# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Best Beginner Bass Riff For Day 1 Of Playing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 20 MUST KNOW Bass Riffs For Beginners (tabs & tutorial)

# data[].attributes.body
Neil Young - needle and the damage done

REM - Everybody hurts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR FILM COMPOSERS | Score this drama clip and use in your portfolio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learn to play “Angie” Acoustic by The Rolling Stones

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Play Fast Car - Tracy Chapman Guitar Lesson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bass Lesson For Beginners: How to use Scales and Chords

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Best Beginner Bass Riff For Day 1 Of Playing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Step-By-Step Bass Lessons Beginner to Badass is a foolproof beginner’s bass guitar system — on ’roids. It’s the easiest way to learn bass. Period. With our system, you can’t fail, even if you think you suck. Our video lessons will take you step by s…

# data[].attributes.body
Kraftwerk at Glasgow Rotal Concert Hall

They released some tickets today, block J, front row ..Excellent!!

# data[].attributes.body
And he asked for no recording, filming.

What he created is a masterpiece. He lectures in America, lucky students.

He wants to bring his compositions and videos with full orchestra next time, cannot wait!

The man is a genius ahead of his time.

His mashed of 80s tunes was seamless, mixed with tech,live,it was all there, blown away!

# data[].attributes.headline
27.5.26 Thomas Dolby, support Martin Macaloon *Prefab Sprou

# data[].attributes.subject
27.5.26 Thomas Dolby, support Martin Macaloon *Prefab Sprou

# data[].attributes.body
Queens Hall

A master class in syncing mysic with video.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kraftwerk "The Robots" | Deep Reconstruction

# data[].attributes.body
website:

https://acousticguitar.com/6-ways-to-play-d7-chord-by-chord/

NOTES FROM THE WEBSITE

Now let’s create D7 chords from various D voicings, first with the open D chord. As shown in Example 3, to change it to D7, all you have to do is replace the D on string 2 with the C (the flatted seventh) on the same string.

Example 4 shows some barred voicings. These chords are often played on just strings 2–5. You might also try them with fingerpicking, using your thumb on string 5 and index, middle, and ring fingers on strings 3, 2, and 1, respectively.

In Example 5 we have a less common D voicing, which can be modified to make a more common D7 shape. Example 6a takes you up to a barre chord in tenth position. All you have to do to get to a D7 chord from the D is remove your fourth finger. A variation on Ex. 6a is shown in Example 6b. This D7 shape is the same, but by adding your fourth finger to string 2, fret 13, you are doubling the flatted seventh that is also played an octave lower, on string 4, fret 10.

Example 7 is identical to Ex. 3, but with each fretted note moved up an octave (12 frets), for a more dramatic sound—a voicing that will be more difficult to play if you’re on a guitar with a 12th-fret neck junction.

The Result

If you’ve done the work, now you know how a D7 chord is constructed and how to change various D shapes to D7. Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is a well-known song that makes use of a D7 chord, as well as a handful of others that you should already know. Stay tuned for next time, when you’ll learn a bunch of G7 shapes.

Kate Koenig

# data[].attributes.headline
24.5.26 sunday. 2 hour Rehearsal for Broomhill day centre gig in August

# data[].attributes.subject
24.5.26 sunday. 2 hour Rehearsal for Broomhill day centre gig in August

# data[].attributes.body
Root G

3. B (open string 2)

5. D (open string 4)

3. B (open string 2)

back to Root G and repeat

# data[].attributes.body
Root D

3. F#

5. A. [Note A on string 3 AND string 5]

3. F#

Then back to Root D and repeat

# data[].attributes.body
A useful exercise is if I copy this model for a few different chords. (1-3-5-3)

C chord

C. E. G. E

D7 chord

D. F#. A. F#

G chord

G. B. D. B

Do chord progression

C. D7. G. C

# data[].attributes.body
I've created a MuseScore practice.

I found out how to create the melody and then link a TAB stave. I originally tried to create a TAB from scratch and realised as it was so difficult there HAD to be an easier way - and I found it out.

Great thing is I can play back the musescore score at different speeds to practice.

Once I have the idea sorted, I can change the chords and change the melody, but one thing at a time in the learning process,.

Note my first attempt I had a G instead of an E (2nd fret on D string), Scott pointed this out.

Note from Scott:

The Bass part is playing the root, 3rd, 5th and third again of the C chord. Everything else is fine!

