How to Choose a Bow to Use It In a Fiddle Contest

When considering the best bow for fiddling, iit may seem that every fiddle player has a different opinion. Choosing a bow is a very personal decision. Fiddle music is very demanding and a having a responsive bow is a must. I have observed that fiddle players use everything from the most inexpensive bows to fine old French bows valued at over $20,000.

One option that is becoming very popular is carbon fiber bows. The advantages to carbon fiber bows are that they are very stable, difficult to break and do not warp. A favorite carbon fiber bow is the CodaBow brand. CodaBow makes several models which are designed to accommodate many different levels of players.

When playing demanding fiddle tunes, a bow with a strong stick may seem to perform best for many players. Keep in mind that the stronger the stick, the less hair tension is needed. Each bow will dictate, depending upon strength of the stick and its camber (the arch in the bow), how tight it needs to be. A common mistake is to tighten the bow so much that it becomes bouncy and hard to control. There is no rule about how tight a bow should be. Again, it depends upon the individual bow and the player's preferences.

A common mistake is to put too much rosin on the bow. Many players and teachers feel that they should rosin the bow every time they play. This is not the case. Rosin should be used to help the bow grip the string. If you find a white cloud of it coming off the bow hair when you play, then you are using too much. With rosin, generally less is more. If you feel the hair slipping on the string then apply more of it sparingly until you feel the bow grip the string.

It is important to remember to loosen the bow when you are done playing. When tension is left on the hair, it will stretch. Once the hair is too stretched out your bow will no longer tighten. If you can't tighten the bow, don't force it. Take it in to you local luthier for a rehair. Many bows have been damaged by trying to force them to tighten. The other reason for loosening the hair is to let the stick relax back into it's natural cambered shape. If a bow is left tight for too long it will lose its camber and can warp.

How to Choose Tunes For a Fiddle Contest

When you are deciding on music to play for a fiddle contest, you will need to prepare at least three tunes. You will need a breakdown, a waltz and a tune of choice.

How should you decide on your tunes? If you have sheet music then play through several songs to see which are most appealing to you, or listen to several recordings and watch videos on YouTube. There are many books containing tunes that are available for purchase, as well as downloads you can obtain via the Internet. When you play through the music, you must decide if the piece is playable for you. It is usually a better idea to play music that is easier for you well, than it is to play hard music poorly. Ask yourself if there are any elements of the song that will showcase your strengths and abilities. If so, that would make an excellent choice. If there are any aspects of the tune that will be too difficult, for you, it is best to avoid that one. If your breakdowns sound flashy or impressive that can be an advantage. If you are good at playing double stops, then choose a waltz that is full of them.

Remember that picking and playing music for a competition that will impress the judges is your primary concern. Focus on the strengths of your playing and find music that is not too difficult. If you find tunes that you love it will be easy to continue practicing and polishing them for an outstanding performance.

What is the Difference Between a Fiddle and a Violin?

Aside from setup, a fiddle and a violin are basically the same instrument. The difference is the style of music that is played on each. On occasion, a fiddle player might have the bridge reshaped to have a slightly flatter curve and lower string height than what a classical violinist might like. This can help the fiddler to more easily play both double stops (two notes which are played at the same time) and triple stops (three notes played at the same time). However, many fiddle musicians use a standard classical arch and string heights for their bridge, as many today are classically trained. Many also use synthetic core strings, such as Thomastik Dominant and Vision. Both sets achieve a warmer and richer sound than steel core strings, which were traditionally used by fiddlers in the past. The advantage to using a synthetic core string is ease of tuning and pitch bending. Most fiddle players use four fine tuners on the tailpiece to ease in tuning the instrument.

Many younger fiddlers today use a shoulder rest, whereas many old timers do not. There are several options on the market. One of the most popular is the Comford Shoulder Cradle and the Kun shoulder rest. Most fiddle players tend to hold the violin more in front and pointed down which differs from a classical player who strives to keep the violin parallel to the floor. Chinrest setup is becoming increasingly important for fiddlers. It is crucial to find a chinrest that fits the player's jaw properly.

