melody and key. Variations to the tunes are included illustrating how they can serve as a basis for improvisation. Ensemble skills are taught with chords and lyrics, basic music theory, and demonstrations of such skills as backup and lead playing in this playfully- illustrated book. A high quality, multi-instrumental CD for listening and play-along captures the excitement of the music. Like its fiddle counterpart, this method is destined to be a classic.

Written as a companion to the wildly popular fiddle book, this method opens up the world of fiddling to the beginning/intermediate violist. Finally fiddlers, violists and cellists can jam together! Unlike many books for violas and cellos which simply transpose the tunes, the authors went to considerable effort arranging the tunes to be both playable and true to the original melody and key. Variations to the tunes are included illustrating how they can serve as a basis for improvisation. Ensemble skills are taught with chords and lyrics, basic music theory, and demonstrations of such skills as backup and lead playing in this playfully- illustrated book. A high quality, multi-instrumental CD for listening and play-along captures the excitement of the music. Like its fiddle counterpart, this method is destined to be a classic.

Presents 140 of the most frequently played tunes in old time fiddle contests as well as the most popular bluegrass, square dance and country tunes heard throughout the United States. the performance length arrangements of contest tunes include standard as well as challenging variations on hoe-downs, rags, polkas, show pieces, and waltzes complete with suggested accompaniment chords. This encyclopedia of fiddle tunes and variations spotlights American popular fiddle music as played by the great fiddlers of our time.

"One of the most bizarre stories in all of popular music is the history of the 'Orange Blossom Special,' arguably the century's best-known fiddle tune. Here revealed is the tale of its feuding owners, Rouse and Wise, and Johnny Cash, who made the song a mainstream hit. This trio's disparate legacies are here told - and forever linked with the legendary diesel steamliner."--Publisher's website.

"A violin method book that's fun for both children and adults; includes classical and popular melodies you know and love!"--Cover.