So C. E. G E. repeated.

# data[].attributes.headline
Creating a linked tab staff in musescore

# data[].attributes.subject
Creating a linked tab staff in musescore

# data[].attributes.body
THis is a really good site.

Lots of screenshots of musescore dialog boxes and options to choose, this works well for me learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Link the Tablature with the Score in Musescore 4. - Making Music 4 Ever

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Musescore 4 has a very useful function for guitarists, bassists, mandolinists or any string instrument that you want to set up the tablature synchronized automatically with the score. In previous versions of this software, it was necessary to create an independent tablature and then copy the notes from the score and paste them into the … Continue reading How to Link the Tablature with the Score in Musescore 4.

# data[].attributes.body
STILL TO ADD THE RECORDING

Learning to use thumbpick

Playing base note with thumb

C-chord, alternating fret 3 on string 4 and 5

Base note .. higher note... different base note... higher note.

Pradtice the pattern for a minute. slowly

Then introduce the pinky. left hand. keep it simple. keep the rhythm

Also experiment with MuseScore. Add the base notes and create your own melody.

# data[].attributes.body
Ive written out chords for one of tunes

Also rearranged where line ends were so easier to see repetition.

Working on this just now.

Trying to do smooth chird changes and get the rhythm right.

But we also went over Waiting for the Feds...quite tricky, lots of new chords

# data[].attributes.body
We got David Francis as tutor

Ye banks and braes

Starting with open chirds

The chord substitution and chord extension.

Really good class

# data[].attributes.body
Chords used

# data[].attributes.body
Graeme was away to Shetland to take part in a festival.

WE GOT DAVID FRANCIS!!!!!

An amazing master class.

We covered, playing by ear, Ye Banks and Braes. The melody first, then going through the simple major chords

Basically 3 chords. G D C

We went through numerous interations, looking at extending the chords and which minor chords we could replace the major chords with.

I learned many new chords and shift patterns, I need to practice for sure.

David gave handouts at the end with all the chords, and i have screenshots of the some of the chord seqences we used.

It was a really interesting class and I learned a lot.

**To upload screenshots and recording of Part1 and Part2 of the lesson.

# data[].attributes.body
Recap on previous lesson.

Strumming, hitting root note with thumb [D]

and first finger hitting the 3rd note.

[I noted that this was STRUMMING and not finger picking. I have to keep the strumming hand moving. I am stopping it sometimes because I'm concentrating on what to do next, but that will come with practice].

Tried different rhythms.

Next time - to practice with the thumb pick.

# data[].attributes.body
Dropbox link

Wow..this is just amazing, all videos chords tab for tunes

# data[].attributes.body
Class last night.

We started with a strumming pattern like a slap on a downbeat after an upbeat.

D D U D* U D U D

First D on base note

Second D on rest of strings

U accented.

New to everyone. I struggled.

We followed the chords in diagram with this strun pattern. Too difficult for me but I tried. I found out all the chords and best finger positions.

Then we learnt the A part finger picking of another tune. I did really well here and quite chuffed!

Graeme will send Dropbox link with videos, tab, chord charts, strumming patterns ...so lots if support. I like the class.

# data[].attributes.body
Graeme Armstrong

Graeme Armstrong, a singer and guitarist from the Scottish Borders, has been performing at world leading festivals including, Cambridge Folk Fesitval, Denmark’s Tønder, WOMAD UK, Chile and Las Palmas, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Celtic Colours, Milwaukee Irish Festival and 4 successive outings at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections with the band Talisk. Since joining, in 2017, they have gone on to be crowned 2017 Folk band of the year, at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, and only a year later, winners of the Belhaven Bursary Award at the same awards netting them a 25,000 pounds’ cash prize. In 2019 the band’s second album ‘Beyond’ was shortlisted in the Album of the Year category and was given multiple 5* reviews and picked up “top of the world album’ by Songlines, this stamping Graeme’s authority onto the UK’s trad scene as one of its leading artists.

As skilled collaborator he has also appeared on various albums, including being a co founder of the award wining Rachel Hamer Band. Their debut album ‘Hard Ground’ was given a 4* review in “music republic magazine”.

