October 2009 | Speed the Plough |
November 2009 | L'Inconnu d'Limoise |
December 2009 | Princess Royal |
January 2010 | Ashokan Farewell |
February 2010 | Orange in Bloom/Sherbourne Waltz |
March 2010 | The Plane Tree/Schottische a Bethanie |
April 2010 | Battle of the Somme |
May 2010 | Michael Turner's Waltz |
June 2010 | Rusty Gully |
July 2010 | Cock of the North |
August 2010 | Nutting Girl |
September 2010 | Liberty Bell |
October 2010 | Canal in October |
November 2010 | Steamboat Hornpipe |
December 2010 | Moon and Seven Stars |
January 2011 | La Marianne |
February 2011 | Dark Girl Dressed in Blue |
March 2011 | The Cheshire Waltz |
April 2011 | La Roulante/LNB Polka |
May 2011 | Ash Grove |
June 2011 | Lemmy Brazil No. 2 |
July 2011 | Three Around Three |
August 2011 | Brighton Camp |
September 2011 | Oh! Joe the Boat is Going Over |
October 2011 | The Sloe |
November 2011 | Beatrice Hill's Three Handed Reel |
December 2011 | Inna Inna |
January 2012 | Bear Dance |
February 2012 | Rabbit Stew |
March 2012 | Idbury Hill |
April 2012 | Planxty Irwin |
May 2012 | Molly Oxford |
June 2012 | Galopede |
July 2012 | Lemonville Jig |
http://soundcloud.com/i-k-3/sounds-from-sunday-afternoon
This is horrible, I was surprised how intimidating it was to press record and how much that made my bellows move in the wrong direction. But if I don't post now I never will get started and there never seems to be a moment. I'll take this down if I do something better, this is proper beginner's stuff.
Valzer spensierato, on the Tunes from Italy theme of the month, on a Giustozzi 2 bass 1.5 row, great instrument for doing what it does. I got the tune from a recording by Nicola Melideo but I have got the feeling it didn't go like that.
Not sure how to rename the tune on SoundCloud.
This is horrible, I was surprised how intimidating it was to press record and how much that made my bellows move in the wrong direction. But if I don't post now I never will get started and there never seems to be a moment. I'll take this down if I do something better, this is proper beginner's stuff.
http://soundcloud.com/i-k-3/sounds-from-sunday-afternoonSounds great to me. Has a nice energy and spirit to it.
I.K.
That as fine a beginners rendition as I have heard, in fact if you had not posted theQuoteThis is horrible, I was surprised how intimidating it was to press record and how much that made my bellows move in the wrong direction. But if I don't post now I never will get started and there never seems to be a moment. I'll take this down if I do something better, this is proper beginner's stuff.
bit I would hot have put it in the beginners pigeon hole at all.
Keep up the good work
Valzer spensierato, on the Tunes from Italy theme of the month, on a Giustozzi 2 bass 1.5 row
Thank you for the encouragement everybody, much appreciated, I will try to sort the problems with flow and post to the proper place.
Now then -
"It's a pretty little tune. I wonder where you had it from."
Mike, you have got me bang to rights. You certainly know your stuff. I learn these things, after a fashion, then don't go back to the recordings, so I went back and checked, and what has happened is this: Half of the A section is more or less what Nicola Melideo plays on the recording. The other half of the A section is a failed attempt to play what Nicola Melideo plays on the recording, but what he plays is probably too hard for me at the moment, and I clearly haven't memorised it correctly anyway, and then what I have recorded includes lots of places where I am recovering myself from hitting a note that wasn't the one I planned to hit, so it's not really what Mr Melideo plays on the recording at all. And then the B section, now you mention it... I made it up, which I had sort of forgotten about. And it's probably not that in keeping with the style. On the recording he drops the tune down a third to provide a B section. So, it should probably be in "Tunes that are at least 30% from Italy" section of Tune of the Month. I have changed the name on soundcloud in honour of a good friend of mine.
Here goes…an attempt at Princess Royal (apologies in advance to those with sensitive ears):
http://youtu.be/vnhRdppHphc
Here goes…an attempt at Princess Royal (apologies in advance to those with sensitive ears):I'd never have thought you were a beginner. I like it when princess royal isn't played at rocket speed, that way you can hear the tune.
http://youtu.be/vnhRdppHphc
I am learning to play the melodeon and this is what it sounds like so far..." ;D
Piano and a smidgeon of cello (see above (:)).
At 9 months in, I'm not sure if I still qualify as a "beginner", but here's my contribution to April's TOTM played on a vintage EbBb Hohner. As I mentioned in the TOTM thread this is my first Youtube posting of any sort - as a techno-phobe I still can't believe I managed to accomplish it! At this rate, it won't be long before I'm tweeting ... :o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKj9m-INjKY
At 9 months in, I'm not sure if I still qualify as a "beginner", but here's my contribution to April's TOTM played on a vintage EbBb Hohner. As I mentioned in the TOTM thread this is my first Youtube posting of any sort - as a techno-phobe I still can't believe I managed to accomplish it! At this rate, it won't be long before I'm tweeting ... :oSounds nice in that boxes key.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKj9m-INjKY
At 9 months in, I'm not sure if I still qualify as a "beginner", but here's my contribution to April's TOTM played on a vintage EbBb Hohner. As I mentioned in the TOTM thread this is my first Youtube posting of any sort - as a techno-phobe I still can't believe I managed to accomplish it! At this rate, it won't be long before I'm tweeting ... :o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKj9m-INjKY
even though I can play a bunch of tunes reasonably fluently, I can barely play ANY of them - even ones I have played many, many times - all the way through without making the odd, unpredictable (& annoying) mistake.
At 9 months in, I'm not sure if I still qualify as a "beginner",Excellent performance. I am very sure that you are an established musician (perhaps on a piano accordion), and you are not qualified as a beginner. You are like my daughter, just name the instrument and the tune and give her 2 weeks before a good paying gig
After more than 30 years, I'm still waiting to get beyond that stage
Excellent performance. I am very sure that you are an established musician (perhaps on a piano accordion), and you are not qualified as a beginner.
I find it hard to believe in your case, unless that little Oakwood of yours is playing itself! ;)
Incredible! I love your description of the advantages of the melodeon.QuoteExcellent performance. I am very sure that you are an established musician (perhaps on a piano accordion), and you are not qualified as a beginner.No, I'm not an "established musician", but I AM Hungarian!
To clarify the 'beginner issue' if you are a beginner on the melodeon it counts, as long as you do mention any previous significant experience playing an instrument at a more than beginner level.
Signed The Moderator
Here's my stab at Rabbit Stew:
http://youtu.be/c-jTT3T0bao
I actually learned this during feb. but really wanted to try a 'fancy' video and just never got round to it.
featuring my brilliant new Sandpiper! (and the legendary 'Dubl Handi')To clarify the 'beginner issue' if you are a beginner on the melodeon it counts, as long as you do mention any previous significant experience playing an instrument at a more than beginner level.
Signed The Moderator
Haha... In the interests of honesty; I've been playing Box for about 5 months. I'm a jobbing/teaching drummer and world perc player. Melodeon is the first tuned instrument i've ever really got to grips with. (not counting piano to grade 2, 20 years ago)
Here's my stab at Rabbit Stew:I like that version. You play it same speed I do.
http://youtu.be/c-jTT3T0bao
I actually learned this during feb. but really wanted to try a 'fancy' video and just never got round to it.
featuring my brilliant new Sandpiper! (and the legendary 'Dubl Handi')
I notice your adding your own artificial Hohner clack. ;)
Here's my stab at Rabbit Stew
Boy do you have swing ;DWot Lester said (:). It really made me want to dance - one of those ones you watch and can't stop smiling. Excellent playing (and you are forgiven for your previous musical experience...)
Oh dear ... :-[
After my first Youtube posting, I was optimistic I'd be able able to dash off a few more in short order. No such luck. :-\
Even tunes I've been playing for months failed to come together as hoped for when seated in front of the camera. For me, there really is a vast chasm between playing a tune "more-or-less" right & playing it through, on demand, without "unforced errors". And familiarity doesn't seem to narrow that gap much.
Anyway, after some disappointing results, I decided to tackle a new tune, although one that I've played for a while on the mandolin. I apologize for hammering away on the treble buttons so aggressively - I was going for a pronounced rhythm but didn't appreciate quite how hard I was hitting those buttons! Going to have to pad those pallettes ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el6MEHtt1Rg
Airtime - this is really nice playing - stop dissing yersel'! You might imagine that those of us who've posted quite a lot of TOTMs just sit down and film a single take or maybe a couple. Whlist recording my 3/8 bourrees for this month's ThOTM I wore out the batteries in my camera AND digital sound recorder, performed an endless number of takes and still managed to muff quite a number of notes before I decided nuff was nuff and to post anyway. I think for most of us, sitting down in front of a camera has a weird 'stage fright' effect. Keep playing, keep smiling and stop underestimating your own playing. This was of a standard which certainly didn't *have* to be in the Beginner's arena imho.
Thinking that I'd get into the spirit of things, I've made my first video.
