Live Old-Time Fiddle Q&A and chat!

[@ManWithAName425]

After I conquered my big clawhammer goals I took up fiddle and was recommended to a well-known Appalachian fiddler for a teacher. He was extremely analytical and everything was about precise bowing patterns. Looking back that is why I quit fiddle, because I personally felt like I was doing analytics and math and not music. I'm sorry I missed this Q&A live because your thoughts on bowing patterns give me permission to change my narrative from "Boy I was excellent at banjo but I sure stunk at fiddle" to "I just never found the right fiddle mentor", which seems healthier and more accurate. Please do more of these interactive sessions

[@stevenlittle5954]

I know it's a year old, but thank you very much for a great informative video! Down to earth and reassuring advice from a charming and radiant host! I'm a new fan! Always great to be reminded that not all Americans are crazy and shouty!! Thanks! X

[@RaynaGellert]

Awww! Wow, thank you. 🙏🥰

[@stevenlittle5954]

You're welcome! Seems like you've had a hiatus from the 'tube.... So great to see a new video today! Thank you, again!

[@zachb8012]

Dan Gellert is his own universe of music, ain't he? I would be honored if my child grew into adulthood and became an inspired and talented musician like Rayna. Even if music is an incredibly difficult way to pay the bills. >< Music is god's work to me and I am so grateful for those who walk the path. Each musician has a different take on the same old tunes, and that's what makes it so beautiful. Rayna can make a dead simple tune like Liza Jane her own, different than Dan Gellert's, and independent from Dwight Dillard's, rest in peace. Old-time is like a shared language but everyone speaks with an accent all of their own, beautiful and unique.

[@tammymarcum]

I love this!!

[@musicofcorey]

Thanks for this!!

[@RaynaGellert]

Heck yeah - glad you found something useful in there!

[@benjaminwetherbee]

Wow! I've officially been sucked into the potatoes name conspiracy theory rabbit hole!

[@burrelsk]

Sorry to be late to the party. Great discussion on bows. It always feels tricky because cost might not be what makes the bow feel/ sound good. Have you ever heard of the concept that a certain bow will resonate with a particular fiddle? Kind of a pairing thing where the feel/ sound of the fiddle will depend on the “frequency” of the individual bow. The bow may sound great on one fiddle but not so much on another because they resonate differently. I’d never heard of that until recently. Is that a thing?

[@JohnBean64]

When are the very short notes played "back and forth" (ududud) versus little circles?

[@RaynaGellert]

Well, the little circles are made of ups & downs, so… 🧐 It’s up to you to decide!

[@amandapfeffer2]

Hey Rayna! Love your fiddleling. I'm so inspired with the Old Time music. Is there anywhere you can go as a student to learn this genre better? Camps, schools, unies?

[@RaynaGellert]

Oh my goodness, so many ways to learn! If you're looking to have an intensive week long experience with teachers/classes, there are lots of very fun and inspiring music camps (like the Swannanoa Gathering Old-Time Week, Ashokan Southern Week, the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, etc) but I'd also recommend attending fiddler's conventions (like the Mount Airy Fiddler's Convention and the Appalachian Stringband Music Festival)... and there are a lot of online resources, too! But it really all comes down to just listening to tons and tons of music and finding your way in. Good luck! :)

[@amandapfeffer2]

Wow, thanks for answaring! I’ll check it out. But how and where would you recomend to start online from home? I’m rooted in Denmark and fiddle Scandinavian folk music usually😊