Humbled by this instrument - Posted - 05/20/2015:  23:00:54

Maybe.

fujers - Posted - 05/22/2015:  12:22:00

I'll teach you for free. Yep I sure will. That is if you have Skype. It's free to join.

Skype me

Jerry.Holmes83

Maidens Prayer

Ashokans Farewell New

EdPearlman - Posted - 05/27/2015:  15:39:21

I've recently launched a site to help people who would like to work on their own at home at their own pace but still have help from people with expertise.



It's at fiddle-online.com -- the motto is "Challenge, without stress. No hype."



It includes a newsletter/blog with new articles about learning every 10 days, technique videos for warmups, improvements, bowing and fingering patterns, and ornamentation, and soon, a group of videos to help people learn to read on violin.



It also offers live online classes, tunelearning videos and tunelearning pages.



You might find it helpful.



--Ed

TuneWeaver - Posted - 05/30/2015:  13:24:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by Humbled by this instrument

 

Maybe.

---

Go for it, Humbled.. You know you need lessons..

fujers - Posted - 05/30/2015:  23:40:14

What give him a try? He doesn't even have stuff you can listen to. At least I provide my fiddle playing....No I can't play like I used to that's a given. But I can play

Give me a try...I won't let you down. Jerry

fiddlepogo - Posted - 05/31/2015:  06:14:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by Humbled by this instrument

 

Maybe.

---

I think I know what's happening..... the very last post mentioned SHUFFLE VARIATIONS.

Humbled is bored, and is longing for the good old daze here when he could eat popcorn and read

"knock-down-drag-out" bowing threads!

andrewjamesjunior - Posted - 06/01/2015:  17:32:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by fujers

What give him a try? He doesn't even have stuff you can listen to. At least I provide my fiddle playing....No I can't play like I used to that's a given. But I can play



Give me a try...I won't let you down. Jerry

---

This isn't a competition. We all know you are offering lessons. It's not a subtle point you're making. And actually, on his site, he actually has VIDEOS!  edpearlman.net/liveextras.html 

And he has a website with actual information about what he teaches, which in my mind, makes lessons from him seem a little more legitimate. 

fujers - Posted - 06/01/2015:  18:58:59

I remember you. You're that guy that posted all those bad things about me witch none of it is true. Let me quess....you play fiddle but don't know your hands from your feet

Just because someone puts a fiddle in your hands doesn't make you a genius now does it.

I'm just guessing but I put your age at 70 to 80 is that correct. Because you sound like a grouchy old man

I use Skype for my teaching. At least with Skype the other fiddler and I can get close. I mean I'll learn a little about him or her and make a connection

Skype allows me to actually show you how to play and not no video

Skype also allows me to show how things really work.

You go ahead and listen to this other feller and I wish you well. Jerry

tonyelder - Posted - 06/01/2015:  20:33:09

quote:

---

Originally posted by fiddlepogo

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Humbled by this instrument

 

Maybe.

---

I think I know what's happening..... the very last post mentioned SHUFFLE VARIATIONS.

Humbled is bored, and is longing for the good old daze here when he could eat popcorn and read

"knock-down-drag-out" bowing threads!

    

---

....ahhh the good old days.

But it's looking like we have a new drama department at FHO.

(pass the popcorn please)

andrewjamesjunior - Posted - 06/02/2015:  03:01:12

Yes, it's me again...your own personal moderator. Wherever there's Jerry, saying something out of line, I'll be there! You're welcome, forum! 

tonyelder - Posted - 06/02/2015:  06:02:08

quote:

---

Originally posted by andrewjamesjunior

 

Yes, it's me again...your own personal moderator. Wherever there's Jerry, saying something out of line, I'll be there! You're welcome, forum! 

 

---

I have absolutely no problems with anything you have said. None.

But it doesn't look like anything anyone has to say is going to change the way Jerry acts.

Jerry is - ahhh - one of the very best at what he does. No one does it any better.

tonyelder - Posted - 06/02/2015:  06:06:33

quote:

---

Originally posted by fujers

 

What give him a try?