Airtime - this is really nice playing - stop dissing yersel'! You might imagine that those of us who've posted quite a lot of TOTMs just sit down and film a single take or maybe a couple. Whlist recording my 3/8 bourrees for this month's ThOTM I wore out the batteries in my camera AND digital sound recorder, performed an endless number of takes and still managed to muff quite a number of notes before I decided nuff was nuff and to post anyway. I think for most of us, sitting down in front of a camera has a weird 'stage fright' effect. Keep playing, keep smiling and stop underestimating your own playing. This was of a standard which certainly didn't *have* to be in the Beginner's arena imho.
Please bear in mind that I've only been playing for 6 days, so this is going to be very basic, but here is my attempt at the Bear's Dance
Thinking that I'd get into the spirit of things, I've made my first video.
Edit: any feedback would be hugely appreciated!
Thinking that I'd get into the spirit of things, I've made my first video.Well done! For 6 days playing that's excellent progress, and a clear video with good sound - keep going :||:!
Thanks so much for all the feedback guys :)
I think when it came down to the speed I was suffering from camera nerves :p After playing through it a few more times, the speed of the piece is all as one now, and is certainly much smoother :) Maybe I'll get round to uploading another version at some point in the future :)
This is what I love about this forum, everyone is very supportive!
I'm not sure I'm really dissing myself! I'm actually quite happy with the progress I've been making with the melodeon. It's a most gratifying instrument in that sense. What is a bit frustrating is that even in the case of tunes I've been playing (for myself) a lot, & that I feel I play pretty competently, when it comes to playing them through without mistakes - I'm not there yet. I'm wondering when - or if ever - I will reach that level of competence? Obviously, if you're going to play live, you don't have the luxury of doing multiple re-takes!
In addition, I find when I haven't played a tune for a while ... I forget how to play it. I need to monkey around with it for a few minutes before the "playing memory" comes back to me! This also does not auger well for the ability to sit down & play a few tunes to entertain others!
Al, from the accordion forum, suggests recording your playing, in order to self-critique: I see the benefit of that as well as posting vids for others to view and comment on.I would also suggest that this is a great way for remembering how you played a tune. Just video yourself playing it once, then in a few months when you were trying to remember how you did that bass or got that nice little twiddle, there it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEfJHiPwnWUYour princess royal is coming along really well. :) And I didn't attempt seven stars till quite recently so well done. keep going.
As promised. Me at 8 months of playing. I have a fairly musical background - flute, recorder group, choir etc. at school. I have a good ear for harmony and can arrange a bit. Can sight read as a hint but mainly play by ear.
The video is me playing Princess Royal, Trumpet Hornpipe and The Moon and Seven Stars, backed by football and occasional comments from spouse. At least the cat didn't start rubbing his face on the bass end this time. They are in descending order of how long I've been playing them for. One take, warts and all. So I'm getting there, but still mucking up a few bits in tunes I've been practicing a while, and stumbling through tunes I don't know so well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEfJHiPwnWU
As promised. Me at 8 months of playing. I have a fairly musical background - flute, recorder group, choir etc. at school. I have a good ear for harmony and can arrange a bit. Can sight read as a hint but mainly play by ear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8wpG8JZ-J0&feature=plcp
After 8 weeks on my first Melodeon...a Pre-Pokerwork C/F, bought from Mike Rowbotham in Cornwall.
A rather timid Michael Turner's Waltz, complete with hesitations and a few errors! A lot to learn but I just love this tune and learning the melodeon....what A JOY!!! I should be grateful for any advice and help I can get. Thank you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8wpG8JZ-J0&feature=plcp
After 8 weeks on my first Melodeon...a Pre-Pokerwork C/F, bought from Mike Rowbotham in Cornwall.
A rather timid Michael Turner's Waltz, complete with hesitations and a few errors! A lot to learn but I just love this tune and learning the melodeon....what A JOY!!! I should be grateful for any advice and help I can get. Thank you.
Really enjoying watching all the other videos in the beginner's showcase here.
Here's mine - sliding in under the wire on the last day with the June 2012 Tune of the Month. I couldn't get all the way through without making a mistake. As of last night when the video was made, I had been playing for 29 days. I obviously need a lot more practice with bellows and air button control. Any constructive comments appreciated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYemy31mGfg
Filmed in the camper on my phone. Extraneous sounds and distractions include the fan, my husband (who has COPD) holding the phone for the video and me giggling because the dog is licking my arm (sorry)
Looking good - I couldn't do that at 29 days. Took me over 18 months to work out how to hold it...Really enjoying watching all the other videos in the beginner's showcase here.
Here's mine - sliding in under the wire on the last day with the June 2012 Tune of the Month. I couldn't get all the way through without making a mistake. As of last night when the video was made, I had been playing for 29 days. I obviously need a lot more practice with bellows and air button control. Any constructive comments appreciated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYemy31mGfg
Filmed in the camper on my phone. Extraneous sounds and distractions include the fan, my husband (who has COPD) holding the phone for the video and me giggling because the dog is licking my arm (sorry)
Robin that is fine playing especially after only 29 days. Hope you post it on the main ToTM thread as it is easily good enough.
Here is my latest tune that I have been learning. I have had my first melodeon for eleven weeks now and it is just starting to feel enjoyable and comfortable. I have to say that I absolutely love it and wish I had bought it 30 years ago!
The music of Turlough O'Carolan is beautiful isn't it? and some of it is quite simple, so ideal for someone like me still fumbling around on a new instrument. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sISwtpkmjGQ&feature=youtube_gdata
Planxty Irwin complete with a few stumbles! Any help / encouragement / criticism welcomed. Thank you.
The music of Turlough O'Carolan is beautiful isn't it? and some of it is quite simple, so ideal for someone like me still fumbling around on a new instrument.
Here is my latest tune that I have been learning. I have had my first melodeon for eleven weeks now and it is just starting to feel enjoyable and comfortable. I have to say that I absolutely love it and wish I had bought it 30 years ago!
The music of Turlough O'Carolan is beautiful isn't it? and some of it is quite simple, so ideal for someone like me still fumbling around on a new instrument. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sISwtpkmjGQ&feature=youtube_gdata
Planxty Irwin complete with a few stumbles! Any help / encouragement / criticism welcomed. Thank you.
Thank you FlatNote and Daddy Long Les. As a teacher myself, (I teach painting and drawing to adults) I am constantly told that the most important thing you can give, is encouragement. And that's right....the encouragement becomes the energy to learn more. Princess Royal is next, I want to try to get more rhythm and speed into my playing! Wish me luck....Princess Royal eh? I found that pretty hard - see my Blog 14. I'll be very interested to see how you get on with it. I cheated a bit and used the extra notes on my Saltarelle!!
Princess Royal eh? I found that pretty hard - see my Blog 14. I'll be very interested to see how you get on with it. I cheated a bit and used the extra notes on my Saltarelle!!
Princess Royal eh? I found that pretty hard - see my Blog 14. I'll be very interested to see how you get on with it. I cheated a bit and used the extra notes on my Saltarelle!!
Just curious - what were the extra notes you needed for in Princess Royal?
Princess Royal eh? I found that pretty hard - see my Blog 14. I'll be very interested to see how you get on with it. I cheated a bit and used the extra notes on my Saltarelle!!
Just curious - what were the extra notes you needed for in Princess Royal?
Posting my stab at Lemonville Jig from today at about 6 1/2 weeks of playing. I promise I'm having more fun than it looks like in the video.
Here is my latest tune that I have been learning. I have had my first melodeon for eleven weeks now and it is just starting to feel enjoyable and comfortable. I have to say that I absolutely love it and wish I had bought it 30 years ago!
Posting my stab at Lemonville Jig from today at about 6 1/2 weeks of playing. I promise I'm having more fun than it looks like in the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMcUgobjYAE
Posting my stab at Lemonville Jig from today at about 6 1/2 weeks of playing. I promise I'm having more fun than it looks like in the video.Lovely - really flows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMcUgobjYAE
My first video posting here. I've been playing the box every day for about three-and-a-half months now. :||:
http://mysteryjig.com/?p=764
My first video posting here. I've been playing the box every day for about three-and-a-half months now. :||:
http://youtu.be/h6kwRijhHZE (http://youtu.be/h6kwRijhHZE)
First tune of the month submission. Originally posted in the TOTM section but probably more appropriate to post here. I've been playing for almost 4 months. Still need to work on playing with the left hand. The main problem is they don't usually show up in the ABCs
I've not seen and heard Weltmeisters much and you seem to be making very good friends with yours. I'm still more or less in the drone/chord stage of left hand work. When I play a polka with the left hand added it is so hard not to sound like my hands are elephant feet. I've made time in my life again for melodeon and melodeon.net and I need to get to know my current beginner peers here. Thanks for posting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lqvGBg-y9o
Been playing for a year and a bit. Spent most of January trying to "crack" waltz time, and here is the result. Meant that when I finally got back to playing Princess Royal I had to work at it a bit to get OUT of oom-pah-pah...
Every day, it comes a little more fluently. I'm slightly disappointed that tunes I've been playing for a year still aren't quite there yet, but these things take time, I suppose.
Here's the result, I'm quite pleased with it overall :|||: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPFTncoM3UQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPFTncoM3UQ)
My attempt at playing Donkey Riding on a 1-row 4-stop in C.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr48XVNqzoE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr48XVNqzoE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR3AHlKrvPs
...I'm playing the melodeon since august 2012 and I'm still feeling like an absolute beginner,
just haven't got the time to practice... This is called carolans draught (an attempt after about 7 weeks of practice),
it's normally played slower, and it's more suitable for harps or guitars, but I really like this tune...
anyway, I keep on trying, still not over the "uhm-pah" yet...
thanks so much everyone for the support and inspiration on this site!!!
