Category: Jam Session
Hello,
I realize - and relish, by the way - that this board typically surrounds metal, etc., but this is apparently the only place to post regarding music. My mother gave me a fife a couple years ago and, while I looked up some fingerings, I haven't yet done much with it. However, I've revived an interest, or rather truly gained one, with whatever twist and turn has taken me to folk melodies from other countries and now here. Sadly, I found NLS to not have any books on fife, even though I can read music. Has anybody tried one of the online tutorials such as the one from BeAFifer.com? It's very reasonably priced, but assumes you'll read the book as well as listen to the CD. Problem I face is: - I already know how to read music, but obviously have a lot to learn about the instrument itself. Been reading as much as I can.
But what have you all found? How have you solved the problem of learning to play something not provided via NLS or RNIB - an instrument not found in a rock band or an orchestra?
I had similar problems with the Native American Flute my parents sent me for Christmas until I found a Youtube video which really explained what they were doing to get the chiffs and chirps. Fingering charts one can find and decipher, if not always simply, but curious how you all have solved this.
Thanks for responses.
Well it seems there aren't too many here interested in non-modern instruments, but in case there is, be mindful of fifes made of maple wood.
Apparently, even though they look well-crafted, they are little more than souvenirs. I'll never let that be known to the one who gave it to me, though, naturally. But that's a tough one: Maple is a hardwood and many instruments are made with it. Apparently just not ones with as small a bore (hole that runs the length / hollowed out portion) as the fife.
Anyway I'm back to recorders and saving my pennies for a tenor, which I once had but sadly had to sell.
Tenors are extremely mellow and while not the lowest, they are as low as the standard flute. With proper notation and technique you can play any baroque flute works on them - you can, I cannot yet but am working on it ... <g>.