Tina Pilione -
Instructor
Music training began on piano for 7 years – age 8-14
Self-taught traditional old-time and bluegrass music on guitar, mandolin and upright bass
Studied traditional Cajun fiddle styles for over 25 years
Private fiddle, accordion and guitar instruction since 1985
On faculty of Centrum’s Festival of American Fiddle Tunes 2002-2004
Repertoire of Cajun fiddle and accordion styles, from the earliest recorded music to more modern styles
Specializing in a method for learning music by ear
Cajun Fiddle Style
Beginner level instruction includes:
- The basics of how to hold the instrument
- Bow grip using a loose wrist and pressure point
- Reference notes and basic chord shapes
- Simple Cajun melodies based on chord shapes
Intermediate level instruction includes:
- Evaluation of technique to help the student hold the instrument and the bow for most efficient playing
- Review of chord shapes
- Learning several key positions on a standard tuned fiddle so that there is no need to change fiddles when there are accordions in different keys
- Learning styles of Cajun fiddlers by starting with the basic melody and using embellishments, accents, rhythmic variations and bowing techniques to get that uniquely Cajun sound
Cajun Accordion
- Specialize in customizing lessons for all playing levels
- Beginning level students will learn: a method for learning by ear, how to hold the instrument for most efficient playing and some simple melodies
- Intermediate level students will learn how to take simple melodies and add the rhythmic and ornamental touches that make the melodies sound uniquely Cajun
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