ISBN 9781619119970.

This unique collection celebrates the contemporary fiddle music of northeast Ireland, much of it for the first time in print. Not surprisingly, given its location and long history of traditional music, the fiddle music of this region shares some characteristics with Scottish music, yet it has its own distinct style. For those who are not familiar with this ruggedly attractive part of Ireland, this book will introduce you to some of its music and musicians. The tunes presented here, collected by County Antrim fiddler, Rowan Leslie, have all been written relatively recently by local musicians. Each tune is offered in two versionsone with the barebones melody and suggested accompaniment chords, and a second with ornamentation, articulation and bowing details. All tune types from northeast Ireland are represented, including jigs and reels, polkas and hornpipes, marches, barn dances and waltzes, plus set dances and slow airs. Moreover, the biographical sketches and backstories provided for each composer and tune demonstrate how the land itself, along with personal experiences and relationships, influence the fiddle music of northeast Ireland.

ISBN 9781610658614. Learn to Play Irish Fiddle is a book and audio set that introduces the absolute beginner to the great traditional fiddle music of Ireland, going right from the basics of how to hold and make the first sounds on the instrument - through specially composed, manageable tunes in the Irish style - right up to playing traditional reels, jigs and other dance tunes from the traditional repertoire (the specially composed tunes bridge the gap between the basics and the traditional music). Embellishments and techniques that make good Irish fiddle playing so infectious, such as rolls, cuts, triplets and slides are gradually introduced. The student will also become familiar with some of the more advanced ideas concerning playing Irish traditional music such as variations and dynamics - subjects which are covered in greater detail in 'Irish Fiddle Playing: A Guide for the Serious Player' book/audio sets by the same author. Useful appendices and a cross-referenced glossary are also included. The accompanying audio contain all the tunes in the book (played at a slow tempo) plus many exercises. There is NO NEED FOR ANY PRIOR MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE in order to use this book. Each aspect of playing and theory is covered in an accessible and manageable way.