---

15 yard penalty - un-sportman like conduct.  Still 4th down.

andrewjamesjunior - Posted - 06/02/2015:  14:23:40

fiddlehangout.com/global/ckedi.../icon.png) center no-repeat #ff0000;cursor:pointer;top:-1px;-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 2px 2px;border-radius:0px 0px 2px 2px" title="Insert paragraph here">↵

---

Originally posted by change is good

But it doesn't look like anything anyone has to say is going to change the way Jerry acts.

Jerry is - ahhh - one of the very best at what he does. No one does it any better.

---

No, it sure doesn't look like he's going to stop anytime soon.  So, I'll keep fighting the good fight, calling shenanigans on his inappropriate comments. It's too bad his problems with other people having an opinion are precluding his ability to play well with others. 

Edited by - andrewjamesjunior on 06/02/2015 14:28:10

fujers - Posted - 06/02/2015:  18:08:14

Andrew, I guess you have discovered by now that your fujjers account has been locked. I am now looking to get you blocked as well.

If you want to stay here stop or I'll have no choice to get you expelled from school

Let this be fare warning. If you post anything else about me it will come. Jerry

stet - Posted - 08/08/2015:  15:24:16

Hello.

I am 53 and I started to teach myself music and violin before 1.5 year. I had never tried to learn music and a musical instrument in the past and because i did not know if i would succeed, I felt uncomfortable at the idea to attend a conservatory right from the beginning.

I decided to wait and see what I could manage on my own, so i bought a violin and some music theory books.  

The world of playing music was a new and unknown world to me, so I had to think step by step what I would do first and what next. For example I did not know which violin to buy because the market is full of a variety of products and this huge variety confuses the new buyer.

One problem was that I did not want to buy an expensive violin from the beginning because as I said, I did not know if i could make it. Another problem was that i had to solve the issue of the violin`s loud sound and because I did not want to bother my family with loud scracthy sounds, after thinking and market research I decided  to buy an electric violin which is quite silent if you dont use an amplifier.

So I bought an Electric/Silent Violin. I was lucky because in the package was the book "First Lessons Violin" (Book/CD/DVD Set) by Craig Duncan- Mel Bay Editions, which the company sends for free to the customers.

This self-teaching method really helped me a lot and soon I started learning to play the violin. I also use the internet and you tube to find tunes and sheet music and i try to play the melodies as best I can to play them every time.

Later i bought and a classic violin and after 1.5 year I can say that I have made a good progress, i intend to continue teaching myself for a little longer and in the near future i will find a teacher to help me improve my technique.

blonde girl - Posted - 02/06/2016:  13:25:00

Hello friend,
I would echo that one can teach themselves to play especially with the advent of youtube,recording devices and dvd's.I would advise a teacher at some point in your playing.They can correct problems that we don't notice(i.e posture,hand position,bow hand placement).They can also gauge where you need improvement and also you have the advantage of getting to know other players through them.I didn't get a teacher until I was in my mid 20's-fortunately my bad habits were few and I learned a lot in the year we had together.Wish I had pursued it more seriously because I would be playing professionally now.Oh well!
I hope this helps,
Regards,
Jan

pdfarrell - Posted - 02/06/2016:  14:30:37

Yes, you can learn a lot on your own. Ubelievable resources available. More than enough. Really feel the music. I I loved the music first before I started to play it. And I think my love for the music is starting to come out in my fiddling.

BajaMuleDiva - Posted - 02/12/2016:  07:39:49

I picked up the fiddle 3 years ago at age 61-played guitar 30 years ago with little involvement since. No background in music but after seeing Last of the Mohicans I was mesmerized with the fiddle and always listen for the violin in music of all kinds. I have ZERO natural ability with the fiddle but I love it so much I can not get enough of it. Took private fiddle lessons for a year than group and have been to fiddle camp 4 times.  I am sure I will soon be getting an award for most years in beginning fiddle at camp....No longer take lessons as the group expanded with many more yrs of exp fiddlers and I could not move that fast. Shoulder and other injuries (not fiddle-related) made me put the fiddle down for months at a time but I am now back to playing almost every day, even if only for 20 minutes (preserving old injuries). I got the Ludicker books at first and just keep pickin' away. When I can I like to disappear into the desert just to play for me and the cactus! I'd recommend taking a few lessons w a qualified teacher because it is too easy to start BAD habits (as I was doing) and those bad habits will cause physical pain later--been there, dun that...I never realized how important the posture-parts were until I started having pain which limited my time playing....if I could, I'd play hours every day.  They are going to have to pry that bow outta my fingers when I die....

fujers - Posted - 02/12/2016:  11:51:05

Well, I can tell you it is possible to learn on your own. I've done it...In fact all the fiddlers I know have done it.