...I'm playing the melodeon since august 2012 and I'm still feeling like an absolute beginner,
just haven't got the time to practice... This is called carolans draught (an attempt after about 7 weeks of practice),
it's normally played slower, and it's more suitable for harps or guitars, but I really like this tune...
anyway, I keep on trying, still not over the "uhm-pah" yet...
thanks so much everyone for the support and inspiration on this site!!!
Having plucked up courage to record something, i now notice it isn't actually a tune of the month = hope nobody minds.Excellent, breathtaking progress for just one month's playing on the melodeon - well done indeed! Your musicianship and accordion/keyboard skills clearly show through.
I have now been playing exactly one month, and loving it. Here is the link to Estrellas by Stephane Delicq (sorry i didn't edit the walking back to the camera bit off the end):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6qOpYpMEv8
I guess it's about time I put something up here. I have discovered a button on my camera that makes by brain turn to mush and my fingers to jelly, but here is what happened when I used it. Eventually.
I guess it's about time I put something up here. I have discovered a button on my camera that makes by brain turn to mush and my fingers to jelly, but here is what happened when I used it. Eventually.
Well done Malcolm, more to follow?
Thanks for the support, guys -appreciated!
@Lester - working on it (might not be wise to hold your breath, though ;) )
I think it sounds good! You seem much better with the left hand than I am. I'm really having a hard time with managing the basses.Thanks Susi!
Totm for May seems like a killer to me! It's a nice tune but I simply can't find it on the melodeon. At least not in any way that is playable. I love it on the concertina though.
Hi Malcolm,
I must have missed your video posting on April 19th. Not like me but in my defence I was on a brewery tour and dance out that day :||: :|glug
Nice playing, it's certainly coming along... nice even tempo too.
Fancy having a crack at TOTM for May?
Fancy having a crack at TOTM for May?
Totm for May seems like a killer to me! It's a nice tune but I simply can't find it on the melodeon. At least not in any way that is playable. I love it on the concertina though.
Here is me playing it that may (or may not) help
http://lesters-tune-a-day.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/tune-149-young-collins-bledington.html (http://lesters-tune-a-day.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/tune-149-young-collins-bledington.html)
My new Serafini R2d2 arrived on Friday - here it is for a couple of Delicq tunes. I am thinking of adding a review of the whole buying experience and of course my thoughts about the instrument if there is an appetite for it. I have now been playing for 3 and a half months, and am still enjoying the process.
There is absolutely no logo or maker's mark anywhere - I hadn't thought of that. It is clearly the same grill, buttons etc as on his website. Of course as I bought it directly from him, there's no worry about identity
I've just emailed a whole bunch of music to Thrupenny Bit (as far as I'm aware these are freely given transcriptions - not photocopies so I'd be happy to pass more on to you if that's helpful)
I try not to compare myself to others, but just to measure the amount of progress I've made. My problem with taking up new instruments is getting past the first plateau, and forcing myself to make uploads has been a good discipline. I'm grateful for the beginners' showcase thread as there is a clear understanding that people posting their clips are not trying to impress. On the other hand I expect nobody posts a performance where they haven't tried their best.
I've now moved on to Tune of the Month and feel more hesitant there as I think the aim of that thread is to hear different interpretations, and as yet I'm not able to add much more than a straightforward attempt; I have none of the instincts on the melodeon that would make my version original.
I am guilty of having previously played other instruments, but whilst that makes getting going a lot quicker, it is very possibly more intimidating as I am more alert to my own short-comings. I know the uploads I've done show lack of bellows understanding, and a lack of poise (and rhythmic control).
I'm more than happy to remove previous uploads here, as they have served my purpose and I certainly don't want to put anyone off. I'm sure you'll find encouragement (and advice if wanted) when you do post a piece.
No No you misunderstand - i don't begrudge anyone posting nor wish to compare myself to people such as your self, but it would be helpful to see clips from others at my basic level to see whether the same issues I have are there for them - I'm sure they are but everyone tends to thing "it's just me"!! As soon as I can get from the start to the finish of a tune I will post something; I shouldnt criticise anyone else for something I am not prepared to do myself!!
(:)
I've now moved on to Tune of the Month and feel more hesitant there as I think the aim of that thread is to hear different interpretations
I'm not sure that being able to play another instrument has any advantage when it comes to the melodeon.
Well, its taken a while, and there's still plenty of errors, but I have at last managed to record my effort from end to end!
Never played any instrument in my life and started learning at the beginning of July - so this is 2 month's work I guess (:)
http://youtu.be/BBrszaWMM8k (http://youtu.be/BBrszaWMM8k)
That is positively outstanding! (:)
For two month's work that is good going - nice control of the box and good rhythm - well done.
I really, really, really wanted to do the tune of the month this time but it was too difficult for my limited 15 months experience. So I chose to learn one of the unsuccessful options for September, "Pixie Wings" by Jody Kruskal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPLCNK8a79I
Nice job arty! It's a lovely tune that I would like to try & you've inspired me to give it a go. (:)
I hesitate to make a recommendation with regard to "balancing" the box, because I've noticed there are many different ways people accomplish this. My own technique relies on anchoring the treble end against the top/inside of my right thigh, so that when you push with the left hand the treble end does not move. You are balancing the box on top of your left thigh so there is nothing preventing it from moving when you push with the left hand.
Thank you AirTime for your help. I have been looking at some You Tube clips of good players and I see what you mean. I shall try this soon and hopefully it will solve the problem.
QuoteThank you AirTime for your help. I have been looking at some You Tube clips of good players and I see what you mean. I shall try this soon and hopefully it will solve the problem.
The way different players approach this really is remarkably varied. For example -
Speed the Plough - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhTLs16ZV0&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/url (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhTLs16ZV0&feature=youtube_gdata_player)
Speed the Plough - I now know how other's feel when filming themselves or performing; somehow all the 'perfect' rehearsals are to no avail when the record light is flashing! Ha ha. Sounds so 'stilted'. Keep practicing, I know, I know!! Anyway I now have a repertoire of two tunes - so no need to worry just yet Lester :DWell done!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhTLs16ZV0&feature=youtube_gdata_player (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNhTLs16ZV0&feature=youtube_gdata_player)
Beginners' Showcase! Finally.
This was for the March 2012 Theme of the Month: Film Music. I was far too shy to post it then, but here it is now.
Edelweiss, from The Sound of Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuWxBXLpG0c
On the Dino Baffetti Binci 3-voice. Sorry if you need to turn the volume down.
-Rebecca
Edelweiss, from The Sound of Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuWxBXLpG0c
I feel somewhat overwhelmed posting in the Tune of the Month forums proper because you are all so good.
needs more work
Beautifully played and a pleasure to listen to!
Well done! The rhythm wasn't too wobbly at at all, nice and steady and crisp all the way though.Many thanks for the feedback - much appreciated (:) Also, huge thanks to you, Lester and all the others here who post videos for those of us starting out to use as motivation/inspiration. More practice this evening ... :D
I'd say you're off to a promising start there, and it will get easier.
Well done! The rhythm wasn't too wobbly at at all, nice and steady and crisp all the way though.Many thanks for the feedback - much appreciated (:) Also, huge thanks to you, Lester and all the others here who post videos for those of us starting out to use as motivation/inspiration. More practice this evening ... :D
I'd say you're off to a promising start there, and it will get easier.
... missing bits between parts ...
Deep breath ... here goes.I think you will turn out to be a natural for this instrument as shown by the "feel" and flow of your playing at this stage. Great.
I bought my first melodeon last October (an ex-demo Sandpiper D/G) naively thinking that this melodeon thing couldn't be too difficult. Boy was I wrong! However, I wasn't anticipating how addictive it is (sorry to wife, neighbours, dogs etc).
Anyway, this is my first attempt at the Morris tune Monks March:
http://youtu.be/apoMjmhOj1U
The timing is a bit wobbly and it's not the full number of A/B bits - this was the longest I could get through without messing up completely (I think this was take 14!).
Be gentle with me ... (:)
Now been playing for nearly 2 years and finally managed to video something!Very nice. Smoothly played, and nice bellows control. More than that, I enjoyed it!
http://youtu.be/AMfXIX4T1Gk (http://youtu.be/AMfXIX4T1Gk)
Hopefully will tackle TOTM sometime this year.
Thanks for looking.
Trevor
Anyway, this is my first attempt at the Morris tune Monks March:
Be gentle with me ... (:)
Ok, here's my first upload! I've been playing for just over 2 months now, and this is my recording of Princess Royal http://youtu.be/e0P54AnSUO0 (http://youtu.be/e0P54AnSUO0)Well done, russell - very impressed. I have only been learning a few months more than you so don't feel qualified to offer advice, other than keep on doing what you're doing - it's obviously working! (:) Cheers. N
I thought I'd upload another one to get as much advice as possible; here's Speed the Plough http://youtu.be/A9KuOkv1BMI (http://youtu.be/A9KuOkv1BMI)
A few more mistakes in this one than the last, so if anyone's got any pointers for me that'd be much appreciated
Hello folks,
New boy here... I've just picked up the melodeon after an interregnum of about fifteen years (and I didn't play it much then) and, now that there's this wonderful resource called t'Internet with fora and feedback and YouTube, I thought I'd have a bash at 'Speed The Plough' - a tune I hadn't heard of until I saw it on here last week. I'm going to stick at it now my interest has been revived, and I hope I can only get better!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBB7gNIakLc
All comments and criticisms appreciated. :)
--
Regds,
R.
