Darol’s Big Book of Fiddle Tunes is now available
Well... we over here at the Fiddle Castle somehow have aquired a large box of these brand-new books of tunes written by Darol. we need to send them out into the world!
In this first of 3 volumes, renowned fiddle player Darol Anger presents his Bluegrass and fiddle-oriented compositions as melody and chord charts, with short informative explanations for each tune.
Subscribers to Darol's Artistworks School Of Fiddle already have access to charts and lessons to many of these tunes, but not all. If you'd like them all collected in a nice-looking, easy-to-open and-close book, this is your jam.
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Darol & Mr Sun Premiere Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker at Freshgrass
We did it! “Mr Sun Plays Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite” debuted to a packed house at the FreshGrass Festival on Friday.
Much Thanks to the FreshGrass Foundation for commissioning the work, and special thanks to Leo Austin-Muehleck, Dan Bui, Ella Bebe Jordan, Kathleen Parks, Clara Rose and Caleb Swan, aka the Hollywood Honk, for rounding out the “big band.”
We couldn’t have done it in such style without them! AND special huge thanks to Dave Sinko for being there to engineer.
The album comes out December 1 on Adhyâropa Records, but you can preorder vinyl, downloads and CDs at mrsun.bandcamp.com
Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson: An Introduction to Polyrhythms
Andy McKee is widely considered to be one of the most prolific artists in the world of modern acoustic guitar playing. Alongside guitarists like Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, and Billy McLaughlin, Andy has pioneered countless techniques on the acoustic guitar that have taken the instrument to new heights and completely reshaped the way in which the world perceives the role and capabilities of the acoustic guitar.
Blues Rock Guitar Lesson: Phrasing
When first learning to play the guitar, oftentimes our primary focus is on hitting the “correct notes,” whether they be in the context of a song or riff, or within an improvisation or solo. However, crafting a truly musical and emotive performance requires much more than simply playing the “right notes.”
Mike Marshall Releases “Mike Marshall Mandocello J.S. Bach Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010”
Earlier this week, world-renowned mandolinist, Grammy-nominated musician, and ArtistWorks bluegrass mandolin instructor, Mike Marshall, released his latest album, Mike Marshall Mandocello J.S. Bach Cello Suite No. 4, BWV 1010.
Bluegrass Guitar Lesson: Tony Rice Rhythm Fill Sweeps
As guitar players, oftentimes when we think of “sweep picking” techniques, the first stylistic associations that come to mind are heavy metal and shred guitar playing. However, sweep picking methods are used in a variety of different guitar styles, including, but not limited to, flatpick and bluegrass guitar playing.
The Virtual Fiddle Roundtable with Darol Anger, Brittany Haas, Deanie Richardson, & Alex Hargreaves
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 4:00 pm PT / 6:00 pm CT, ArtistWorks will be hosting a free virtual live-streamed event featuring both of our world-renowned fiddle instructors: Darol Anger and Brittany Haas. We are also excited to announce that Darol and Brittany will be joined on the live-stream by special guests Deanie Richardson (IBMA award-winning fiddler and co-founder of the Grammy-nominated bluegrass quintet, Sister Sadie) and Alex Hargreaves (nationally renowned fiddle virtuoso and the current fiddle player for Billy Strings). Other guests will probably appear! We found an actual Round Table!
Jazz Guitar Lesson: Basic Jazz Scales
For most aspiring jazz musicians, one of the more intimidating elements of the genre to learn is the art of improvisation. When first learning to improvise, it can feel daunting, and understanding where to begin can often feel like a mystery.
Saxophone Lesson: Finding the Right Reed
Having an instrument that is comfortable, easy to play, and produces a pleasing tonal quality is important when you’re first learning to play the saxophone. It makes learning the instrument more enjoyable and exciting and keeps you inspired to pick up your horn to practice and play. However, one of the most critical factors that is often overlooked and contributes heavily to a horn’s playability and the quality of tone that it produces is the reed. There are a wide variety of reed types and brands that each produce a unique tone quality and have a distinct feel and response.
Fiddle Lesson: Bowing Patterns & Rhythms for Backup
When we think about the role of the fiddle within the context of a bluegrass band, the first musical responsibility typically associated with the instrument is the melody. The fiddle is often a prominent instrument at the forefront of most bluegrass string bands, performing both the primary melodies of each tune and also improvised solo features. That being said, it is critical for fiddle players to understand how to pivot to a supporting role and back up other instruments and soloists in the band.