If this is truly what you want to do. Then stick you nose to the grind stone and just do it.

In my day there were no fiddle teachers no internet and all we had was a record player.

Now, the only advantage I had was that I played guitar. But the guitar and fiddle are two different monsters.

If I can do it you can to. I didn't know not one thing about how to play this thing and I worked on it and worked on it till I got it...some what. Now days I play with the best that the Washington  DC   area has to offer.

But fiddle playing doesn't come cheap....You will have to practice and practice till you can't take it any more then you come back for more. Listen to this tune. Remember, I went from not understanding how it works to this. It took me time and lots of it. So yes, You can learn how to play without a teacher, without anything really just have to have a good ear.

Seems that there a lot fiddlers posting lesions on line now a days. Books, never had one, but if you want to learn from books go ahead. I would suggest that you listen to youtube for they give you true examples about playing just about anything you want to learn and far better than a book. My suggestion to you is take your time and learn the basics first then you can branch out from there. The basics are going to teach you lot of things and the basic things that you will need in the future. Take it slow and learn these basic things for they will make you stronger as time progress.

 Sorry for the tune fellows. But I played this just to show him that you can play from nothing. Jerry

Edited by - fujers on 02/12/2016 11:54:25

Ashokans Farewell New

 

mswlogo - Posted - 02/12/2016:  13:02:29

quote:

---

Originally posted by BajaMuleDiva

 

I picked up the fiddle 3 years ago at age 61-played guitar 30 years ago with little involvement since. No background in music but after seeing Last of the Mohicans I was mesmerized with the fiddle and always listen for the violin in music of all kinds. I have ZERO natural ability with the fiddle but I love it so much I can not get enough of it. Took private fiddle lessons for a year than group and have been to fiddle camp 4 times.  I am sure I will soon be getting an award for most years in beginning fiddle at camp....No longer take lessons as the group expanded with many more yrs of exp fiddlers and I could not move that fast. Shoulder and other injuries (not fiddle-related) made me put the fiddle down for months at a time but I am now back to playing almost every day, even if only for 20 minutes (preserving old injuries). I got the Ludicker books at first and just keep pickin' away. When I can I like to disappear into the desert just to play for me and the cactus! I'd recommend taking a few lessons w a qualified teacher because it is too easy to start BAD habits (as I was doing) and those bad habits will cause physical pain later--been there, dun that...I never realized how important the posture-parts were until I started having pain which limited my time playing....if I could, I'd play hours every day.  They are going to have to pry that bow outta my fingers when I die....

---

Fantastic post !! Good advice. You can get away with a lot of things if you start young. But you can't when start with an older body.

fujers - Posted - 02/12/2016:  13:38:39

I totally agree with pogo. When you get older things change in your body. I have played a number of years and now my hands cramp. The Dr says it's just a sign of old age and I accept that and he just put me on vitamins. When I sit down tp practice within 10 minutes I can feel it happening. I guess the younger you are the better off you'll be I don't know. It seems that it mostly happens to fiddle player's because of the relative nature  of how you play. It mostly affects my bowing hand because I hold it the bow same way every time. Some times it affects my string hand but not so much. I can play guitar and it doesn't seem to affect that so much.But you being a new fiddler I would hope that this doesn't affect you right now. One day you might get this too and there ain't nothing that you can do about it. Now, I play all the time so maybe that has something to do it but it seems the more I play the worst it gets. But like I said....you are new and perhaps it won't affect you right now. Jerry

bluesmode - Posted - 02/13/2016:  19:55:41

I started guitar at 10 and violin at 22, so my left hand was already working pretty good. I took a few lessons at first, but not many. Got the basic instruction of how to hold Fiddle & bow better than I was. On the whole, I don't regret not having a lot of lessons (kinda like what fiddlechops was saying) because I think I have, and have been told, that I have a quite a unique style. One time at a blues bar jam I over heard the host band guys debating on what category of fiddle I fit into. Finally, the front man said simply 'He's a blues violinist'....end of debate.

