Overall Difficulty: Beginning

Private studio teachers, school string programs and Suzuki teachers preparing for recitals will welcome these tasteful piano accompaniments for the violin, viola and cello editions of Volume 2 of Brian Wicklund's American Fiddle Method. Acknowledged as the most widely used fiddle method in the country, Wicklund became aware of the increasing demand for a parallel piano accompaniment series and engaged his friend Bob Walser to take on the task of writing it.

Collaborating closely with Wicklund, Walser was encouraged to adhere to the chord progressions suggested in the original books, but given leeway to add interesting variations in rhythm and harmony. The result is a book of arrangements that welcomes pianists to the jamming circle. Piano playing teachers, parents and siblings can now join in the fun, and fiddle tunes can be featured in concerts and recitals with the support of an accompanist. In addition, principals of accompaniment learned by playing these arrangements can be applied to accompanying other tunes, the voice or other instruments.

The American Fiddle Method itself provides the beginner with the elements needed to become a proficient fiddler. Based on many years of teaching experience, the author introduces concepts and techniques that yield solid results. This method encourages creativity in the student by including variations of the tunes to illustrate how they can serve as a basis for improvisation.