Sorry to hear about your 'interregnum' - I hope you are over that now ;)
Hi russel_w_b and welcome!
one thing I have benefitted from is playing staccato and making sure I lift my fingers off the buttons each time rather than holding down a button and dragging the bellows.
Sorry to hear about your 'interregnum' - I hope you are over that now ;)
Thanks, Arty: I certainly am! :D The instruments got shoved in the boxroom as the kids grew up and other interests took over. Same with the brass band I play with - I dropped out of that for ten years or so and I'm not long back to it (trombone). But playing always gives me a lift and I feel better for it.
I'll do as you advise. (:)
Just a little inspiration for you, since you play the melodeon and the saquebout(!)...
Hello! Beginner and Newbie alert!
Here is my version of this month's TOTM, William and Nancy. I was going to post it in the TOTM section but everyone seems incredibly good, but then I found this bit, so here I am! Link here:
http://youtu.be/O-I_jKbrG-A
It's my first go at YouTube so apologies for wonkyness.
I've been playing for nine months (eight when I recorded this), and I love it! Still working on less wobble on the r/h end, and as for the melodeon face! :-[ One wrong note was the least I could get it down to after many takes. (:) Would love to hear your thoughts, tips etc.
Thanks,
Vicky.
Hello! Beginner and Newbie alert!
Here is my version of this month's TOTM, William and Nancy. I was going to post it in the TOTM section but everyone seems incredibly good, but then I found this bit, so here I am! Link here:
http://youtu.be/O-I_jKbrG-A
Hello! Beginner and Newbie alert!
Here is my version of this month's TOTM, William and Nancy. I was going to post it in the TOTM section but everyone seems incredibly good, but then I found this bit, so here I am! Link here:
http://youtu.be/O-I_jKbrG-A
It's my first go at YouTube so apologies for wonkyness.
I've been playing for nine months (eight when I recorded this), and I love it! Still working on less wobble on the r/h end, and as for the melodeon face! :-[ One wrong note was the least I could get it down to after many takes. (:) Would love to hear your thoughts, tips etc.
Thanks,
Vicky.
Hello! Beginner and Newbie alert!Well done, Vicky - very nice indeed. I would say that you could have posted that in the main TOTM without any need to be worried. I'm only a few months ahead of you in the learning front, so my only observation is that as a Morris tune, I would watch the speed a bit - you were playing a bit fast (IMHO). Overall, I think you should be very pleased with your progress. Cheers. Nigel
Here is my version of this month's TOTM, William and Nancy. I was going to post it in the TOTM section but everyone seems incredibly good, but then I found this bit, so here I am! Link here:
http://youtu.be/O-I_jKbrG-A
This might be a daft question Anahata, but is there an average tempo for a morris tune?
When I asked someone about the right speed for a tune (I've been learning for 7 months) I was told that the right tempo was the one where I could play it with no mistakes! But it would be good to know what kind of tempo I should be aiming for.
This might be a daft question Anahata, but is there an average tempo for a morris tune?
it would be good to know what kind of tempo I should be aiming for.
This might be a daft question Anahata, but is there an average tempo for a morris tune?
quote:
If you play to the feet of the lead dancer/ foreman/ best dancer in the side you go far wrong
george
This might be a daft question Anahata, but is there an average tempo for a morris tune?
quote:
If you play to the feet of the lead dancer/ foreman/ best dancer in the side you go far wrong
george
" Go far wrong " George ?
This might be a daft question Anahata, but is there an average tempo for a morris tune?
If you play to the feet of the lead dancer/ foreman/ best dancer in the side you go far wrong
george
" Go far wrong " George ?
I'm guessing George meant...
If you play to the feet of the lead dancer/ foreman/ best dancer in the side you *won't* go far wrong
I'm playing 1 year and a little bit right now, decided to record one of the first tunes I learned, back then it was way too hard for me but I persisted, now... there's room for improvement and feel free to give pointers but I've come a long way that for sure.
http://youtu.be/rF-RyRN4Dck
I'm playing 1 year and a little bit right now, decided to record one of the first tunes I learned, back then it was way too hard for me but I persisted, now... there's room for improvement and feel free to give pointers but I've come a long way that for sure.Very nice, indeed! I like your Sharon Shannon machine gun triplets!
http://youtu.be/rF-RyRN4Dck
Got my first melodeon in spring 2013 after much helpful advice here. After some false starts and a lot of uncertainty, I've been making progress and playing every day for the last 6 weeks. This is me playing the Winster Processional Morris Dance with a left hand arrangement I've bodged together as a proof of concept. No idea if it's "authentic" but it's helped my gain some confidence.
http://youtu.be/24I4je4bNd0 (http://youtu.be/24I4je4bNd0)
Any thoughts, advice or constructive criticism VERY welcome, I'm very much working in the dark with only Mally's book and John Kirkpatrick's DVD to help me...
Got my first melodeon in spring 2013 after much helpful advice here. After some false starts and a lot of uncertainty, I've been making progress and playing every day for the last 6 weeks. This is me playing the Winster Processional Morris Dance with a left hand arrangement I've bodged together as a proof of concept. No idea if it's "authentic" but it's helped my gain some confidence.
http://youtu.be/24I4je4bNd0 (http://youtu.be/24I4je4bNd0)
Any thoughts, advice or constructive criticism VERY welcome, I'm very much working in the dark with only Mally's book and John Kirkpatrick's DVD to help me...
I like the Em as a variation but being able to play the B melody over the G / D chords is much prettier...not to mention a good row-crossing exercise.
Just to follow up, I've had a second go at this tune as per Anahata's suggestions:
http://youtu.be/zxJhvui8Sgw (http://youtu.be/zxJhvui8Sgw)
Seriously messed with my head at first but getting there now! Musically this is much nicer, I reckon.
I'm playing 1 year and a little bit right now, decided to record one of the first tunes I learned, back then it was way too hard for me but I persisted, now... there's room for improvement and feel free to give pointers but I've come a long way that for sure.
http://youtu.be/rF-RyRN4Dck
Having watched all the lovely tunes played on this thread by beginners,it was with great trepidation and after umpteen takes and fumblings, I managed to play one. I didn't think I would be so nervous. Hope I have not embarrassed myself too much. A few months ago, I wouldn't have left my comfort zone(bedroom)to play for anyone,let alone post one on here,but all the encouragement and help that members of this forum give to each other, changed my mind.
I would most welcome any tips or hints that will help me to improve.
http://youtu.be/ApwMubQptx4
I've done another tune, this time Winster Gallop (I do plan to work on tunes that don't have the word Winster in the title!)Very nicely done. For me, it's great to see your left hand position - this is something I continually struggle with and you are going to be well placed for the future. Don't be disheartened if feedback drops off after your first few postings. With your standard of playing, I suspect there will be many of us who can't think of much else to add (:) I think you are doing brilliantly. N
http://youtu.be/iTZHC4W_pYU (http://youtu.be/iTZHC4W_pYU)
Don't feel 100% confident about this yet but wanted to put it up to seek criticism / advice. Oh, and apologies for squeaky bass buttons and my phone going off at the end - oops.
Sorry Lester, could you clarify both points please?
When changing the direction of the bellows, do you mean I am rotating vertically, or horizontally (or both)? I haven't had any tuition on bellows control so I've been happily and obliviously heaving them about.
I thought I did play two As and two Bs... ??? You do mean "twice through the A music and then twice through the B music" right?
Thanks for taking the time to help :D :|glug
Thanks, Helena. I will make it to a Alton Steady Session one of these days...!
Ennstaler Polka ~ Chord VersionI suggest to avoid two-note chords on the pull with buttons 5 & 6 and 9 & 10 as these intervals sound dissonant. You could pull buttons 3 & 6 and 7 & 10 respectively.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umuvCWwtrSQ
Red River Valley PolkaI think the chordal accompaniment on the second long note doesn't sound right to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf1bo9fCbc4
(:)Red River Valley PolkaI think the chordal accompaniment on the second long note doesn't sound right to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf1bo9fCbc4
Happy Wanderer I really like your playing, it is so full of joy.
BTW, what kind of box is that?
I have recorded some more tunes! I have also been recording my tunes on the harmonica, but I won't put the links here, as this is a melodeon forum.Maybe you want to try some rhythmic accompaniment on the harmonica too, similar to what you do on the accordion with your left hand. (A small example, played by Mrs. Wache from Kumlau (https://youtu.be/EB9hio8nPhw?t=5m53s).)
That harmonica thing sounds rather difficult. I wonder how she did it?Search for "tongue blocking". You put your lips around three holes. With your tongue you block the two on the left and play only the melody through the right hole. Rhythmically you put your tongue back, so that air flows through all three, than put your tongue back.
After making a bit of progress last year my practising has been repeatedly put off by real life. I'm trying to get back into a regular playing schedule as I try and get my chops up to a point where I'm ready to play at a slow session. I also planned to put weekly videos up on YouTube but that didn't last long! Anyway, to try and get myself to get a move on, I've finally done a new upload - this is my attempt to play Speed The Plough (in D)Great recording all round! Really liked it. And the speed was really solid, start to finish.
https://youtu.be/wlyVCwKjKCs (https://youtu.be/wlyVCwKjKCs)
Any constructive criticism is very welcome - I need all the help I can get! Thanks.