During the Covid Pandemic Graeme embarked on making his debut solo album which which was released in April 2022. It’s an album that gives the lister an insight

into a period of his life. The album is an in-depth snapshot into the artist and what makes him tick. A very personal, moving, yet exciting and forward-thinking piece of work. His use of instrumentation and artists to create intertwining arrangements that sooth and hit hard when needed. You are Free is an album not to be missed.

“Exceptional” - Folking

“Formidable Sound”- The Hearld

“Brilliant fresh sound”- Folk Radio UK

# data[].attributes.body
Flat picking trad tunes

Tutor.

Graeme Armstrong

Graeme Armstrong, a singer and guitarist from the Scottish Borders, has been performing at world leading festivals including, Cambridge Folk Fesitval, Denmark’s Tønder, WOMAD UK, Chile and Las Palmas, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Celtic Colours, Milwaukee Irish Festival and 4 successive outings at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections with the band Talisk. Since joining, in 2017, they have gone on to be crowned 2017 Folk band of the year, at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, and only a year later, winners of the Belhaven Bursary Award at the same awards netting them a 25,000 pounds’ cash prize. In 2019 the band’s second album ‘Beyond’ was shortlisted in the Album of the Year category and was given multiple 5* reviews and picked up “top of the world album’ by Songlines, this stamping Graeme’s authority onto the UK’s trad scene as one of its leading artists.

As skilled collaborator he has also appeared on various albums, including being a co founder of the award wining Rachel Hamer Band. Their debut album ‘Hard Ground’ was given a 4* review in “music republic magazine”.

During the Covid Pandemic Graeme embarked on making his debut solo album which which was released in April 2022. It’s an album that gives the lister an insight

into a period of his life. The album is an in-depth snapshot into the artist and what makes him tick. A very personal, moving, yet exciting and forward-thinking piece of work. His use of instrumentation and artists to create intertwining arrangements that sooth and hit hard when needed. You are Free is an album not to be missed.

“Exceptional” - Folking

“Formidable Sound”- The Hearld

“Brilliant fresh sound”- Folk Radio UK

# data[].attributes.body
Scott has sent the last dates

29/4/26
13/5/26
27/5/26
10/6/26

*** I have 2hour guitar lesson at SMG TOMORROW NIGHT ***

# data[].attributes.body
Me Bruce and Gill.

I hadn't taken any music along so I played some tunes I knew and Bruce joined in with Gill on percussion

# data[].attributes.body
I printed off a load of tunes to learn with Bruce and Johnny. They were happy to teach me new chords and riffs.

It was another great riff.

I do instrumentsal..

Everybody Hurts

Living on a prayer

Mad world

We played Fishernan blues and I was learning Heaven ...Bryan Adams, they liked that tune and wanted to learn it for the open mic session.

# data[].attributes.headline
18.4.26 fiddle workshop learning 2  Swedish tunes

# data[].attributes.subject
18.4.26 fiddle workshop learning 2  Swedish tunes

# data[].attributes.body
*I need to add recordings of music and ask tutor for music sheets

# data[].attributes.headline
19.4.26 open fiddle session 2- 5pm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre 

# data[].attributes.subject
19.4.26 open fiddle session 2- 5pm at the Scottish Storytelling Centre 

# data[].attributes.body
This was amazing. Playedthe Swedish tune from yesterday's workshop.

Scarce o tatties

Campbells farewell to Redcastle

Sleep soon ida mornin

Da Lounge Bar

And joined in with a few I didn't know

Did a solo of The Atom of Delight in front of 20 players and public audience

***To add recordings from session

# data[].attributes.body
They will send more info about activity options

# data[].attributes.body
Ive booked onto this conference.

It's free.

For early learning, primary school teachers of music.

It is relevant as I am looking for ideas to teach music

It is at Glasgow Royal concert hall all day

Thursday 21st May

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Music Education Partnership Group - MEPG

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Primary Teachers - this one’s for YOU! Do you teach music in the classroom but don’t consider yourself a musician? This brand new one-day conference has been created especially with you in mind.…

# data[].attributes.body
I attended an open mic last week and found the venue and people very friendly. They encouraged me to bring along my violin. So I took it along LAST NIGHT. I joined in with a few pop tunes and then..my slot ... I played together with Bruce on guitar.

Ive been again.plated Fisherman blues with band and added blues fiddle to last tune. Went really well.

# data[].attributes.body
Looking forward to this gig

IT WAS AMAZING....WHAT A GIG...WHAT A PERFORMER.