Also, teachers always seemed to want to teach tunes. I didn't want to learn tunes, I wanted to improvise.
if I could have found someone to teach me improv theory, I'd prolly be a fair bit further ahead than I am now, or possibly reached the place I am now, sooner.

....anyways, that's my story.

fujers - Posted - 02/14/2016:  20:23:07

Dave, I do know what you mean playing off the wall. I play the same way. I mostly play melodic but I can play other if need be.

Sometimes....I play to off the wall I don't even understand what I played. Don't worry about it just build off of it...at least thats what I do.

Improve is great....I would suggest that you know at least one tune....to impress the other one in your life.

But hey yeah, I play some things lop sided. Jerry

bluesmode - Posted - 02/14/2016:  20:59:53

..... actually, I know about 25 tunes.... for busking. I think I posted a list of them of them a while back. Not fiddle tunes, stuff like 'When You're Smilin' - Sunny side of the Street - Fly Me to the Moon....etc.

..... and I do enjoy playing my busking tunes.

Cheers, Dave.

fujers - Posted - 02/15/2016:  09:56:53

Those are some good tunes. Not sure I know Sunny Side of The Street could you hum a couple of bars. Don't hide them divvid them. I know the Tony is kinda of lonesome posting all his tunes in Sound Off. We could use some help there. No kidding though I like your list of tunes and you may get some helpful replys from them not that you need help or anything. Post them I would be glad to listen. Jerry

bluesmode - Posted - 02/16/2016:  20:01:10

bluesmode - Posted - 02/16/2016:  20:17:35

I don't know how the above was blank?
Anyways.... Jerry, I've explained to you why I can't post music, but I'll do it again,

1. I don't have any recording equipment, and can't afford to buy any.
2. even if I did have the equipment, I wouldn't know how to get it from the recorder into the computer.
3. then I'd hafta get it from the computer on to this site.
4. I don't know anyone who could teach me to do this even if I had the equipment.
5. This would be way to big a project for me, as I'm on disability with an anxiety disorder. The whole thing would be much too stressful.

...anyways, you wouldn't be missing much. I play all these busking tunes pretty close to the vocal melody.

tropit - Posted - 05/09/2016:  07:51:36

I've been playing for about 2 years now and I do not have a regular teacher. I've learned almost completely online. The 2 websites that have helped me tremendously are the ViolinLab.com and Reddesertviolin.com. Beth from the VL and Lora from the RDV are both excellent teachers and have 2, somewhat different approaches for teaching the violin, but they compliment each other very nicely, so using both sites is a big plus. Lora also teaches classical and fiddling, while Beth focuses on mainly classical.

Both Lora and Beth also offer workshops and I have been to each of theirs...lots of fun! You get to play with other students, learn a ton of new stuff, get some personal instruction and have a great time, all at a fraction of the cost of paying a regular teacher each week.

I will say, that I do miss having a regular teacher from time to time. I would love to have someone there to correct my bow hold, give me some detailed, hands-on insights, or push me onto the next learning phase. However, I live out in the woods and there's no one in my area that offers lessons, so I'm on my own. Learning by myself also has its advantages. I can take side tracks and explore new music styles, go to different website for another point of view, stop playing for a week without guilt, or just fiddle around with friends and family for awhile. Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying the self-taught method. So, I say, GO FOR IT! It's better to have tried to learn to play on your own, then never to have attempted at all.

~ C

pete_fiddle - Posted - 05/09/2016:  09:47:32

Teach yourself carefully, until you know what a good teacher is..... and why you want to pay them

Edited by - pete_fiddle on 05/09/2016 09:54:47

fujers - Posted - 05/11/2016:  19:53:33

Well, I would say certainly that you can learn to play fiddle on your own and I would also say that it is beneficial to play another instrument. Playing another instrument gives you the basis or a foundation of what you are searching for. Playing another instrument allows you to know how things work. Like knowing how to play G-C-D progression. If you didn't now how to play this progression you are stuck in the mud. It will take you much longer to know this progression just playing fiddle. But if you already knew how to play this on guitar or banjo that would make your quest on fiddle much easier. There are no easy steps and I mean none to learning how to play. You, are on the venture of a life time my friend and there is no links or anything that I can provide you with to learn. Just take it easy, learn one thing at a time.

I played guitar and bass before I started learning and I had a good knowledge of how things works....but I was wrong.

