INTRODUCTORY SERIES

  These following melodies are some of my favorites to teach beginners, and the order you see might be a good progression to work through.  Click the thumbnails to view, print, or download the scores.

GO TELL AUNT RHODY

  A folk melody returns to its roots in this arrangement, which will help students become familiar with a strong offbeat groove.  In fact, you might try clapping the offbeat before anything else.  The melody can be played simply, but I have also included some optional fiddle variations.  One recording I like is Woody Guthrie’s version of this tune, with wailing harmonicas and the traditional dead goose lyrics.  

BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES/BILL SULLIVAN'S

  A set of Irish polkas, with a dotted rhythm punch.  The melody introduces what I would call semi-staccato stopped bow (which helps the rhythmic feel) and also the use of grace notes.  Polkas have nice danceable feel, without getting into fast 8th notes.

DAWNING OF THE DAY

  A beautiful Irish melody that can be played as a march or a waltz.  Here it is in march time.  It seems that there are quite a few other melodies with the same name, but from what I can tell, this is one of the most well known.  There is also a famous Irish poem called Raglan Road that is sung to the melody in its waltz form.  

SOUTHWIND

  For this one, I kept the arrangement short, and have added a short intro/outtro for this sweet-sounding waltz.  Students sometimes like to play swing 8th notes, but I like the sound of it with very little swing...pure and simple.  

Don't forget, I would love to hear your experiences with this music.  Really, I will be quite excited to get your note.  Click the contact link below to correspond!