the_vulture: (Default)
the_vulture ([personal profile] the_vulture) wrote2010-04-26 07:41 am

Challenge accepted...

It might be considered ironic that, whilst a number of folk have suggested a period of isolation to help me find my path, it was actually through many conversations, here and elsewhere, that I found my way. I suppose that shouldn't surprise me: by nature, I'm pretty damn introspective, so if I'm getting lost looking in, clearly the logical path would be to get some outside opinions... and that worked.

The end result is that, for now, I'll be focussing on deepening my connection to Irish Maritime culture. In my discussions, my grandfather's fiddle was brought up numerous times. It has become quite clear to me that, for me to really begin feeling connected to the traditions of my forefathers, I need to learn how to play a fiddle, too. And I shall!

I've hit one stumbling block already, though. Music lessons are frackin' EXPENSIVE! How expensive, you ask? I'm currently looking between $15 and $25 per HALF hour.  *eyes goggle in astonishment*  

Naturally, this means I need to learn as much as I can outside of these lessons. Fortunately, there IS a number of things I can study by myself first. I even already have the instrument and learning material for it. My year-and-a-day challenge, as my first step towards learning the fiddle, is to learn how read music and learn to play the penny whistle sufficiently to perform one of my favourite Maritime songs Farewell To Nova Scotia.

Here is one of my favourite renditions, as performed by The Irish Rovers, (though one of my uncles plays an astounding instrumental version on the mandolin, complete with complex embelishments):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3MAaQLSSI&feature=related


My thanks to all who offered me their ear and their wisdom. 

[identity profile] lupabitch.livejournal.com 2010-04-26 10:43 am (UTC)(link)
Ooooh, very cool aspirations! I'm glad you managed to find some focus!

[identity profile] the-vulture.livejournal.com 2010-04-26 10:52 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you! And thanks in part, to you! :)

[identity profile] lupabitch.livejournal.com 2010-04-26 10:57 am (UTC)(link)
Happy to help :)

[identity profile] alias_chick.livejournal.com 2010-05-02 08:56 am (UTC)(link)
I'm very happy to hear that. If you need help with the notes and stuff, I took music for a long time, so I can give you a hand, if needed.

[identity profile] the-vulture.livejournal.com 2010-05-02 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you for the offer. :)