The guy sitting next to me spilled 2 beers under the seats...do I moved..to a front seat...what a view!!

# data[].attributes.headline
7.4.26 Suzi Quatro at Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow

# data[].attributes.subject
7.4.26 Suzi Quatro at Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow

# data[].attributes.body
looking forward to this gig

Front Row Middle Circle, block J

Great seat.

What a performance...wow!

# data[].attributes.body
This is a brilliant link. The tunes are listed A->Z and can search. Also can download the mp3 to listen to the tune.

It is perfect for finding the TAB for Trad tunes and will be useful when I start the Trad flat picking course in a couple of weeks.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Scottish Tunes for Musicians & Bands at Weddings, Ceilidhs, Dances, Gatherings etc, Scores, Guitar Tabs, Chords, Midis, MP3 and PDF - titles: A

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sheetmusic, chords, guitar tabs, midi files, mp3 files and PDF for traditional Scottish tunes

# data[].attributes.headline
28.3.26  Guitar Lesson.  Thumb, first finger strumming

# data[].attributes.subject
28.3.26  Guitar Lesson.  Thumb, first finger strumming

# data[].attributes.body
Strumming by ear, without Plectrum

1. Thumb on root note with down strum

Practice thus changing chords

2. Play 3rd note with the first finger [down stroke], practice with changing chords. I found this tricky.

Video of Scott showing what to practice

# data[].attributes.body
Photo on the SMG website, taken by Sarah Northcott..she organises the courses and can be seen on the stairs in my previous photos before taking this photo

# data[].attributes.body
Some of the Stramash

# data[].attributes.headline
02.04.26 Thursday class Stramash at James Gillespie High School

# data[].attributes.subject
02.04.26 Thursday class Stramash at James Gillespie High School

# data[].attributes.body
Recording of our class Stramash tonight.

About 120 participants

# data[].attributes.headline
COLLEGE VIOLIN LESSONS ARE FINISHED 27.3.26

# data[].attributes.subject
COLLEGE VIOLIN LESSONS ARE FINISHED 27.3.26

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/V6HU3PAK5bI?si=IqiBTJvwBR8WorTt

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Use the Online Drone Tone Tool to Improve Your Intonation

# data[].attributes.headline
14.3.26 Guitar lesson. improvised strumming

# data[].attributes.subject
14.3.26 Guitar lesson. improvised strumming

# data[].attributes.body
Looking at the strumming patterns covered, want SPACE DYNAMICS RHYTHM

# data[].attributes.headline
14.3.26 Guitar lesson. recording of strum patterns  1 -> 4

# data[].attributes.subject
14.3.26 Guitar lesson. recording of strum patterns  1 -> 4

# data[].attributes.headline
14.3.26 Guitar lesson. Recording of 5th strumming pattern

# data[].attributes.subject
14.3.26 Guitar lesson. Recording of 5th strumming pattern

# data[].attributes.body
Add photo of additional 5th strum pattern

Practiced with A C G G

Practice with other chords

Listen to strumming patterns in different tunes.

# data[].attributes.headline
26.3.26 SMG Thursday class Stramash rehearsal

# data[].attributes.subject
26.3.26 SMG Thursday class Stramash rehearsal

# data[].attributes.body
We also practiced The Lea Rigg and Golden stud for next week's Stramash

We are playing with another fiddle class and a guitar class

1. The Lea Rigg..fiddles first time, then guitars join in for 2nd time.

2. Then guitars play a tune on their own

3. Then fiddles and guitars play together The Golden Stud twice through.

Note pause at end before last note

# data[].attributes.body
We learned new tune by ear

The stool of repentance

# data[].attributes.body
The long defensive and confusing message(s) looking for justiication is extrememly stressful to comprehend and makes me feel like I need to defend myself, I have chosen not to respond as it may result in more such messages.

It has impacted my college work as I pause to try and process, unpack what is subtly being implied.

I sent one message.

All I am hearing is that I should be grateful for 'extra' time that is the choice of the tutor and thrown back at me.

I have clearly used up all my allocation for lessons....which should only be 15minutes..but why am I scheduled for 30min and some students 45minutes?

The only regret I have is not finding a solution to this 6 months ago. I have tried but repeatedly told I am unique.

Sorry, this means the college doesn't support students that learn by ear and I have to accept this as a shortcoming of the college but wish it had been transparent from the start.

