Search - DVD-Learn To Play Irish Fiddle #1 on DVD

Learn some lovely tunes quickly from an Irish fiddle master

Dori in SF | San Francisco, CA | 07/08/2007

(5 out of 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."

Was presently surprised

Good Choice for me! | 12/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I play by ear and am taking fiddle lesson from a Sukuki Violin teacher. That is not the direction I want to go, although I am learning some basics. Kevin Burke's style of teaching and music is more the direction I want to go. I live in a rural area, so do have lots of choices for teachers and don't have time to drive far for lessons.

I have used DVDs successfully to help learn difficult software programs -so I thought I'd give this a try.

Was pleasantly surprised....just right for me."

Helpful Fiddle Lessons

Chris Wilson | Florida | 02/26/2009

(4 out of 5 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!"

A MUST BUY FOR IRISH FIDDLE PLAYERS

R. MARTURELLA | 01/12/2008

(5 out of 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."