Learning how to play this thing was a whole new different instrument to me...but I learned. Jerry  

TuneWeaver - Posted - 05/31/2016:  13:14:06

My learning to play the fiddle was SELF-Taught...  I went the hard way.. But then, I'm old.  Back when I was trying to learn In the late 1970s,  we didn't have computers, youtube, or even CDs... Now, a beginner can sit in on Free online lessons, hear great fiddlers  and not so great fiddlers on youtube and slow the tunes down ...There is a LOT of free advice available that I wish I had had back then.  Having said that.....FIND AN  INSTRUCTOR., Peer group, Friend or jam to attend.  

cadoll - Posted - 11/30/2016:  14:36:54

25 hrs ago when I started on the fiddle, there was no internet or a teacher in Kansas where I lived.

I drove my Labrador to a howl (poor pup) for a year while I struggled with scales and simple double stops I heard when I listened to my fav. Musicians. (New grass revival at the time.  

I would have given my left ... For YouTube.  

I have grown more musically in the last 3 yrs than the previous 10.

A teacher would have been ok if they played the same music I was wanting to learn, but the cost is not worth it IMO.  

Online courses can be greatly beneficial at very minimal cost.

Michael Cleveland gets 70.00 for a half hour lesson. If memory serves me correctly.

You decide..... It's all good.

fujers - Posted - 11/30/2016:  20:05:50

Dave, Thats ok buddy if you can;t you can't .I too have disability's that keeo me from playing..alls good, Jerry 

DavidM - Posted - 12/30/2016:  18:41:38

There is plenty of wisdom here, without my two cents worth, but I am often asked about learning to play instruments, and I see learners come and go. One of the most important ingredients is inspiration. You have to be obsessed, or eventually the novelty will wear off, and the instrument will end up in the closet. If you don't know what you want to play, you may just be enamored with the aura that inspired playing creates, most appreciative audiences are.

fujers - Posted - 01/04/2017:  16:45:15

Fiddle Teacher for hire...See me. Jerry

buckhenry - Posted - 01/04/2017:  17:43:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by fujers

 

Fiddle Teacher for hire...See me. Jerry

---

Can you play the fiddle old man.......?

fujers - Posted - 01/04/2017:  18:13:22

Well I can play a little bit

Mojohand40 - Posted - 01/09/2017:  08:08:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by FiddleDiddler

 

Forgive me if this is the wrong forum area. 

I have started to fool around with trying to learn the fiddle from books, the internet & YouTube videos. I really want to learn the fiddle & know a teacher would be great help, but a teacher isn't in my tiny little budget right now.

I guess I'm wondering: 1) Is it possible to learn the fiddle without a teacher. 2) How many of you are self taught?

I know it doesn't help, but I guess I should add that I do not play any other instruments - the fiddle will be my first.

Thank you.

---

Some interesting stuff here.  I'll throw in.  The age we live in is great for self teaching!  We are so lucky to have so many great resources available: books, DVD's, the VAST info on the internet in all kinds of forms, not to mention it's much easier to meet and jam with other musicians etc. in person due to connecting online various ways.  When I first got into music nearly 35 years ago (bass and guitar mostly back then) you really had to search out stuff and self teaching was nearly pointless.  I did take a few guitar and bass lessons, (and lessons on other instruments occasionally) but really learned mainly from others informally, just jamming and playing with others here and there.  Swapping licks, chords etc.

Now, years later in learning fiddle, I started self teaching, and since I already knew how to read music and played other instruments, I feel as though it was/is a totally viable way to learn. I have taken a lesson or workshop here and there maybe three or four times a year, but no real "formal" lessons.

I've also met many and listened to many self taught fiddlers that are great musicians.  So, yes, it is totally possible to be self taught.

BUT...I did recently seek out a teacher for weekly lessons.  Within a month or two of real one on one, progressive lessons with a teacher, I noticed my playing getting better and a LOT less stagnant.    I really think a teacher can help a lot at anytime in your learning phase.   I quit my weekly lessons, btw, as some other musical obligations started cutting into my time, but the three or so months of weekly lessons did teach me lot about my weaknesses and how to improve. 

Will I go back to lessons?   Yes, eventually, when I feel like I hit a "plateau" or need a boost in my creativity and playing. 