I am trying to find a solution and have suggested that an option could be that I switch to learn guitar instead.

Again it would be a teaching style that matched my learning style.

I have asked to move to pop and requested that any group I am added to is more jazz,soul and without drums as I am sensitive to loud noise that affects me playing by ear. (And drums cause migraines).

I'm requesting this upfront to invite clear communication and options that mean I will learn and enjoy music.

Having shared this information it would be useful to know if these options are available for me to progress to HND.

# data[].attributes.body
I am describing my experience and asking for what I need to learn.

My goal is a constructive solution not a confrontation.

This is about my learning and not about what is right or wrong.

Lessons feel rushed and stressful and I am unable to learn effectively.

The situation is not my fault or the tutors fault - it's the combination of her very rigid, micro-correction teaching style, constant rushing mindset and my ear-based learning style.

All of this creates an environment that feels chaotic, exhausting, and demoralising, especially for someone who needs flow and listening time.

I learn strongly by ear and struggle with extremely rigid lesson structures.

When I learn by ear at night class there is more listening and phrasing and I improve very quickly.

The difficulty I'm feeling with college violin lessons is a mismatch between how I process music and how the tutor teaches it.

Constant stop and start interruptions make it hard to hear what I am playing or adjust by ear.

If a note is not exact, perfect ..I have to start again. I can't play a bar or phrase without being stopped.

This affects my learning and wellbeing.

I am not complaining just to be difficult, I am describing how this teaching style affects my learning and wellbeing.

I'm sharing my experience as a student and what I need to learn effectively.

I am not disputing my tutor's expertise, I'm explaining what helps me learn and why I cannot continue with her.

Constant interruptions, corrections and urgency make it very hard to learn in the way that works for me, I cant practice flow. Because of this I feel stressed and exhausted after lessons.

The stop-and-start teaching style, where I'm interrupted constantly, makes it difficult for me to hear what I'm playing or adjust by ear. I feel rushed and pressured throughout, and it's affecting how I learn and impacting my college experience.

As I learn by ear I need a moment to hear the mistake, a chance to adjust naturally and a sense of musical flow.

When every note is stopped instantly, the ear never gets the chance to correct itself.

So the lesson becomes about reacting to the tutor rather than listening to the violin.

It feels chaotic because I never get time to actually hear what I'm doing and the constant talking over the playing means my brain loses the auditory feedback it needs. It feels like a nightmare rather than just strict teaching.

The teaching style is like a hyper-analytical correction stvle isolating tiny pieces, stopping immediately to correct verbally and to instantly restart (with a hurry up).

I'm sure this approach works better for students who learn mainly through visual analysis, technical instructions and step-by-step correction.

As I learn primarily through listening, it can feel challenging because I never get time to actually hear what I'm doing.

My brain processes music by listening to pitch relationships, hearing phrases internally and adjusting sound as I play so I need a bit of continuous playing to hear the line and self- correct. With constant interruptions it breaks the feedback loop needed to progress.

The tutor's teaching style is the opposite approach so not a good fit for me.

I am worn down by constant micro-criticism and this is impacting my learning and enjoyment of music.

# data[].attributes.body
Saturday

1 30pm to 2 30pm rehearsal for day centre in April

3pm to 5pm music group practice. work through 30 tunes in tune book.

# data[].attributes.body
Only 3 from our mixed instrument class turned up to play our tunes, all fiddles.

So with the tutor we were a quartet.

I've atached our recording and thought it went well.

# data[].attributes.headline
20.3.26 Vitamin Quartet were amazing!! Front seat!

# data[].attributes.subject
20.3.26 Vitamin Quartet were amazing!! Front seat!

# data[].attributes.body
It is term 3 so it will interesting in that the class will already have done 2 terms, so I expect this to be suitably challenging.

The best part is it will be taught by ear, chord charts and TAB.

I need to learn TAB so this is a great opportunity.

Chords I need to know

C A G E D

Am Em Dm

A7 E7 D7

B7

# data[].attributes.body
SMG GUITAR 3 .Graeme Anderson

I've booked onto an 8 week intermediate Guitar course at SMG.

THURSDAY 7-9 at James Gillespie High School. 23rd April.