... I try and get my chops up to a point where I'm ready to play at a slow session...I would say you are more than ready to participate in a steady session. I would highly recommend getting to a session as it will do wonders for your playing and confidence (from experience). Keep it up! Nigel
Silk Umbrella Polka (Židana Marela)That's really good, especially how you adapted the second part to the single row. Do you really need another box (:)
Accordion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM0ey_ATfOQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM0ey_ATfOQ)
I've been playing this for ages and I still don't think it's as good as it'll be if I keep at it, but I was worried that if I didn't put something down to show my progress, I'd just get stuck. As always, pointers or constructive criticism are very welcome indeed.
Bravo!
You have definitely got the right kind of box to play music like that, and the right box for you!
the Ennstaler Polka.
Thanks! ;Dthe Ennstaler Polka.
I really enjoyed that, and the music and the box go just right together, I want to hear more.
Bravo!Yes. (http://wuerziworld.de/Smilies/lol/lol22.gif)
You have definitely got the right kind of box to play music like that, and the right box for you!
Bravo!Yes. (http://wuerziworld.de/Smilies/lol/lol22.gif)
You have definitely got the right kind of box to play music like that, and the right box for you!
(Most often one starts on the F-row [middle row].)
I am not as familiar with the F-Row at the moment. I guess I should try to play songs on it more. (:)Well, it isn't a rule one has to adhere to strictly. But the F-row is the heart of the Club accordion. From F you can go up a fifth to C and down a fifth to Bb. If you start in C, you can't go up any more.
Thanks for the link! ;DI am not as familiar with the F-Row at the moment. I guess I should try to play songs on it more. (:)Well, it isn't a rule one has to adhere to strictly. But the F-row is the heart of the Club accordion. From F you can go up a fifth to C and down a fifth to Bb. If you start in C, you can't go up any more.
Maybe in the beginnig it could be interesting for you to watch someone playing simple arrangements on the Club accordion. You may want to take a look at the Youtube channel of Peter Heumos (https://www.youtube.com/user/heumos1/videos) from Hamburg (where I changed trains today).
I didn't know you could play the key of Bb on the Club box. I guess I should figure it out! :||:The Club accordion is made to play in three major scales + chromatic enrichment. Your Mundinger should be a 4th-button starter. Than the scale of Bb major should start on the 5th button of the F-row on pull. The three left hand chords, you need, are Bb on pull, Eb on push (same buttons as Bb chord) and F on push.
I decided to try and learn a tune in E, so I learned The Raggle-Taggle Gypsies from Guy Wyatt's old TOTM video (at https://youtu.be/FzQLLMS3Lj0 (https://youtu.be/FzQLLMS3Lj0)) Here's my attempt at it:
https://youtu.be/YCJwojcLbDw (https://youtu.be/YCJwojcLbDw)
Still getting my head around this unholy new key (and fingering, and bellows action) but nice to have made a start. Also trying to break out of sticking to oom-pah patterns on the LH. Criticism and pointers welcome.
Hi, Wanderer!
I'm not entirely shure, this is still the right thread for you. ;D
"Du liegst mir am Herzen" is a waltz and would go well as a tune for the actual "Theme of the Month"-thread. I am not happy with your LH chords at 0:18, 0:25 (and 0:47, 0:54). You play the dominant chord (in this case C maj), but I think the subdominant (Bb maj) would sound better. I will try to record an alternative version tomorrow.
So I was wondering, can the beginner showcase be any tune that takes our fancy or only one that has been in TOTM?
And i'm intrigued by the view in your photo (:)
Yes, welcome! And i'm intrigued by the view in your photo (:)
it's been quite a step outside a comfort zone for me to switch from a stringed instrument to playing keyboard PLUS basses PLUS working bellows properly. Trying to work on some independence there but it's still a long way...
Any particular exercises you'd recommend?
Thank you both for the encouragement. I will try again. Now I have to work out how to post a video clip! :|||:
Okay. I have taken your advice and posted a video on YouTube - complete with a few fumbles. It is marked as unlisted because would be embarrassed to have it on public view. The tune is La Valse des Landes. Played through two times, the first time as I learned it and the second time with an attempt to change the rythme a bit. Played on a Saltarelle Elphique 19+2 accordéon diatonique in G/C. I have been learning for a year and very much welcome comments and tips to improve my playing. I have an excellent teacher, called Anne Rivaud. My French is not bad, but some of the nuances get a wee bit lost in translation!Great stuff! For one year in that's well ahead. No advice to offer. Your timing is very good indeed and a good indicator for the future...smooth use of cross rowing without rushing of the sequences...nice contrasts of smooth and shortened notes and a good feel for the tune. Plus the flow of the video was ok and the 'fumbles' in my view didn't actually detract.
Here is the link: https://youtu.be/wdwDgkfL4-E
Really enjoying the Forum, have lots of questions for future posts :|||:
Greetings from Berkeley, California!I really enjoyed your playing. A great start and I am sure we'll see you go from strength to strength!
I had been playing anglo concertina for my local morris side for about half a year when I decided I needed something with louder bass notes to make things more danceable in the rare and nerve-wracking event of being the only musician at a gig. So at the end of May this year I got a lightly-used Pokerwork from someone on this very forum (thanks!) and have been noodling around on it since.
I've just posted two non-morris tunes I've been working on:I realize my tempo is all over the place, which I blame partially on playing in front of the camera, and partially on being momentarily free from the shackles of morris tempos ;D
- Lord of the Dance (https://youtu.be/SJBFqdzzOik), with harmony as close as I could get to what I remember from church
- The Halsway Schottische (https://youtu.be/Qyk3In7NZ0E), by Nigel Eaton, as arranged by Mcgrooger (whom I've never met, but whose recordings I listen to constantly)
Feedback welcome.
Luke
Tempo seemed solid to me. The Scottische is very danceable. You might try playing Lord of the Dance slower if you want more of a hymn like feel to it, but that's a personal preference, not a criticism.Thanks Theo! Next step is singing along.
Well played and welcome to the forum. You may soon find that you have more melodeons than chickens.You know, I never would have guessed, but chickens apparently find melodeon music quite agreeable:
I really enjoyed your playing. A great start and I am sure we'll see you go from strength to strength!Many thanks Mike! Looking forward to learning some great tunes-of-the-month.
Mike
I have the good fortune to have met some very generous and encouraging musicians. It is sure that I made lots of mistakes, but sitting between two excellent accordéonistes, my bum notes were well hidden.
As a left-hander, it took me a long time to reduce my bass domination. Was very clumsy with the right hand to start with, so resting the left hand seems to allow my right to function better.
Slightly off topic, but in my opinion, us left handers, with the melodeon the right way round, are at an advantage. As far as I'm concerned bellows control is the more important that getting all the notes right, and that's controlled with the left hand.That's really interesting - I hadn't thought about that before. I am mostly left-handed, particularly in hand-writing, but I play the melodeon the conventional way round and bellows control has just about always come naturally to me.
After a sudden rush of blood to the head I've decided to post my first video. It's The Sussex Cotillion, a tune I've just learnt and I'm planning to pair it with Princess Royal. Typically, I played it perfectly beforehand but as soon as I started recording, I fumbled in the middle. I also rushed a bit in places.
https://youtu.be/BlklrVXj0Dg (https://youtu.be/BlklrVXj0Dg)
Hope you like it.
Thanks Lester. Yes - I was really nervous and definitely rushed it. I play for a morris side and that usually keeps my tempo steady and under control. I think the absence of bells put me off!
Alright, I'm being brave and most my first video. :) Here is a quick go at Bluemont Waltz, appreciate your feedback.
Alright, I'm being brave and most my first video. :) Here is a quick go at Bluemont Waltz, appreciate your feedback.
Very nicely done, bravo. (:)
A lovely tune but not one to accompany with two basses. I use D, A, E, F#m and Bm chords for it... You could get one of M. Sagné's 12-bass left-hand ends to make it easier though.
Nicely played! I quite like the bits of harmony in there. Maybe more of that would help offset the lack of bass chords if you feel it needs it.
https://youtu.be/BlklrVXj0Dg (https://youtu.be/BlklrVXj0Dg)I think it is excellent playing. Be nice to see your hands, though!
Hope you like it.
Alright, I'm being brave and most my first video. :) Here is a quick go at Bluemont Waltz, appreciate your feedback.Very listenable indeed. Articulate. Nice sounding box too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTyHlSGImAg
The Sussex Cotillion
Well done....next tune??? !!!Thanks!
If you notice more things I'm doing wrong, please share :)It's not something you are doing wrong, but more a matter of different preferences. If you change the note only by reversing the bellows direction, I would prefer to lift the melody button shortly between the two notes. But you are, of course, free to play, what you pleases the most.
OK, here's my first attempt at a video. I give you Uncle Bernard's Polka - https://youtu.be/ZfPDBLGZZqk
I learned the tune out of Mally's absolute beginners book. A few of the row crossings seemed musically unnecessary to me but I learned the fingering as shown. Presumably they are there to provide practice opportunities in crossing to the D row.
What software are folks using to record their TotM videos?Window$ Live Movie Maker. Came with my computer. Does the job.
