[wanderingoregonian]

I've played violin and piano my whole life - 'cept the crazy last few years of school and work, but I'm taking a stand and getting back into it again. I've started taking some fiddle classes and am loving it. I have a bit more time before my move, so I'm taking as many classes as I can here in Boston - (wow what a music scene here!), but I really want to keep going when I get down to NZ - and its not something you can really learn in isolation, you really need to learn from others (and the real fun of it is playing with other people) Any one have any experience with fiddle music in NZ?

[Going2NZ]

I don't have a clue but I've always wanted to learn. Have you ever thought about giving lessons?

[wanderingoregonian]

hmmm - don't think I'm at a point where I could give proper lessons, but I'd be happy to show people what I do know, which for now is about 5 Cape Breton tunes and one Irish reel. I've picked up other songs from books - but I know I'm playing them all wrong. Just as one's pronunciation from learning a language from books is always a bit off from learning in real life situation. Fiddle is great because it is all about people gathering to show each other new music - it reminds me of swing dancing where you meet all these people who you learn from while you are having fun.

[Byronc]

I am in the same boat, but I play the mandolin. It is tuned the same as the fiddle anyway. I have been playing informally here in Idaho with a group of contra-dancers so the music is mostly celtic. I am hoping to settle in Christchurch within a year or so ( might end up in Welly instead ). Maybe we could get together and play some tunes?

[wanderingoregonian]

I would love to get together to play sometime. a good friend plays the mandolin, and I sometime play around with it, but it still confuses my brain. We have a great dance hall down the road. I've been going to the swing nights, but have been hearing lots of great thigns about contra lately - might go check that out after your post. Idaho eh? I'm back in oregon now and then, and will be next summer before heading to NZ. Will be in Halfway, Oregon at some point, which isn't too far from Boise.

[Benjy]

I play guitar, depending on where you move to over here maybe we should all meet up for a jam :) :nice1

[wanderingoregonian]

That would be great - I also play piano, but it might be a while before I get my hands on one after moving to NZ

[Byronc]

Halfway, OR!!! Not many can claim to know where that is! Beutiful up there.

I am in Boise -- until we can get to NZ that is. What part of NZ are you moving to?

[wanderingoregonian]

my OH used to guide white water out of Halfway -still have friends/family out there. I actually was born in Eastern Oregon, but don't get out that way very often. We're dreaming of moving to Wellington - but we'll have to see where I can find work. how about you?

[Benjy]

I am going to queesntown but Wellington is my second choice at the moment :)

[Byronc]

I am looking at moving to Christchurch in the next year or so depending when a job turns up. But in my field, a job is more likely to turn up in Wellington.
From Eastern Oregon, eh? I spent many years in LaGrande.