# data[].attributes.headline
25.3.26 practice for SMG Stramash tonight at James Gillespies High School

# data[].attributes.subject
25.3.26 practice for SMG Stramash tonight at James Gillespies High School

# data[].attributes.body
Our mixed instrument class will be playing two tunes ...both taught BY EAR

My Home Town

Dark Lowers the night

# data[].attributes.headline
Audio recording of Dvorak Allegro Moderato

# data[].attributes.subject
Audio recording of Dvorak Allegro Moderato

# data[].attributes.body
GIGA. HOMEWORK play first 3 1/2 lines

# data[].attributes.headline
19.2.26 violin homework for next lesson 

# data[].attributes.subject
19.2.26 violin homework for next lesson 

# data[].attributes.body
Dvorak. ALLEGRO MODERATO

play the first 3 lines.

Kat says not to worry about the fingering.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Watched my solo performance video of Hector the Hero for feedback.

*I need to use the WHOLE BOW

2. DOUBLE.STOPS

D scale with open A string as doubles top, and when on A string play D string on double stop

3. Stornoway. First position

4. Stornoway 3rd position.

Pay attention to slurs and use whole bow

note from Katrina

Please begin every practice session by doing the double stops written out on the manuscript paper today. There is no point doing these unless they’re exactly in tune and you’re using the full bow . Can you please practice the slides that we have done being sure to land exactly on the note. Do not neglect the scales I would like B-flat major in sixth and ordinary style next week.Thank Vibrato practice. can you play D on the a string in third position with the first finger, having first relaxed your hand by waving, and practice very carefully going from X2X -1 back to X by pulling the arm as if with a scarf – do not not not just stick the wrist out . Better do three notes secure and slow slowly. Thank you.

# data[].attributes.headline
7.3.26 COMMUNITY arts music group 10 -12 am Town Hall Penicuik 

# data[].attributes.subject
7.3.26 COMMUNITY arts music group 10 -12 am Town Hall Penicuik 

# data[].attributes.body
A good turnout and 3 new members.

2 x violin,1 x guitar

# data[].attributes.headline
11.4.26 Rehearsal 5- for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.subject
11.4.26 Rehearsal 5- for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.headline
28 3.26 Rehearsal 4 - for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.subject
28 3.26 Rehearsal 4 - for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.body
Rehearsal went well

# data[].attributes.headline
15.3.26 Rehearsal 3 - for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.subject
15.3.26 Rehearsal 3 - for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.body
Rehearsal went well, more fine changes

# data[].attributes.headline
8.3.26 Rehearsal 2 - for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.subject
8.3.26 Rehearsal 2 - for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.body
Went well. More changes for next rehearsal

# data[].attributes.body
Learning different strumming with right hand

Practiced with A C G G

# data[].attributes.body
I first heard HECTOR THE HERO played by a professional violinist at a local show and wanted to learn and play it.

1:1 Lessons

I have worked with Katrina on the tune during 1:1 lessons and feedback has made a big difference on how I play it.

In particular, use long bowing for better sound and check the correct wrist position of the left hand. Katrina routinely makes small changes to how I hold the violin and how I hold the bow - and this makes a difference too.

Typically we would stay on the one bar until I had practiced it well. There is always the urge to want to play through a whole tune in one go. But it is important to not introduce errors into playing and to 'do it properly'. Sometimes the difficulty for me is that I play at night classes and they are less strict and I am allowing bad habits to creep in [I know!].

How I thought My performance went

I arrived early for my performance and helped set up the room with chairs and arranged where I would stand with the music stand.

I tuned the violin and had 20 minutes warmup. I then had a quick rehearsal with Laurie on piano before the other students arrived.

I went second in the list of performers.

I asked Laurie to play a short introduction to the piece, rather than me starting with the violin, this worked well.

I introduced the music before playing it and started after the piano introduction.

I was reading the music and also focussing on all the areas of improvement we had studied in the 1:1 lessons.

I did feel nervous at the beginning but settled as I was doing the second part of the tune.

I thought I played ok [although I know I could have played a lot better!] and enjoyed the experience. In particular I need to focus on better intonation.

Rocio gave us the following model to follow for self-reflection

SELF-REFLECTION

The Driscoll Model ...

1️⃣    What?

What did you do in your practice or performance

Hector the Hero - composed by James Scott Skinner

Did anything go well? Did anything feel difficult?

Working together with the piano accompaniment went well. We only had a brief practice beforehand.

