Classical Violin Vs. Bluegrass Fiddle
Ever since the violin was invented, it has captured the hearts of listeners with its versatility in music. With a violin, the music can be loud or soft, fast or slow, swinging or soulful, and any mixture. The violin can be played in almost any style of music. But most beginning violin players are pushed into the classical realm, usually without a thought given to other genres of music. Many young players pick up a violin, without knowing it is also a fiddle. A fiddle that can be combined with a banjo, guitar, double bass, and mandolin to create bluegrass music. And while both classical and fiddling may be fun, learning how to fiddle may benefit a young person more than classical violin.
It is true that classical music does have its benefits. It is played all over the world, and a classical violin player has many opportunities to play in an orchestra. Playing in an orchestra pushes to improve playing skills and technique. The conductor often gives personal instruction to individual players. The experienced violin player can take pride in the accomplishments and performances of his orchestra.
For a young person, however, trying to play in an orchestra can be intimidating and oppressive. Every note must be played exactly in tune. Every measure of music must be perfectly in time and rhythm. Competition is fierce among players to gain a higher “chair” or position in the orchestra. Practicing at home isn’t enough preparation for the environment that exists in an orchestra. The orchestra setting leaves little room for mistakes. This is frustrating for everyone, but especially to younger players. The beginning violin player may be greatly discouraged by the strict atmosphere the orchestra creates.
But when a beginning fiddle player steps into the bluegrass/country realm, he is almost immediately surrounded by a group of older musicians who cheer him on. These musicians form a support group around the beginning fiddler because they want to see him succeed. Not only does a young person have the opportunity to gain knowledge about music from these more experienced musicians, but also often picks up other life skills that he might otherwise have missed out on.
Fiddle music is more loose and open than classical music, which makes it easy for a beginning fiddle player to fit in with a group. The fiddle player quickly learns rhythm and how notes and melodies are structured. Many bluegrass songs are similar in form and structure, which makes it easy for a young person to learn and play. The fiddler is also at ease to make up his own version of a song, and everyone accepts it. This allows the young player to add his own unique touch to a song. And that makes playing fun for a young fiddle player.
Because old time fiddling is becoming a kind of lost art, older musicians are more than eager to pass on songs, tips and tricks that have been passed down through the generations to younger players. These older fiddlers don’t want to see the music that their fathers taught them to fade away. They are willing to put in time and effort to teach young players these old songs. An incredible learning opportunity awaits the budding fiddle player from these older musicians.
Opportunities abound for a budding fiddle player. Thousands upon thousands of bands across the nation seek a good fiddler. A fiddle player is often asked to play at social gatherings, weddings, and all sorts of other places. The fiddle player can choose to play for income or just for fun. Many fiddlers find a happy medium between the two.
In short, learning how to fiddle benefits a young person more than playing classical violin. Fiddling opens up a young person’s world to a group of friendly musicians who are eager to help him succeed. Fiddle music is easier to learn and play for the beginning musician. A much warmer environment exists for the fiddler than for the classical violinist. Older fiddle players are simply waiting for young people to come along who want to learn how to fiddle.
