Playing Fiddle

I’m still practicing nearly every night, even though I’ve (hopefully temporarily) stopped taking lessons.

I have my music organized in a binder, separated by categories. I also have my practice lists. I try to start with the practice lists and see if I can remember the songs I learned earlier merely by name. If not, I can turn to my iPod and one of several practice playlists I’ve set up. Usually hearing the song is enough to trigger the memory and I start playing. In the worst case, I turn back to the binder (or to a book like The Fiddle Music of Scotland, which I love.

If I have to turn back to written music, I try to just look at the notes, then turn away and play. Sort of read ahead in my mind.

If that doesn’t work, I start playing while reading and THEN turn away.

I know I’ve lost it if I have to sit there and read the whole damn thing while I play it.