Difficult getting bow direction correct all of the time (ok most of the time).

Intonation...hitting the exact note needs to improve. When listening to the recording I could hear the parts that were not quite perfect pitch...and this annoys me.

Violins have no frets so the player has to be precise with finger placement.

2️⃣   So What?

What did you learn from what happened?

I learned that turning up early and practicing before the performance helps prepare well.

How did you feel while playing?

I felt slightly nervous while playing but stayed focused on the music score - there was a lot of detail - e.g. when to do up/down bows and to keep wrist in the correct position.

3️⃣    Now What?

What will you do differently next time?

Next time I would focus more on intonation, correct use of bow

This will require more practice at hitting correct notes.

What will you practice more?

I will practice intonation and the correct bowing as I do find this a challenge, using the correct amount of bow and the correct direction of the bow.

What strategies can you try to improve?

I always practice tunes slowly at the beginning, especially if they are faster tunes.

I chose a lament for this performance as the speed suited my (slower) playing and I was comfortable with the speed I played at.

FURTHER NOTES

I also enjoyed listening to the other students that were performing and can see a wide variety of musical styles.

We talked about the class doing more performances and there is a chance we will do another class like this near the end of term, I hope we do as it was fun.

VENUE

The dance studio is a really good venue, I prefer it to the auditorium when it is a small class size.

# data[].attributes.body
Comments from students

Liked my introduction with a background to the compostion as it added to the performance.

Enjoyed the performance

It was a really emotional tune

Good posture and positioning of wrist and being relaxed when playing.

Liked how I made the sound emotional

I kept good rhythm throughout

The pace of the tune was reflective of it being a lament

It went well with the piano and keeping in time with each other

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/xVJm8A34eAE?si=aHsE8rS5C1_46L-4

# data[].attributes.headline
SOLO PERFORMANCE - MUSIC SHEET - HECTOR THE HERO

# data[].attributes.subject
SOLO PERFORMANCE - MUSIC SHEET - HECTOR THE HERO

# data[].attributes.body
Upload photo of sheet music - with annotations from tutor

# data[].attributes.headline
SOLO PERFORMANCE - BACKGROUND TO 'HECTOR THE HERO'

# data[].attributes.subject
SOLO PERFORMANCE - BACKGROUND TO 'HECTOR THE HERO'

# data[].attributes.body
My solo performance is playing violin with piano accompaniment from Laurie Crump

'HECTOR THE HERO'

Composed by James Scott Skinner in 1903

More info found here:

https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1965-02-195-2

and

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hector_MacDonald

Major-General Sir Hector Archibald MacDonald, KCB, DSO, also known as Fighting MacHector was a a Major-General was a friend of James Scott Skinner - who composed this tune in his memory.

Hector died in 1903 at the age of 50. He committed suicide after accusations and charges against him

.

Hector is buried in Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From 1885 MacDonald served in the Egyptian Constabulary and then with the Egyptian Army from 1888. Commanding Sudanese troops he gained public acclaim for his role at the Battle of Omdurman. After serving as an aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria, MacDonald led the 3rd (Highland) Brigade in South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902).

# data[].attributes.body
We focussed on practicing Hector the Hero for my solo performance on Friday

We made a video too.

Points to note.

2 start notes - start at bow tip - both notes to one bow. Go faster

BOW Tip to middle - lower arm

BOW middle to heal of bow - upper arm

Use the whole bow

Pay attention to the WRIST position

Make sure last note on down bow - lift bow from violin just at end.

and SMILE :-)

# data[].attributes.body
Learned 'Dark Lowers the Night' by ear

# data[].attributes.body
Learned 'My Home Town' by ear.

# data[].attributes.body
Schools Orchestra Lochgelly Centre

My niece us performing with her Orchestra.

Outstanding performance by the school students

# data[].attributes.headline
FRONT ROW SEAT..IT'S LIKE SITTING IN THE ORCHESTRA!!

# data[].attributes.subject
FRONT ROW SEAT..IT'S LIKE SITTING IN THE ORCHESTRA!!

# data[].attributes.headline
22.2.26 Rehearsal 1 - for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.subject
22.2.26 Rehearsal 1 - for Broomhill Day Centre

# data[].attributes.body
Sunday 2-4pm

Rehearsal went well. Instrumental and singing. A few changes to be done for next Rehearsal

Comments