Window$ Live Movie Maker. Came with my computer. Does the job.
I've seen a lot of people using that, but I don't think it is available for Windows 10.The software is now part of the "Windows Essentials" pack, which you can download (free of cost) and install (even only selected parts like the Movie Maker) under Windows 10. (But maybe some W10 user here may know about a better alternative.)
I looked for it but: "As of January 10, 2017, Windows Essentials 2012 is no longer supported on Windows 10, and is unavailable for download."I've seen a lot of people using that, but I don't think it is available for Windows 10.The software is now part of the "Windows Essentials" pack, which you can download (free of cost) and install (even only selected parts like the Movie Maker) under Windows 10. (But maybe some W10 user here may know about a better alternative.)
I looked for it but: "As of January 10, 2017, Windows Essentials 2012 is no longer supported on Windows 10, and is unavailable for download."Oh, sorry! Clearly, I wasn't up to date. :|bl
... I've been playing for almost six months so I'm not sure I'm exactly a beginner anymore, but I didn't really know where else to post this. (Certainly it's not worth it's own thread.)
I was learning the Bampton version of Bonny Green Garters from Mally's book and since May Day is fast approaching, I thought I would learn the Headington version as well and try to get it up to performance standard. I've been playing for almost six months so I'm not sure I'm exactly a beginner anymore, but I didn't really know where else to post this. (Certainly it's not worth it's own thread.)
To follow up on the comments above regarding video editing, I switched to using Kdenlive for this one and it worked quite well.
Bonny Green Garters, constructive critique welcome (I know George will be along to tell me not to waggle the bass end again ;D ):
https://youtu.be/psMPbagNqQA
[/I was learning the Bampton version of Bonny Green Garters from Mally's book and since May Day is fast approaching, I thought I would learn the Headington versioquote]
I think this is fab for the amount of time you have been playing, good dancing speed and lift to go with it. :)
Shame I can never remember how to use the quote....apologies
I thought your playing was fab, 6 months is a very short time to be playing, and with controlled speed and lift, very danceable I thought.
I won't tell you how many takes there were before the one I finally kept (which still has a few flubs that annoy me)!If you're anything like me, it may be in the dozens, don't worry about that.
Hi Ribs, not bad atall after only 3 months playing the box. By way of constructive suggestions I would sugest that:
3. Playing a tune slowly or even very slowly enables details such as dynamics and phrasing ( leaving gaps between notes like punctuation in the written word) to be sorted
As a box player and former Head of English can I congratulate George on a top notch definition which has never occurred to me before :|glug :|glug
george
Thanks for the advice, guys. I absolutely see what you mean about playing too fast. This was one of the first tunes I managed to work out, long before I had any real bellows control. As such, I learned it using extremely long pulls and pushes, so not only am I fighting to conserve air, I also have very little opportunity to add any kind of "flavor" to the song. That, coupled with the fact that I was nervous and frustrated by how many takes I had previously done, I think I was trying to hurry through as fast as I could lol. I'll see about changing it up a bit, and I'll post a new version to see if I'm doing any better.
And never under estimate the value of using a good old metronome. Not only will it show you how much more time you have within the tune, but playing along with another device helps you develop the ability to play in ensemble with others...sort of a faux partner, as it were.
Any constructive feedback welcome! And advice as well - for instance, I find it really hard to reach the F bass when the bellows are further out. Should I be putting my left hand in a different position? Or is it just a matter of practice and developing muscles I never knew I had?!First of all, well done! To me it seems you've been practicing quite hard these past three months.
Now to pick a new tune to learn from the TOTM list (:)While that is very fun, I would advise to not forget your current tunes. I've messed this up and I didn't work hard enough on some of my earlier tunes, so now I cannot play them. Fortunately, since then I've been more focused.
First tune - a French valse of unknown name and provenance
I've been playing my G/C box for just over three months now and have been lucky enough to find a local G/C melodeon teacher, who has helped me learn roughly a tune a month :|||: I can now play two tunes with enough confidence to record them and share them here (:) They would both fit under the "tunes you've just learned" category - and the snippet from Amelie under "tunes you love".Well played, and great progress so far. I love Amelie - film and music, so this is a great treat for me. There is a flawed but utterly charming youtube version of a girl playing this at a family get-together meal. Most are chatting away ignoring her, but there is something so delightful about it. Hope you don't mind that I've linked it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-nKJqFCRT4).
Good to see this thread kept alive. Nothing wrong with the playing either.
This is "Valse à Ollu" from a tab by Bernard Loffet which playandteach sent me, which is the third tune I've learned now and the one I'm most enjoying playing.Good stuff. One of the things that got me bothered when I was learning those tunes was how quickly they were over. You could try playing it an octave lower, which will give you something to think about on bellows changes as the buttons won't be in the same place as the octave higher. Also playing chord patterns, as suggested here:
https://youtu.be/TRObgoQZ-9M
Any advice or comments welcome of course!
You could try playing it an octave lower, which will give you something to think about on bellows changesMinor melodies usually don't go well in the lower octave (because you have not many notes left below the tonic).
I had had my first melodeon for about four weeks in the video (based on receipt date and time stamp on the video). I was using the Pignol-Milleret tutors, and practicing compulsively, many hours a day. Those books get you off an running. They aren't easy, but I am happy I started with them for the early cross-row work.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rync732ouyik4mp/Branle%20-%201.mov?dl=0
***
I've been playing two and a half years now and the melodeon was the hardest instrument I've ever tried to play, but I'm so glad I stuck with it! I still have the bad habit of stopping and re-doing mid tune. I have reduced the amount of wiggling I do when I play! :)
I'm still working through the second and third books of that series, and have had some skype lessons with Paul Young. Learning this has been challenging and a thrill. I am proud of my progress, I hope the other beginners out there are proud, too!
and have had some skype lessons with Paul Young. Learning this has been challenging and a thrill.
Beginners Showcase - What Shall We Do with the Drunken SailorThat's really good work. I'll try to find some time to dig out some tunes. Sorry, been a bit busy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYWY02Y9Wh8
Now I know this isn't a tune of the month, but I'm excited to finally be able to play a song with both bass and treble parts. I've been playing for about a month now.
I will be sure to choose a TOTM for my next song to learn.
Beginners Showcase - What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYWY02Y9Wh8
Loffet's site for GC tunes (http://diato.org/tablat.htm#tab4)
This site was created by the late Bernard Loffet, who was a maker and player known to many (not me unfortunately).
He has acres of tunes and one section is good proper tunes which he has identified as good for beginners.
I'd recommend:
Valse Triste
Valse a Ollu
En Avant Blond
Danse de l'Ours
Only because those are the ones I picked when I started. You may hate minor key waltzes which would rule out a few of those.
Best of luck, great start.
Beginners Showcase - What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYWY02Y9Wh8
... I tend to get a cerebral meltdown when sat in front of a video camera for some bizarre reason..... :-[
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm8RN9waHcQ
Still have to think of every note and there is no flow to the tune, more hunt and peck, but I guess that more time will bring improvement.
I have a general question--why are there so many tunes people are recording that are in minor keys? Is it just personal preference or is there simply a plethora of music in minor keys? I know that a minor key is not necessarily sad, but so many of the tunes I'm hearing that are posted on you tube by folks here are downright mournful, even moaning in tone.One of the drivers for minor key tunes in England is the upsurge in border morris which uses a plethora of such tunes.
Dennis Steckley
"downright mournful, even moaning in tone."
Perhaps that's why? Not every melodeon player is "into" Morris etc., and some of us actually like mournful (or even moaning) tunes.
I have a general question--why are there so many tunes people are recording that are in minor keys? Is it just personal preference or is there simply a plethora of music in minor keys? I know that a minor key is not necessarily sad, but so many of the tunes I'm hearing that are posted on you tube by folks here are downright mournful, even moaning in tone.
Dennis Steckley
(...) I know that a minor key is not necessarily sad, but so many of the tunes (...) I'm hearing that are posted on you tube by folks here are downright mournful, even moaning in tone.
I have a general question--why are there so many tunes people are recording that are in minor keys? Is it just personal preference or is there simply a plethora of music in minor keys? I know that a minor key is not necessarily sad, but so many of the tunes I'm hearing that are posted on you tube by folks here are downright mournful, even moaning in tone.Perhaps one might consider a theme of the month, then - "cheerful tunes in a minor key"? Or maybe keep it for next February? >:E >:E
Dennis Steckley
This is my third week with the AD box. I've been working out a few melodies on my own, just playing around with it, but I've been trying to focus on Winster Gallop. Though I can play the B section, it is not quite so far along as the A section. My goal is to competently play through the whole of the song several times through by the end of next week, becoming more fluid along the way.That sounds and looks pretty good to me - Steady pace and your use of the basses as beat keepers is way ahead of mine. I wouldn't worry too much about smoothness because (unless there are lyrics I have never heard of) Winster Gallop is an English dance tune and a regular but punchy rythm is mandated by the English rant step.
Watching and hearing how I am getting along, I would appreciate any advice, especially when it comes to form.
Thank you all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y08F3aZrqY
Watching and hearing how I am getting along, I would appreciate any advice, especially when it comes to form.
Watching and hearing how I am getting along, I would appreciate any advice, especially when it comes to form.
