The beginning of a long and exciting journey!

I have been playing various musical instruments throughout my life and I would have to say that flute overall was the most challenging to really excel with.  With that said I had no idea what I was getting into when my Grandfathers violin happened to be passed down to me one day.  The joy on my face could probably be best described as Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" when he got his Red Ryder BB gun...  I couldn't wait to get it ready to play, even though it had strings and was technically 'playable', there was a different sound to it than what I know a violin should sound like.  I took it in to my local music store to be told that it was missing the sound peg inside and the strings were trash as well as completely shot hair on the bow.  I dished out the cash to have it fixed up with a new bridge, sound peg, strings and bow hair to then rush home and try my hand out at the infamous task of basic fiddle. 

I was dead set at first on learning nothing but 'bluegrass and Irish jigs' but after a few months of not having much time to practice I set it aside to collect more dust.  After watching the movie "The Red Violin" and just hearing the music in it I was inspired once again, but this time to keep an open mind to all of the different styles especially seeing the 'hand me down' charm that I was given which has it's own legacy within the family.  

I am now on Day 10 of an incredible journey through the Violin basics, have picked up probably some horrible habits due to not having the 'extra' to spend on a private instructor but none the less am having a blast with the whole experience.  I have gotten a 1 octave and 2 octave scale nailed down within 3 days playing them over until I was able to play at 120 BPM comfortably, this was crucial seeing how I do want to become proficient at the traditional 'bluegrass and Irish Jig' style but think it will also help immensely with the more classical styles since slower bowing will feel more relaxed and more like a break than a struggle.  Playing flute for so many years has definitely been a huge help with knowing to keep relaxed hands and fast finger movements as well as learning music theory early in life.  Learning the actual notes and translating them to the fiddle itself has been a chore on it's own to say the least, getting the standard notes from a guitar mixed up constantly has been interesting but still a blast because of the challenge!  Thanks to the tips and videos online and of course here at Fiddle Hangout I have been able to progress in what I feel is a fairly fast pace, overcoming great feats with each session!

I have set my goals high...  I want my first 'intermediate' piece to be the theme from the movie Last Of The Mohicans "The Kiss" and "The Gael" for the more 'fiddle' sounding style and the theme from the movie The Red Violin for my first 'intermediate' classical style.  Onward to more basics practice and updates along the way!