[robhanson]

Hi Shannon!

Your story is not all unusual at all. A lot and I would say most who played in school bands, community orchestra, or even played in a garage band move on. When you are young your interests change often. You are eager to experience life and at some point you have to make a decision, family or your musical career.

I started playing music when I was 10 yrs old. I worked hard at it even when I got married. Once the kids came along, will “Family” became the most important thing in my life. So in my 30’s, my focus was on my kids and family. Not until my late 50s when we became empty nesters, did I start to pick up music again.

At age 56 I had a recurring dream that I played cello. Not only did I play cello, but I played cello at Orchestra Hall with the Minnesota Orchestra. Of course I was awesome! I had this dream for about a year, off and on.

At work I heard they had a community orchestra. About that time I was window shopping I saw a cello for sale. It needed a lot of work to make it a playable instrument.

At age 57 I started to learn to play the cello. I had no previous experience with stringed instruments at all. I took lessons for about three months.

At this point I contacted the orchestra director and asked if I could sit in on rehearsals. She asked if I had an instrument and I said yes, cello. She asked if I would like to shadow alongside one of the other cellists. Of course I said yes, even though I had only been playing for 3 months.

I played with the orchestra for the next three sessions.

Remember that dream. The one about playing with the Minnesota Orchestra. Will three years late the MN Orchestra was hosting a “Fantasy Camp”

All you had to do is write an essay on why you would like to play with the orchestra. Never in a million years did I think I would get an opportunity to play with the MN Orchestra.

Will, at 61 years of age that dream came true. I got to rehearse with the orchestra for three full days followed by a concert with the orchestra at Orchestra Hall. Made my bucket list.

I am now 72 years young. Over the years I went on to learn how to play the Violin, Viola, Upright Bass and more. I have played in a number of groups over the years and I still enjoy it. I still attend a jam now and then. Most in the group are in their 70s and up, even a few in their 90s.

Starting to play an instrument late in life is doable.

I will leave you with two things. Always have fun at what you are doing. Second, “If you practice in a vacuum, at some point you can expect to hear a sucking sound” So get out there and play music with others and have fun.

Best wishes on your musical journey!

Kind Regards,
Robert Hanson

[robhanson]

A few years back I attended a Bass Camp here in the Twin Cities, MN USA. Our guest performer and master class teacher was Francois Rabbath. As of Mar 2021 he is 90 years young. I wish I could share his Interview on teaching. The interview not only helps the teacher but is inspirational for the student. I have contacted them to see if I can or if they will post this interview.

For students there are two words you may wish to remove from you vocabulary. Frist word “But or Yah But” and the second “Difficult”. The word “Difficult” is easier to explain. Basically once you say the word difficult, you have closed off your mind. When learning something new, it’s always about time. Over time our changes tend to fade. So be patient and kind with your self in your journeys.

Kind Regards,
Rob Hanson

[robhanson]

Hi Aysha!

Whether you are classically trained, learn by ear, or watching someone play the song (note by note, bow by bow). Bow direction is important. Would I be overly worried about it, No. ** Do you need to be mindful of it, Yes.** Bow direction helps you move from one musical phase to the next. It also helps define the style of music being played.

Being that you can read sheet music. The lessons on this site provide you with sheet music for the basic form of the song you are working on. If you can print them out. Use what you have learned to help yourself. Write down the bow markings as indicated by the person showing you how to play the song.

All violin/fiddle players spend time figuring out bowings. Whether by marking them down on sheet music or by physically trying different bow directions. It just takes time to learn to play by ear. So be kind to yourself.

Lastly, if you are playing the fiddle by yourself, no one will know if your bow is going in the right/wrong direction. If you are playing in an orchestra or on stage with another fiddle player. Then all bows need be going in the same direction.

Hope this is helpful!

Kind Regards,

Rob Hanson

[robhanson]

Hi Casey!

Sorry Its been some time. Thanks for sharing the video. I am having a great time learning these instruments. It keeps me busy!

[robhanson]

Hi thisite13

For me, the answer is yes, you can play both classical and Irish, bluegrass …etc. If you have been trained as a classical violinist, you bring much to the table. You will be able to do things other fiddle players could only dream of. Just use what you have learned.

From my prospective if you have not learned tunes by ear, it just takes time and patience. Being that you probably read sheet music. I feel it is Ok to learn a tune using sheet music, but once you have it in your head a little. You really need to listen to how the tune is played, (its style, its feel, its rhythm). This is no different than learning a classical piece of music. (bar by bar, phase by phase)

You can learn a lot from the teachers on this site. So have an open mind and don’t be so hard on yourself. Go for it, and have fun!

Kind Regards,
Rob Hanson

[robhanson]

I really like the tunes and thanks for sharing. It made my day.

Kind Regards,

rob hanson

[robhanson]

Hi Casey,

Is this a web event? The e-mail did not give a location for the contest.

Kind Regards,

rob hanson

[robhanson]

I do not know if there are any discussions, however I can offer up a suggestion or two. I can assume you have an amp, or a pa-system and you would like to amplify your violin.

Today this is really easy. You can either mic it, use a pickup or go pickup – wireless. For pickups just do a search on the web and you will find a lot to choose from. As far as which is the best, that is debatable.

For clip-on mic’s, there are a few. I have found the Synthesizer DPA 4099 to be the best for string instruments. This can also be set up in a wireless configuration. Feedback can be an issue but, you can EQ out the frequency that is causing the feedback. (ring out your monitors). This means only remove the frequency that is causing the feedback. If your pa-system/amp does not have frequency analyzer, you can use a phone/iPhone app to identify the frequency to remove. Usually in the 6K range.
Lastly, I like going wireless. You will still need a pickup on your fiddle. I have found Line 6 Relay G10II or S fits the bill here. (No cable, 24-bit, 50ft to 130ft transmission range). If you need more than a 150ft, there are options.

One other thing to note. For violins wireless or not. You will get the best results, use a parametric EQ. This will help with feedback and the quality of the sound.

I hope this helped.

Kind Regards,
Robert Hanson

• This reply was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by robhanson.

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