While we are still new and building our library of resources, here are some products we use ourselves (or with our students) and find useful. Enjoy! Please note: this page contains affiliate links — if you click on them and happen to buy something, you’re helping us keep the lights on. Thanks!
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Championship Contest Fiddling: 44 Transcriptions from 15 Championship Rounds
Championship Contest Fiddling contains painstakingly detailed transcriptions of 44 fiddle tunes as they were played by thirteen champions of the National Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest held in Weiser, Idaho. In addition to the tunes, the book includes excerpts of extensive interviews with these champions where they offer advice on how to play in the contest style, prepare for contests and deal with nerves, adapt and arrange tunes to make them your own, and play with drive, among many other topics. It is an indispensable resource for fiddlers seeking to understand contest fiddling better and prepare for fiddle contests, or learn some great tunes from the masters! Includes access to an online audio recording of the actual piece played during the contest.
Caroline says “I love this book and use it all the time, and my students love it too! It’s more than just fun arrangements of fun tunes; I think there’s something they love about knowing they’re playing the winning tunes, too. 🙂 The transcriptions are some of the best I’ve seen, and it’s a great way to get to know the playing of different amazing players. You may find a new fiddle hero in these pages! Highly recommended.”
Advanced Fiddling by Craig Duncan
A follow-up book to Craig Duncan’s popular Deluxe Fiddling Method containing 40 great fiddle solos in the keys of F, B-flat, E major, E minor, and A minor. Also features tunes in altered tunings, contest-style breakdowns, ragtime tunes, and additional fiddling favorites. The split-track on line audio recording features full performances of the first 36 tunes in the book, split between fiddle solo and guitar accompaniment. The tunes Twinkle Little Star, Under the Double Eagle, and Whiskey Before Breakfast are not on the audio recording.
Caroline says “This is a really cool book that I use sometimes to get late intermediate or advanced classical students started in fiddling. Audio tracks are a huge plus (less time spent recording examples myself haha). Check it out!”
The Craig Duncan Master Fiddle Solo Collection
This book presents 140 of the most frequently played tunes in old time fiddle contests as well as the most popular bluegrass, square dance and country tunes heard throughout the United States. The performance length arrangements of contest tunes include standard as well as challenging variations on hoe-downs, rags, polkas, show pieces, and waltzes complete with suggested accompaniment chords. This encyclopedia of fiddle tunes and variations spotlights American popular fiddle music as played by the great fiddlers of our time.
Caroline says “If you’re looking for only one book to get you into playing bluegrass and contest style, this is the one I’d recommend. It’s comprehensive, and I love Craig Duncan’s style. The only downside is a lack of audio, so only go for this one if you are a strong reader AND have a sense for how bluegrass should sound. Otherwise, go with something with audio examples.”
Black Violin Collection by Wil B. and Kev Marcus
Caroline says: “Black Violin is awesome! They are really great players, and their original compositions are as engaging as their classical/pop mashups. They also put on an exciting, family-friendly show; be sure to see them live!”
Celtic Grooves for Two Cellos by Renata Bratt
“A book of traditional Celtic tunes arranged for cellos with rockin’ groove and chop-based accompaniments. Includes forty-seven tunes from Ireland, Scotland, the Shetland Isles, and Canada in duet arrangements, all chosen with cellists in mind and in a variety of styles including jigs, slip jigs, reels, strathspeys, planxtys and airs in traditional keys.”
Caroline says “This is another great collection from Renata! As a teacher, I’m always looking for cello-friendly tunes in the original keys. Plus these accompaniments are really fun to play!”
The Fiddling Cellist by Renata Bratt
A comprehensive resource to prepare intermediate and advanced cello students to play fiddle music. Eighteen fiddle tunes with chords in styles found in typical fiddle jam sessions – Celtic, Old Time and Bluegrass. Each tune arranged for two or three cellos and accompanied by short studies teaching idiomatic bass lines and back-up harmony as well as improvisational soloing over the chord changes. Companion audio recording includes all examples with guitar accompaniment. Audio download available online.
Caroline says “Renata is a great teacher, and a solid arranger as well! This is a great way to jump into melody and accompaniment for cellos!”
Grooves, Rhythms and Accompaniment Techniques by Natalie Haas
Caroline says “Natalie Haas is the reason I love the cello! She is the one you want to learn this stuff from. You’ll get the most out of these lessons if you’ve learned the accompaniment techniques in AltStrings Books 1 and 2 (but it shouldn’t stop you if you haven’t). Plus, the DVD has great fiddlers on it, too! Check it out!”
Natalie MacMaster’s Cape Breton Island Fiddle
“This book contains transcriptions of selections from three of Natalie MacMaster’s albums: A Compilation, Fit as a Fiddle, and No Boundaries. These tunes were selected because the fiddling was easily heard over the accompaniment and the tune settings were reasonably transferable to standard music notation. These meticulous transcriptions include ornamentations reflecting as clearly as possible the way Natalie currently performs the tunes, which may have evolved since the CDs were recorded. The album source and particular cut are indicated at the beginning of each tune.”
Caroline says “If you want to know what Natalie MacMaster’s playing looks like, check this out! I love this book.”
Lost Boy: Bruce Molsky and Stacy Phillips
“Bruce Molsky is at the forefront of reinvigorating some of the unique fiddle styles of the southeastern United States. He can be considered a revivalist, but has dug so deeply into the tradition, including moving to that area, that he may be said to have gained access to the fountain of tradition. There is some wonderful playing on Lost Boy, the album from which this book is drawn. This book provides detailed transcriptions that will give fiddlers an idea of what the great performers do. It also can act as a springboard to their own interpretations of these tunes. The fiddle solos from the album are transcribed here with lyrics included.”
Caroline says “I love Bruce Molsky’s playing, and this book is so helpful in figuring out what it is that he is doing. So cool to see it on the page!”
Jazz Violin: by Matt Glaser and Stephane Grappelli
“A comprehensive method for playing “hot fiddle,” including accurate transcriptions of over 25 solos as played by Grappelli, Joe Venuti and others. Also includes original interviews and tips on improvising from the masters, a complete analysis of each solo, rare historical photos, and an informative discography.”
Caroline says: “I love this book, because it gives you sheet music for exactly what you hear! I love using this with my students who are technically proficient, but are just getting started with jazz.”
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