Playing fiddle can be a rewarding experience and help the classical player expand his or her technique. It is helpful to observe as many other fiddlers as possible. YouTube is a very good source for viewing varied styles.

What You Need to Know When Entering a Fiddle Contest

Entering your first fiddle contest can be daunting. If you've never entered one before, the first thing to do is make sure that you have at least three tunes thoroughly learned and memorized. Most contests do not allow the fiddle player to use sheet music. They will, however, usually allow the back up guitar player to use music or "cheat sheets" for chord changes.

The most important tune that you should have ready is a breakdown, also known as a hoedown, which is a fast song in 2/4 or 4/4 time. The breakdown will showcase your abilities and should be your flashiest tune. The next song that is usually required at fiddle contests is a waltz. A waltz is a slower and melodic tune in 3/4 time. The waltz should showcase your musicality and ability to draw long and even bows. The last tune is your choice. It can be representative of one of many styles, such as a rag, polka, hornpipe or jig. However, it should be a fast selection and should show your ability to play in a style different than a breakdown, which is also usually played at a faster tempo.

It is important to know that there is some music which is banned at most fiddle contests, such as Orange Blossom Special, Listen to the Mocking Bird and Lee Highway Blues. These are known as "show tunes" and use vamps and techniques (both left and right hand) that are generally not associated with breakdowns.

Many contests ask for only two tunes but some may ask for three. In most contests if there is a tie between two players, the judges will ask for yet another song. It is a good idea to have a forth prepared, which should also be fast. You may not need it, but it is good to be prepared.

When you are preparing for the contest, it is important to practice with a metronome because timing is usually the most important aspect to the judges. When learning your music, go slowly and listen carefully to each note to make sure yoiur intonation is accurate. You can always speed your music up later once it is solid. You should be so comfortable with your tunes that you can play them under any circumstances, such as cold weather or stage fright. If you are solid, your performance will go well.

How a Fiddle Contest is Run and What to Expect

So, now, you've learned at least three or four tunes and are ready to take on the fiddle contest world. The first thing to do is to find out information about the specific contest that you are going to enter. Read the rules and see how many tunes will be required and when the draw for order will take place. It is also imperative to know if pre-registration is required.

If you don't have a backup guitar player make sure that you get there early. Many contests have several guitar players available that can accompany you. You need to come prepared knowing your chord changes and with plenty of time to find a guitar player and rehearse before the contest begins. Once the contest starts, the guitar players may be busy on stage and not have the time to work with you. You might even be lucky enough to have two guitar players to back you up.

Most fiddle contests go in order of age division with the children's divisions going first and then working towards the senior division. Some contests will have both an adult, usually ages 20 - 60, and an open division in which anyone can compete. If you are new to the fiddle world, the open division is usually reserved for the experienced fiddlers who play on an extremely high level. Some contests have trick fiddling and a fancy (show tune) division in addition to twin fiddling. These are the divisions that very experienced fiddle players enter.

While you are waiting for your turn to compete, it is a good idea to be supportive of all the contestants who are playing before you, especially the children. It is difficult to get up on stage and perform for an audience and judges.

When it is approaching your turn, make sure that you are close by and know where your guitar player is. If you are late to take the stage you might be disqualified. Once you are on stage, take a deep breath, relax and play your best. Remember that the audience is there for you and they want you to do well.

After all of the competitors are done playing there might be some time while the judges deliberate. This is a good time to meet other fiddlers and complement them on their performances. In some contests all contestants will be asked to come up on stage and jam until the judges have reached their decisions. Usually the on stage jam session will only consist of the most well known fiddle tunes.

Once the prizes are announced and awarded remember to show support for the winners as well as those who did not place. On any given day it is impossible to predict how the judges will make their decisions. Just keep fiddling and have fun!