Methods for Learning Tunes

[Eric Renshaw]

I have gradually become aware that folks seem to learn how to play tunes in quite different ways. In Nigel’s lessons, for example, we gradually progress through a tune by playing a phrase of say 3 or 4 bars over and over, before moving on to the next phrase, which seems to suit students' needs. Whilst some of my friends just immerse themselves in pub sessions and presumably acquire tunes by osmosis (and alcohol). Whilst my only really successful method of attack is to get the music via tune books such as Nigel’s and SMG, or go online and convert ABC files etc., sight-read it to get the tune in my head and fingers, and then work on developing it. So for me, initially having the staff music around is paramount: though I believe that ‘Folk Music Tradition’ purists abhor this! So what methods do Gatherers actually employ?

Eric