mathhag

Actually all of those places are quite far from me , about four hours of driving . But I might try to start one in Presque Isle or maybe right here in Fort Fairfield. Like your idea of a new thread. Not sure if I can find anyone near here that plays ITM

This is such a helpful discussion. I am a real beginner, exactly two years with my first instrument ever. I also live in a very remote area with no teacher or sessions. I do try and play with recordings and it is more challenging even when I slow them down I am easily distracted. What do you think I might do if I wanted to start a “SLOW Session “ i have been thinking unless I take action , I will never know if there are others around me who want to play .

I would encourage you to enjoy yourself at the sessions . You are lucky to have one. I am sure you will eventually conquer the blowouts. Consider how far ahead of me you are. I can’t play anything to session speed. But we will get there

Thanks for the info. I may look at the software but it would have to run on my Windows laptop that I hardly ever use. I also looked ABC Easy Notes but could not really understand how to make it work. Many years ago I probably could have. Too bad someone doesn’t make an app to do this. I only use ABC notation but I think this would slowly have me reading music.

I particularly like the way the music is written but I haven’t been able to find Easy Notes. Can you point me in the right direction

Actually the Morse has moved on to another new student. It served me well

Hi Jody, You may not remember me but we met two years ago at NESI. I was the old woman who couldn’t stop smiling because I had for the first time found the instrument I wanted to play. You and Doug Barr helped as I looked for an instrument to buy and were so kind all weekend. at the time I bought a Ceili. A few months later, I was lucky in life. I was able to get a Dipper at a gift price. After my family members I treasure it most. BUT you absolutely speak truth “ A beginner will still sound like a beginner regardless of concertina vs accordion reeds in the box.” But as Wolf has said my Dipper sure makes it easy to want to keep getting better.

It is working for me now but I believe he is playing an English. I got quite excited since I will be in Quebec City soon

Thank you , Sebastian

I would also love to learn this. Once again, for me Abc notation is easiest although I can read html.

I am also not really able to read regular dots. I find abc notation works the best for me.

Could it be Na Ceannabháin Bhána?

This is driving me crazy. What is this tune?

I would recommend The Button Box

I am very lucky to own a fabulous Anglo CG made by Colin Dipper. Too glorious an instrument for someone of my talents but I treasure it. when I first decided to play something in the free reed family. I attended NESI and saw all my choices. I was just really drawn to the Anglo. So I bought Morse Ceili from the Button Box. It was very nice and really everything I needed but I had a chance for this Dipper and just couldn’t pass.

I am using Caitlín’s lessons and they are perfect for me

I am also retired with no musical experience but started playing 18 months ago. I love it. I went to both UF and Fla State and know Dunedin. I now in live in far far Northern Maine with no teachers or sessions. Enjoy

Yeah this is not a big thing just slight discomfort after about an hour

I would often try to get my students to copy problems, especially calculus. I am convinced that the act of writing helps our brains in ways we don’t really understand

And Anglo-Irisman

Thank you to all, Halifax, Don Taylor, wunks. I guess I am just trying to move ahead faster. I do try to listen, listen , listen. Especially since many Irish Trad tunes are not familiar to me. I am getting better and continue to get great joy when I play.

Don Taylor, Thank you so much for that explanation. I really didn’t understand about intervals.now I think I do

Hi John, That is what I am doing . In fact I have made a playlist of the tunes I am working on that I use when I ride my exercise bike. I also listen, then play alone , then try to,play with the tune and so on. In fact as I fall asleep I often hear a tune over and over in my head. I am getting better. I am hoping there is a little more I can do so I have an idea of what note I am hearing. Thanks so much, Susan

I am hoping it is normal to start to have some tenderness in your fingertips when you are playing more each day. My left index finger is the worst. It seems I am starting to form calluses. Is that typical or there something I should do differently?

I must acknowledge that I have a terrible ear. Now that I have been trying to play my first instrument ever for a year and a half, I feel like it is time to work on that. Ultimately I would like to pick out more tunes by ear. What recommendations do you folks have for me? I have looked at a lot of apps but am not sure which might be the best for me. I like apps that work with my iPad best. But if there is a good website that would walk me though identifying the note I hear that would also be good. Any and all advice will be appreciated , Susan