Pretend those buttons are red hot and you don't want to touch them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzEU1TEpIRU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzEU1TEpIRU) Im an accoridon player and I have been learning melodeon for about a couple of weeks now, I also recorded the tune of the month, Im going to upload it today and send it here also :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzEU1TEpIRU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzEU1TEpIRU) Im an accoridon player and I have been learning melodeon for about a couple of weeks now, I also recorded the tune of the month, Im going to upload it today and send it here also :D
Good job! One thing you could try out would be to give some attention to "closing off" the longer notes like dotted quarters, half notes and such with an almost percussive release of the button, enough to hear/feel the pallet slap closed. I'm channeling George G, I think, in suggesting the value of "space BETWEEN the notes for definition.
You can combine the above with a slight increase in bellows pressure/draw into the closing for a bit of dynamic pulse.
Keep up the good work. Have fun
Hi Andy, the low B you are playing needs tuning to reduce the tremolo between the two reeds, you need someone to take a look at it. There may be a cracked reed in there that needs replacing or a bit of tuning may sort it.
There may be someone in your vicinity who can take a quick look at it for you and give you a bit of advice, roughly where in the world are you?
Good start! - First post and it's Tune of the Month. You're braver (OK better) than I am (:).
Eek... first post! I know it's wheezy, but I need to get it over with! TOTM. :Ph
https://youtu.be/j7gjRM62BsM
Question: see end of the video: lowest button on the inner right hand row (B below D) sounds flat and the note wavers around. I cannot play that note by itself, it sounds awful, it's better if "diluted" with other notes. Is that normal?
Hello. This is a great site with lots of information.
I have inherited a beautiful Melodeon and am keen to learn to play this interesting instrument. But, I am struggling with it. Firstly I am pretty sure the instrument is a Hohner HA114 (?) single row button, 4 stop G major. The instrument is the middle one on page 3 of Mallinson "The D/G Melodeon Absolute Beginner" book. I have been trying to teach myself to play using this book, but have not found this book very useful as it is written for D/G rather than G instruments. Is there a primer available specifically for my instrument? Thanks. Lindsay
Hello. This is a great site with lots of information.
I have inherited a beautiful Melodeon and am keen to learn to play this interesting instrument. But, I am struggling with it.
Winter Gallop / Donkey Riding
Well here it is warts and all. I know I fluff a couple of bits but it's an honest reflection of where I am up to after 2 and a bit weeks.
I got this box last Wed and am still trying to find a good way to hold it so any suggestions welcome...
https://youtu.be/wI60K32N7qg
Winter Gallop / Donkey Riding
Well here it is warts and all. I know I fluff a couple of bits but it's an honest reflection of where I am up to after 2 and a bit weeks.
I got this box last Wed and am still trying to find a good way to hold it so any suggestions welcome...
https://youtu.be/wI60K32N7qg
that particular tune is not Winster (or Winter) Gallop! It is the 'Dorset Four-hand Reel'.
Winter Gallop / Donkey Riding
Well here it is warts and all. I know I fluff a couple of bits but it's an honest reflection of where I am up to after 2 and a bit weeks.
I got this box last Wed and am still trying to find a good way to hold it so any suggestions welcome...
https://youtu.be/wI60K32N7qg
Great stuff! That's really good for just two weeks playing and you are well on your way. (:)
Some comments:
1. Your RH treble end (I know your video is reversed) is a bit wobbly and unstable, and your RH arm looks rather bent and uncomfortable. You are leaning sideways into your forearm to try to compensate, and I think that will cause you muscular-skeletal problems in the long run. I see you have the shoulder strap looped over your upper arm. This works for some people (Lester comes to mind) but I don't think it is quite right for you, at least at the moment. I would recommend that you loop it over your right shoulder.
2. With your melodeon resting on your left knee/thigh, it is bouncing up and down as you tap your feet. This is contributing to the instablility. Try this: cross your right leg over your left leg and jamb the box into the angle made between your two legs. This should help hold it steady as you work the bellows with your left hand. You will probably need to adjust the shoulder strap so that the bottom edge of the box just rests on your thigh when you are sitting upright (don't slouch!)
3. The name of the first tune:
You have it on your video as 'Winter Gallop'. I'm not sure whether that is a mis-spelling of the well-known tune 'Winster Gallop', but even if it is, that particular tune is not Winster (or Winter) Gallop! It is the 'Dorset Four-hand Reel'.
Otherwise, great! Keep it up!
Far better than I was expecting. Especially after hearing your worries and questiining.
You have all the basics nailed.
Winter Gallop / Donkey Riding
Well here it is warts and all. I know I fluff a couple of bits but it's an honest reflection of where I am up to after 2 and a bit weeks.
I got this box last Wed and am still trying to find a good way to hold it so any suggestions welcome...
https://youtu.be/wI60K32N7qg
That's a flying start! I suspect you already play other instruments (haven't studied your posting history to be sure about that), because that's pretty self-assured playing, and especially your rhythm is solid.
I'm hesitant to comment on how you hold the instrument, but putting the strap over your shoulder is more conventional than round your arm as you have done in that video. I expect you know that, and maybe you need a longer strap if you also want to balance the box on your left knee.
...I find the box leaves my knee altogether when I loop the strap over my shoulder and wobbles even more and the thing is as long as it goes....
...I find the box leaves my knee altogether when I loop the strap over my shoulder and wobbles even more and the thing is as long as it goes....
A further observation about your RH position. There are two schools of thought about what to do with your right thumb:
(i) hold the back of the keyboard as you are doing, sometimes known as the 'morris grip of death', maybe due to its possible prevalence among some morris musicians when standing up to play outdoors and the shoulder strap(s) slip off during performance. :o
(ii) brace the thumb against the edge of the keyboard. This also allows for a better reach along the entire length of the keyboard as needed (although some will say that is possible with the thumb behind the back of the keyboard)
Either of these approaches is valid, but if using (i) as in your video, you need to try to prevent your right wrist flexing so the back of your hand bends up. It is harder to control the movement of the instrument like this. If you brace your thumb against the edge of the keyboard as in (ii), you will find that the axis of your hand is in line with your wrist and forearm, leading to a much more stable playing position.
If you look at Anahata's recent video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7XyZSGuC68), you can see:
(a) his right hand, wrist, and forearm are all more or less in a line;
(b) the thumb is braced on the edge of the keyboard and he is able to use the full length of the keyboard (as mostly needed for this particular tune)
(c) the box is very stable and not wobbling around, thanks to the combination of a good shoulder strap length and position, and the box being jambed against the inside of his right thigh.
Overall, I think Anahata's video demonstrates pretty much the perfect sitting down playing position. (:)
Yes...I heard about the ‘death’ grip....quite a bad habit unless playing loud.Try telling this guy
I also like wedging the box against my leg although I found my other leg tended to get in the way of the bellows. I was playing whilst sat in the settee which is not the best as it is low. Perhaps a better seat would help?I don't think I'd be able to play at all in a settee.
Yes...I heard about the ‘death’ grip....quite a bad habit unless playing loud.Try telling this guy
(https://mainlynorfolk.info/john.kirkpatrick/images/largerec/howtoplaytheenglishmelodeon_mcrv9991.jpg)
I don't cross my legs at all, or use any other props, and whether sitting and standing my playing position remains the same.
Yes...I heard about the ‘death’ grip....quite a bad habit unless playing loud.Try telling this guy
(https://mainlynorfolk.info/john.kirkpatrick/images/largerec/howtoplaytheenglishmelodeon_mcrv9991.jpg)
Well as a newbie I’m happy to accept that I really don’t know much😉😊👍!
Yes...I heard about the ‘death’ grip....quite a bad habit unless playing loud.
Using a posture where the thumb rests along the edge of the keyboard not only gives more freedom of movement, but keeps your arm, wrist and fingers in a much straighter position so lessening the risk of tendon damage.
Q
I think JK, Martin and several of my friends of a similar age play that way.
Don't forget, when I first picked up a melodeon in ~ 1978 I put it down again as I had no idea what to do. You had to work things out yourself.
No tutors, no workshops, no YouTube or Melnet. Therefore no one to say 'try the thumb along the keyboard to let you hand move more freely across the keyboard'.
Or more likely, people did think about it but communication was so much more basic then, so good ideas couldn't be shared so easily.
Using a posture where the thumb rests along the edge of the keyboard not only gives more freedom of movement, but keeps your arm, wrist and fingers in a much straighter position so lessening the risk of tendon damage.
If you're starting out now, why not use the collective thinking on how to improve your playing that has gone on since when they started playing?
Just a thought....
Q
Greg: fair enough. I just hope your thumb improves, so yes do whatever it takes. Good luck matey....
Tongle : try everything people say!
As said, many different ideas and thoughts.
Try the lot. Some will immediately feel odd, and maybe, hopefully, one or two will feel better and lead you onto taking them further. Just experiment.
You've had a lot of advice so hopefully you can weigh up the pro's and con's of each way.
I am not convinced that the so called Grip Of Death is less likely to lead to tendon death than the thumb on the edge of the keyboard. I've been trying to switch to the Grip Of Death since getting problems with the tendon of my thumb. Maybe different tendons are at risk?
As a clarinet and piano player (you don't say which instruments you play) I find that thumb on the edge is a good translation of my natural hand shape on those two instruments. In fact the clarinet right hand is almost as if you take away the clarinet and stick a melodeon in there with very little change to the shape.
Steve says 'brace' the thumb, but I hardly use any pressure - indeed often taking my thumb off the edge to use on the buttons. I'm sure Steve doesn't use significant pressure either.