JASfiddle - Posted - 01/09/2017:  08:53:21

Mojohand40, That's were I'm at. I've been playing for awhile now, had lessons to begin with, my teacher quit, and although there's lots of self help with the internet, it's just not the same as one on one with a teacher. I'm actually thinking about trying to take a few lessons again.

As far as the OP's original question. I didn't teach myself violin, but I did teach myself to train and ride my horses. Oh my goodness, that was not the best idea, but was the only way because between music and horses, I don't have alot of extra for lessons. It was super hard, I'm still not any good at riding, although I've broke in a few horses now (or maybe a few horses broke me?), I'm not winning any shows. If I could do it again, I would have opted for lessons first rather than buying an unbroke horse. I Imagine fiddle to be similar, you can spend alot of money on good violins, bows, books and DVD's, but it will be hard (not impossible), and you won't get anywhere fast. Just a thought.

JASfiddle - Posted - 01/09/2017:  10:27:45

I should add,(so I don't sound like a complete wet blanket) it's hard to be self taught, but it is fun at times and has it's benefits, especially if it's just a hobby sort of thing. So if you're not looking to be a national fiddle champion in a couple years, and being self taught is the only option for your budget, then yeah, go for it. 

I think the biggest mistake we make in life sometimes, is being afraid to make a mistake in the first place. How many times did Edison try to make a light bulb? ;)

fujers - Posted - 01/09/2017:  20:15:05

Jas, Come see me. I was self taught just as you and I know what it's like. But you know what...just because you are self taught doesn't mean you can't play...no sir it doesn't. Let me tell you what self taught got me. I have played with Johnny Paycheck, David Allen Coe, The Kendalls, Faron Young, Charie McCoy, Ronda Vincent. These are just some of the people I played with or shared a stag with. So self learning isn't too bad...and to boot it off.I play left handed.

I have been back to teaching for about 6 years now and having a blast and you will to. I make learning fun and make sure you learn and not just another paycheck like some teachers do. Anyway if you are thinking about starting lessions again keep me in mind. I'll make sure you learn something.....and I'm cheap to..haha. Jerry

ptrckmcconn - Posted - 01/18/2017:  14:20:02

Jerry, do you online, or FaceTime lessons? If so, what do you charge, if it's appropriate to ask.

Mitch Reed - Posted - 01/18/2017:  19:54:22

I have lots of students that like to learn independently. Here are a few lessons to get you started: mitchreedmusiclessons.com/free-lessons/

And I agree with fiddleiphile about that Mel Bay title. All their "you can teach yourself" books are great.

fujers - Posted - 01/21/2017:  14:10:52

I teach by Skype and I charge $25 a half hour. Sometimes it may go to an hour..just depends on if we click or not. I take Paypal or check as payment. Jerry

Edited by - fujers on 01/21/2017 14:15:08

sandragrunwald - Posted - 09/11/2017:  12:56:25

Erbsen's yes its a good book!

davebones - Posted - 10/08/2017:  15:55:07

I would second other posters' comments about violinlab.com. I play a few instruments, so I began the violin with a knowledge of music. But the violin itself was entirely new, and getting direction about the extremely important fundamentals of how to hold the instrument, how to use my arms, shoulders and wrists was something I needed which violinlab provided. Also, Laura at Red Desert Violin on youtube has some great pointers.

fujers - Posted - 10/13/2017:  00:49:28

Dave I understand where you're coming from I have my own set of problems. I wish you luck in whatever you adventure in and I know you will do well. Jerry

FiddlinNikki - Posted - 04/24/2018:  13:10:53

quote:

---

Originally posted by FiddleDiddler

Does anyone know anything about the book "Old-Time Fiddle for the complete Ignoramus"? I was considering ordering it, but don't know if it would be a good book.

---

It totally got me started and the the mp3 comps alone ar worth 9.99 (Kindle).

WaltzingCam - Posted - 05/29/2018:  11:36:07

I've mostly learned without a teacher thanks to all the great resources available now, but I think it can be helpful to spend a few hours (or minutes) with a teacher when you first get started. My wife used to play classical violin, so she helped me out when I first started. Unfortunately, she despises the instrument now-a-days due to being forced to play it as a child, so her help never really extends much beyond "sounds find" and "sounds terrible."