Topic 8 Free Inquiry Post

This week I learned a tune called Flop Eared Mule. This is a classic novice tune that I often hear at fiddle dances still to this day. In my current fiddle group, we play it for schottische dances. All of the sheet music I could find online was a bit different than how I’ve heard it so I used the sheet music as a guide but for the most part I learned it by ear. This is one version I found on Bluegrass Unlimited :

The way that I play it is in a higher key and has a slightly different rhythm. You’ll hear these really fun scoops/slides at the beginning between two notes. This way is definitely a bit more challenging but super fun to play. In the recording of myself I notice that I play the parts I know better, faster. I’m going to work on making the tempo more consistent with the help of a metronome. Playing it slower will also help clean it up and give me a better tone.

There are many examples of schottisches but here is an example of one that is similar to the one I know: https://youtu.be/wXeb9PiLS_I?si=_y1oeFZ1yRpVjWP7&t=16

I’ve been thinking about my final free inquiry post and am considering doing a mini concert for any of my friends that want to see. It wouldn’t be very long of course but I think it could be fun!