My new shoulder straps arrived today...so I now have two nice Italian leather tan coloured ones!
So now the question is how to wear it. I guess it’s a matter or personal comfort as to how tight the straps are. It certainly feels easier somehow with two straps though the box is still moving a bit.
I’ll have a look on YT to see how others wear a box.
My new shoulder straps arrived today...so I now have two nice Italian leather tan coloured ones!
So now the question is how to wear it. I guess it’s a matter or personal comfort as to how tight the straps are. It certainly feels easier somehow with two straps though the box is still moving a bit.
I’ll have a look on YT to see how others wear a box.
Look carefully at your two straps. Often in a pair of straps, they are slightly different overall lengths. Normally, the shorter strap is designed to go over your left shoulder.
Look carefully at your two straps. Often in a pair of straps, they are slightly different overall lengths. Normally, the shorter strap is designed to go over your left shoulder.Yes I noticed that except I thought the shorter one was for the right shoulder as the keyboard is meant to be higher than the bellows or something?
Look carefully at your two straps. Often in a pair of straps, they are slightly different overall lengths. Normally, the shorter strap is designed to go over your left shoulder.Yes I noticed that except I thought the shorter one was for the right shoulder as the keyboard is meant to be higher than the bellows or something?
No - the shorter strap is meant for the left, supposedly to help prevent it slipping off your shoulder. However, as mentioned elsewhere, there are no rules, so feel free to experiment to discover what suits you best.
I’ll try swapping them over and see what happens. Seems a bit of a mute point to make them different sizes anyway when they are fully adjustable with a buckle?
Thanks....as you say there’s no rules. I’ll try swapping them over and see what happens. Seems a bit of a mute point to make them different sizes anyway when they are fully adjustable with a buckle?
That sounds like me. I’m 5’11” but quite short in the leg department. Even on the longest setting the straps don’t seem long enough for the box to fit comfortably on my knee without having to hunch over.
Thanks....as you say there’s no rules. I’ll try swapping them over and see what happens. Seems a bit of a mute point to make them different sizes anyway when they are fully adjustable with a buckle?
fwiw, I am not particularly tall, or particularly stout, but I am rather long in the body and short in the leg. I tend to have my shoulder straps on the last hole.
Now you come to mention it Greg, so am I similarly built and yes, tend to be on the last hole too.
As I type..... Oh Tongle is as well!!!
I think you can buy extender straps if necessary, or punch another hole if there's room!
Now you come to mention it Greg, so am I similarly built and yes, tend to be on the last hole too.
As I type..... Oh Tongle is as well!!!
I think you can buy extender straps if necessary, or punch another hole if there's room!
Oh wow....maybe it’s genetic? Perhaps ALL box players are made this way?
Let’s collect everyones inside leg measurements and make a graph!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Slightly more to the point ;D
It can be useful at this (or any) stage of learning to play to play standing, as well as seated. Especially with the more compact and lighter boxes. Worth making sure you practice both. It can be a bit tricky to learn later.
I'm 6'2", 34" inside leg, and have my straps fully extended, the shorter one over my left shoulder. The outcome is that my right arm is parallel to the ground, my wrist is to the centre of the keyboard which is over my sternum, and my thumb just touching the groove. I can even dance with it, which is strange because I couldn't dance without it before.. :D
Hi,
I put this here because I’m still really a beginner and need/appreciate any feedback. Note now the use of two straps!
https://youtu.be/V5rnKglg-64
Cheers,
Tony
Hi,
I put this here because I’m still really a beginner and need/appreciate any feedback. Note now the use of two straps!
https://youtu.be/V5rnKglg-64
Cheers,
Tony
Bravo - especially for taking on a carol that has a basic waltz feel but has bits in 2/2 (pardon my lack of musical expertise). After 4 years I’m still nervous about 3/4 tunes! You’re all over the basses and chords and crossing the rows. Judging by your room you come from a very strong musical background and you strike me as someone who can go as far as you want to with the box.
Despite playing since about 2009 I'm classing myself as a beginner since I had a leave of absence (university and not enough hours in the day with full-time work) for the last 6 years or so. When I had more time for playing I was criminally uninterested in technique and never really learnt any ornamentation (I mainly played for rapper or busked, so I only had to be good enough to impress the punters and had very little practice playing at slower speeds).
This is my first attempt at a slower tune learnt last week - 'Y Fenyw Fwynn' or 'Roslin Castle'. I'm fairly sure I'm playing it wrong, so if there's any way of playing it better on a standard D/G two row please let me know!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXRCj4I07uE
Cheers,
Will
This is my first attempt at a slower tune learnt last week - 'Y Fenyw Fwynn' or 'Roslin Castle'. I'm fairly sure I'm playing it wrong, so if there's any way of playing it better on a standard D/G two row please let me know!
Will
Hi Will, I also enjoyed your playing. It was thoughtful and deliberate at the same time, so well done. There are lots of different ways to hold and play the instrument, but I'd suggest a look at your right hand. From what I can see you have the pad of your right hand thumb along the edge of the box. Frequently players play with the thumb lightly on the edge (towards the tip of the thumb) or the thumb underneath the fingerboard like holding a beer mat. But committing your thumb along its edge like that may not be helping you.
I'll look again, but it might be cramping your hand a bit. BUT we can all fix or ignore technique, the musicianship is not always so easy - but it looks like you're on the right tracks there.
I'm fairly sure I'm playing it wrongI guess possibly, maybe yes, you are playing it 'wrong'? I'm... not sure if that's advice, though.
Hello!Welcome
<snip>
Jack
Having fancied learning a squeezebox style instrument for years but without any experience of them, with little else to do back in June I bit the bullet and purchased a Pokerwork from these very pages.
Interesting glove.
Are you playing basses yet?
... I broke my elbow (radius and ulna) in an otherwise pretty minor bike crash and have had neurological complications in that arm since. ..
Alternatively, I could say that I have yet to tape off the thirds and thus cannot accompany minor tunes yet. ::)
Hey…..just wanted to say I played in public for the first time last night. Our local ‘slow’ session resumed and I took the plunge when it was my turn to lead.Congratulations! I haven't summoned the courage or found the venue yet. I do remember playing publicly on my my English Concertina for the first time, and it was very frustrating to try to keep up. So definitely congrats on making the most of it! I can't wait until I find people to play with, and I will enjoy your reports of future sessions!
Funny how I can nail these no problem at home but even playing with very supportive and friendly people my playing went wonky to say the least …..although I did keep going.
Funny how I can nail these no problem at home but even playing with very supportive and friendly people my playing went wonky to say the least …..although I did keep going.
Hello! Please forgive me as I am very new to this. I would like to purchase a D/G melodeon to play Morris and folk. I understand that I need fairly dry tuning for this. I am a bit confused by all of the different tuning nomenclature. This site has a great discussion about this, but I need a range of settings so I know what I’m buying. For example, is a Saltarelle Bouebe 2/4 MM good? If someone could give me a list of tunings it would help!
Hello, newby to the forum here and my offering of ToTM ,which will also be on ToTm ,I'm just using this to practise posting ::)
My box is a Castagnari single row in C . I bought this from Theo Gibb's Box Place a few years ago and have dibbled and dabbled with it ever since.
I am a musical vagabond and will play anything that grabs me in the moment so I tend to go off piste at play arounds and annoy some people. Imay do that,but I don't mean to. Just give me a virtual elbow and a swift oi if I get out of line :o. Looking forward to actually learning something proper about this box. But I do rather love it.
https://youtu.be/i79uhdT5c2U (https://youtu.be/i79uhdT5c2U)
I've been really enjoying learning for about 6 months > this is my first crack at contributing and I'm not game to put it in Theme of the Month thread (June 2022: Alphabet Soup - M).Well played and one of my fave tunes.
Mudgee Waltz (https://youtu.be/aPAY1aJIrnc)
I think this is about the fourth song I have both hands sorted on... Lots! of room for improvement incl. timing, but was keen to get something up and it's the end of the month (:) .
Also, guessing this video is take #43 /s - I seem to be able to play it a lot more smoothly and comfortably (and sometimes more tunefully?) when there's no camera ??? . oh well, many letters left!
Also, guessing this video is take #43 /s - I seem to be able to play it a lot more smoothly and comfortably (and sometimes more tunefully?) when there's no camera ???. oh well, many letters left!
Also, guessing this video is take #43 /s - I seem to be able to play it a lot more smoothly and comfortably (and sometimes more tunefully?) when there's no camera ??? . oh well, many letters left!As a veteran of ~600 videos unfortunately it doesn't get much easier, I still take ~5/10 takes until my desired quality declines to meet my current capability (:)
Well played and one of my fave tunes.Thanks! One of your recordings was where I first heard it and inspired me to give it a go. (:). (I think Australian tunes ThOTM?)
ps nice box as well
That’s great....you should be really pleased with that!Thanks very much arty.
As a veteran of ~600 videos unfortunately it doesn't get much easier, I still take ~5/10 takes until my desired quality declines to meet my current capability (:)(:) I hugely appreciate your videos and ABC, thanks Lester.
I've been really enjoying learning for about 6 months > this is my first crack at contributing and I'm not game to put it in Theme of the Month thread (June 2022: Alphabet Soup - M).
Mudgee Waltz (https://youtu.be/aPAY1aJIrnc)