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SusanW

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Posts posted by SusanW

    Opinions Of Classes/workshops

    in Teaching and Learning

    Posted

    Susan, based on your comments and goals, my suggestion would be that you stick with Noel's class. Admittedly it is very focused but since you've been to NHICS in the past, you know what to expect. You won't get the variety of performers/instruments you would enjoy at the IAW, but if you go to the New York class, you might encounter one of the evening sessions at the pub -- if that appeals to you. And at Noel's class, you stand a much better opportunity to make more progress on the concertina than you would otherwise.

     

    At some point you might want to make the transition to a less structured and more free-wheeling event like the IAW, and I think you'll know when that time has come. But since you've asked, that time hasn't come yet.

     

    Best regards,

     

    Ross Schlabach

    Thank you Ross, that is very helpful. I appreciate your input.

    Susan

    Opinions Of Classes/workshops

    in Teaching and Learning

    Posted

    Susan, you asked for recommendations but some of the answers you received were nothing but personal pet peeves and didn't address your inquiry. The important thing here is what are your objectives? So let's ask you some questions. What is your main goal? Are you looking to expose yourself to different teaching and playing styles? Are you more interested in learning the concertina, or is your goal to experience the playing of others or maybe have chances to play in sessions? Are you experienced enough with the concertina that you want to include some classes but are really more interested in the performances or other instruments?

     

    If your focus is on learning the concertina, then a concentrated workshop like Noel's is a great experience. If instead you are looking for a wider exposure to Irish Music with a bit of concertina tuition, then the Irish Arts Week might be an ideal option for you. IAW might also be a good choice if you are looking to get exposed to different teachers or playing styles.

     

    So think about what YOU want, and then go and have a great time. Of course if your situation permits, you can do both and have the best of all worlds!

     

    Ross Schlabach

    1. My main goal is to become a better concertina player. I'm old enough that I've had experience with multiple instruments, but at this point in my life I want to focus solely on Irish concertina music.

    I have been playing now for 4 + years. I've done a few of the OAIM classes, went to some workshops at the Button Box a few years back and took Noel's class. I can play in "slow sessions".

    2. I listen to a lot of different players. Favorites include Mary MacNamara and the late Dympna O'Sullivan.

     

    If I were rich (LOL) I would do both.

    Susan

    Opinions Of Classes/workshops

    in Teaching and Learning

    Posted

    So, This summer I could do one of two things......I could take a class with Noel Hill in New York OR go to the Catskills Irish Arts Week and take workshops with Caitlin Nic Gabhann and Brenda Castles.

     

    I took my first class with Noel 2 summers ago and found it very helpful. It was intensive, which works well for me. All I did was go to class, practice, eat, sleep etc. with a bit of socializing in between.

    If I went to CIAW, I would take 1 workshop in the morning with one teacher, and 1 workshop in the afternoon with another teacher, and there are lots of distracting things to do all day and night.

     

    Any opinions? Thanks!

    What Key Is This? Dowd's Favorite

    in Tunes /Songs

    Posted

    Gm is the relative minor of Bb, Am is the relative minor of C so if you play it in Am on a C/G box then the fingering should be the same as Ciara uses when she plays it in Gm on a Bb/F box.

     

    It might be interesting for you to record Ciara's playing and run it through pitch adjusting software[*] so that it plays in Am rather than Gm.

     

    [*] I use Transpose! but there is other software out there including the free open source Audacity.

    Hmmm, that sounds like fun.

    What Key Is This? Dowd's Favorite

    in Tunes /Songs

    Posted

    Miss Mannion is playing this tune on a Bb/F concertina which puts the notes into a very concertina friendly pattern. It's a really nice tune that sounds fabulous on this flat pitch instrument.

     

    Ross Schlabach

    I suspected that might be what it is. I love the sound. Mary MacNamara often plays a Bb/F concertina, as well. It just doesn't sound quite as nice, when I try it on my C/G in Am....but it sure is easier than trying to play in Gm or whatever it is.

    Getting Worse Instead Of Better...

    in Teaching and Learning

    Posted

    I take lessons from Flo Fahey and she suggests that you not spend too much time re-fingering early tunes, but move on to new tunes with better fingering. As you learn to put in octaves and leave space, or to play the same notes on different finger sequences, those patterns will naturally filter back into your beginner tunes. I have found that to be the case, and also now that it is coming more naturally, I can re-finger and actually remember the new fingering. So, my advice would be to move forward (which is very motivating) and only re-finger when it really bugs you.

     

    Have fun! Claire

    Good points! I went to a workshop with Flo, she's very inspiring. I am finding that doing new tunes with better fingering, rather than re-doing everything, DOES help. Thank you for your comment.

    Mná An Ceoil On Tg 4

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

     

     

    Just to add that there is English subtitles.

     

    Whilst the video is playing, if you move the mouse cursor to the bottom of the video, on the right hand side you will see an option to turn on subtitles when you press the little CC box.

    Thanks, Jay-Jay. I tried, but no luck...maybe my system is too antiquated. I did enjoy the music very much.

     

    The only other thing you could try is maybe a different web browser, it does say that if a browser is out of date, it won't function

     

    Thanks, again....I'l try it in Mozilla.

    Mná An Ceoil On Tg 4

    in General Concertina Discussion

    Posted

    Just to add that there is English subtitles.

     

    Whilst the video is playing, if you move the mouse cursor to the bottom of the video, on the right hand side you will see an option to turn on subtitles when you press the little CC box.

    Thanks, Jay-Jay. I tried, but no luck...maybe my system is too antiquated. I did enjoy the music very much.

    Weeklong Residential Concertina Workshops In West-Kerry, Ireland

    in Teaching and Learning

    Posted

    They are doing a concertina class this spring: http://airt.ie/airt-courses-dingle-ireland.html

     

    28th of March weeklong course - Only 2 spaces left!!
    The Airt of Concertina with Jack Talty and Cormac Begley
    - 3 hours (2 x 1.5 hours) of group classes per day for 5 days
    - 2 individual masterclass during the week
    - A house concert featuring Cormac and Jack and local artists
    - Opportunities throughout the to discuss the theoretical, technical, performative, professional aspects of concertina playing
    - Chording and rhythm
    - Ornamentation and technique
    - Polka, Reels, Jigs, Hornpipe, Slow air and Slide playing
    - Accommodation, locally sourced food, night time activities included
    - Optional extras include guided walks, seaweed baths, massages and more!!
    Visit: www,airt.ie
    Twitter: @AirtSchool
    Instagram: airt_school

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