Each challenge has points you can earn for completing it. I’ll have prizes for our top scoring fiddlers. (Prizes will be from Nashville!) In each challenge, I will tell you the challenge, the number of points it can earn, and how many days you have to submit it.
For example (this is not a challenge… yet!), I might say: The challenge is to see how many slides you can fit into Boil Them Cabbage Down. Please send me a recording (or make other arrangements so I can hear) by Wednesday. You’ll get 5 points for completing this challenge!
Notice that receiving points has NOTHING to do with how well you played! This isn’t about your abilities, but rather about your hard work! Everyone has the opportunity to win points!
All challenges will be aimed to the “big group” (that needs a better name). However, I may send out challenges that can be applied to multiple pieces, including small ensemble music. I will note which pieces the challenge is for in each email.
Open Challenges:
Due: Friday, July 10th by 10:00pm - VERY VERY IMPORTANT!!! PRETTY PLEASE DO THIS ONE!!!
An important part of fiddling is being able to play by ear. A good fiddler can pick up any tune after only hearing it a few times. Don't worry, I don't expect that yet!
I would like to check where your current ear training level is. Please listen to the following audios and complete this quiz. It may take you a little bit, but it will allow me to know how to focus the group.
Points: 5 points for completion + 1 point for every correct answer
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Due: Tuesday, July 13th by 10:00 pm
A unique part of fiddling - and music in general - is the unique community we have. We are always teaching or learning... or sometimes both at the same time.
When I was 14, I saw a fabulous violinist named Annie perform. She awed me. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I was bound and determined to be exactly like her.
Well, I'm still striving for that, and I'm not very close... But hey, she called me 4 times today, I dropped her off at her haircut and I brought her lunch. That's right - the violinist I wanted to be most like is now my boss and a very dear friend! I still watch her play with awe. I got to sit in their family's band rehearsal and I spent the entire time in complete awe of her bow arm. So. Smooth. Like... how even?!?
And that's where this challenge picks up. I've noticed that the majority of our group... And by majority, I mean everyone... needs to work on their bow arm. This is also a wonderful chance for you to work on your learning skills.
STEP 1: Pick a piece. Any piece. Boil Them Cabbage, Tennessee Waltz, your own tune of choice...
STEP 2: Record yourself playing it and send it to me by the due date! Video is preferred if possible - record from the bow arm side of front, if that makes any sense (I want to be able to see the entire arm, including shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers.)
STEP 3: Receive an email from me with part 2 of the challenge!
When I was 14, I saw a fabulous violinist named Annie perform. She awed me. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I was bound and determined to be exactly like her.
Well, I'm still striving for that, and I'm not very close... But hey, she called me 4 times today, I dropped her off at her haircut and I brought her lunch. That's right - the violinist I wanted to be most like is now my boss and a very dear friend! I still watch her play with awe. I got to sit in their family's band rehearsal and I spent the entire time in complete awe of her bow arm. So. Smooth. Like... how even?!?
And that's where this challenge picks up. I've noticed that the majority of our group... And by majority, I mean everyone... needs to work on their bow arm. This is also a wonderful chance for you to work on your learning skills.
STEP 1: Pick a piece. Any piece. Boil Them Cabbage, Tennessee Waltz, your own tune of choice...
STEP 2: Record yourself playing it and send it to me by the due date! Video is preferred if possible - record from the bow arm side of front, if that makes any sense (I want to be able to see the entire arm, including shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers.)
STEP 3: Receive an email from me with part 2 of the challenge!
Points: 5 points now... but 10 additional points if you complete part 2... sooooooo....
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Due: Monday, July 20th by 10:00 pm
Have an idea for a great challenge? Send it to me! I'd love to see what you think we should work on!
Points: 1 point per idea submitted + 5 points if I use it!
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Due: Friday, July 24th by 10:00pm
If you keep a record of your practice time, I will give points based on how much you practiced! Please have it divided into either days or weeks.
Points: 5 points for turning in a log + 1 point for every 10 minutes of practice
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Unending Challenges:
Email or text me a relevant question (1 point)
Skype or FaceTime with me (5 points; please email me and set up a time.)
Send me a recording of something other than what the challenge is - I want to hear it! (3 points)
Closed Challenges:
Due: Wednesday, July 8th by 10:00pm
If you remember, we made recordings of the group playing at our last class. Well...
They're okay. Not great. What they show us is that we've made a good start, but we have a long way to go.
Your challenge is to listen to these recordings like YOU are the teacher. What would you say to the class? What does the class need to fix? How should everyone practice on their own? How should we practice as a group? Please email me your response at musicalmeadows@gmail.com
Points: 5 points for completing+ 3 points for every sentence.
Points: 5 points for completing
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