Went to my first novice Bluegrass jam with my fiddle on Monday night. I've been playing since late December, just under three months. Now I'm not starting from scratch, I played mando for years so I know the scales, chords, how to construct a simple break without having memorized the melody, etc. But the mechanics of playing fiddle are completely new.
I did pretty good. Mixed backup up between chop, shuffle, legato chord tones, super simple fills (like 2 or 3 notes), etc. I did take some breaks. This is a led novice jam so the leader asks who wantI want to take a break before each tune. I answered "sure" to Worried Man's Blues in A major. Now, I had never played a break in A major before and never attempted anything bluesy before. But I used some chord tones and pentatonic notes with a few slides in and out of b3 and b7. A few scratchy notes at the end because my bowing is still coming along. But I got through and the leader actually said "nice job on your break."
I have to say, playing along with a group is such a good learning experience. I had been practicing earlier that day more structured stuff like scales and working through my method book. Sometimes, I have good days when I feel like I'm getting better and sometimes I have practice session where I get totally frustrated. I'm sure everyone has day like that. I didn't feel my practice session was good at all; I was pi$$ed off, and only went to the jam because I thought it was an opportunity to cool off. Glad I went. It improved my attitude and my playing.
Excellent, and it's always a good idea to wear goggles as a novice fiddle player. That bow can poke an eye out!
I'm curious - is there an admission or subscription fee to participate in a novice jam like this? What I'm wondering is what's in it for the leader/teacher? Just the satisfaction of spreading the music?
Hey good for you Ken! A positive experience like that can make all the difference in motivation and general appreciation. I hope you keep going.
I still remember my first jam. Three hour ride home. I was grinning so much it hurt my face!
Good for you!
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