DESCRIPTION:
Tam Lin is one of my favorite Celtic fiddle tunes! If you like this video, please subscribe for more videos like this coming up! =)

I was asked if I could make a tutorial for playing Tam Lin, so here is a link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpUIxg1Mnbk
It's geared more towards beginners and playing by ear.
I'm a little nervous and awkward talking to the camera, but hopefully it's still useful! =)

Sheet music for this particular version can be found here: http://katyadelson.com/music/

Several people at an Irish session that I go to aren't quite as big fans of this tune (especially the flute players...), but I think it's tons of fun! I made a backing track to go with it so that I can play it whenever I want!

After finishing school and following a career path that has nothing to do with music, I realized that I missed playing. It was like I put a part of me on a shelf and focused on being a big Career Woman.. I've always wanted to be independent, but that doesn't necessarily mean one is happy.. This past summer I started playing a lot. It has brought back so many good memories, and has been something I look forward to each day. I also have realized that part of what used to drive me to practice was the concept of having something to practice for. I love to play, but I slip into playing the same pieces over and over again if there isn't extra guidance to try something new. Since I can't afford enough time to devote to private lessons, I'm hoping starting a YouTube will push me to explore new musical worlds and focus on improving my playing.

I'm amazed at how much filming myself has pointed out so many flaws in my playing. My sense of intonation has greatly deteriorated from what I remember it being years ago before my music hiatus. I've also learned how difficult it is to record the violin! I know I hear the violin differently than the audience as it is right under my ear, but it has been interesting trying to record my playing. Next time, I think I need to set the recorder further back to prevent the sound from “cracking.”

This was my first attempt at making a backing track. I hope you like the results—I had so much fun coming up with this! It's kind of quiet unless you wear headphones..hmm..not really sure how to fix that if it's a bass-heavy song? Also, I think YouTube shifted the audio ever so early--it makes the song almost look an eighth note ahead from the visual towards the end..hmm..

For those who may be wondering about software...

Software used (for Macintosh):
Garageband for attempted sound mixing
Final Cut Pro for video editing

Plugins for sound effects (I have A LOT to learn in this department..haha!):
East West plugins – Goliath (my favorite so far!), Stormdrum II, Hollywood Strings, Spaces (See: soundsonline.com)

Piano Keyboard:
An old Casiotone CT-630 electric piano (61 keys) with a midi to USB adaptor

Camera:
Canon 70D; I've been super happy with this camera.

Thank you for watching!

~ Katy