Archive for Violins
Fiddlefest Mainia
Posted by: | CommentsAs Fiddlefest quickly approaches we are preparing by putting things on sale, what else? Would we string you along?
No, seriously, all violin strings are 10% off with the mention of this ad from now until FiddleFest is over. The same goes for rosin and shoulder rests.
- Is your bow looking a little thin? Come on in and have it rehaired before the festival for only $45.
- Need to be amplified? Come on in and try out “The Band” violin pickup. It is a wrap-around pickup on sale for $150 (regular price is $175) until Fiddlefest ends.
- Need a little colour in your life? Come in and try out the Harlequin fiddles. They cost only $225 (regular price is $240) for the whole outfit and come with a coloured bow. They come in a rainbow of colours: Deep Purple, Silver Grey, Marine Blue, Green, Black, Red and Raspberry Pink. They are handcarved from solid tonewoods with rosewood pegs, chinrest, and a tailpiece with 4 fine tuners.
These specials won’t last forever, so stop fiddling about (sorry, I couldn’t resist) and get in here before the fiddle magic is gone. July 10th is the last day to act on these great deals, so don’t delay.
Thanks
Anne.
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas…Again!
Posted by: | CommentsWell once again it’s beginnig to look a lot like Christmas.
Not much in the way of winter weather, but the specials are arriving on the Santa Express at Ryson’s. Twinkling Christmas decorations are up, students are playing the sound of good cheer and our staff are in a holly jolly mood.
Looking for that special musical instrument? Or perhaps rare piece of music for your favorite musician? Order now to fulfill your musical gift list for Christmas.
This year Santa’s brought some terrific holiday specials including; Typhoon Electric Guitar Amplifier bag strap and guitar, with picks and our exclusive Rysons 2 year warranty.
Everything you need to be a rock star for $225.00.
Rudolph and the gang are prancing over the specials on all brass and woodwind instruments. “Look Santa they even have jingle bells, drums sets, hand drums, celtic drums, bass guitars and amplifiers as well as mandolins, violin with cases and bows sets, all at super Holiday Savings!
Christmas Elvs are reminding us not to forget all the great accessories for your favorite musician; strings, picks, reeds, pedals, drum sticks, metronomes, tuners and much more.
Mrs. Claus is having a great time in the music book section with all the new Christmas books from “White Christmas”, “Readers Digest Christmas”, “Hilarious Christmas Books” , even Taylor Swift and Hanna Montana. Other books to make great gifts include Frank Sinatra, Beatles, Rock, Pop, Blues and many more. “Santa this is a large book store”, says Mrs. Claus.
This year’s annual Christmas Concert at Silver Spire Dec. 20 at 1:00 in the afternoon. All proceeds go to Silver Spire “Out Of The Cold”. Just $10.00 per family and if you would like to bring a toy for the needy that would be gratefully appreciated.
The short story; “The Day the Welland Canal Monster met Santa”, is a Child’s delight and available at Ryson’s Studios . It is a great book during the festive season, written by local author Frank Proctor who can also be found on AM740 Toronto. Join Tiny, Clarence, and the Welland Canal in a must read story for the holiday season.
Lots of stuff going on with our teaching staff;
- First, we’d like to welcome back Matthew Therrian who has joined our teaching staff as a piano instructor. Matthew is also acting as the Music Director at Silver Spire. As a Music Graduate from Brock University Matthew received his BA in Music, he also earned his Accredited Registered Certified Teacher certificate, (A.R.C.T.), at a early age.
- Danielle Oegema, one of our violin teachers has just released a new Cd called ‘Zusters” with all original music.
- Lauren Gasbarini one of our voice instructors is arranging several of our students in a choir for the Christmas concert. Lauren will also be finishing her broadcasting course at Niagara this year, and will be hosting the Santa Claus parade in Niagara Falls for Niagara College on November 28 airing on Cogeco.
- Dave Tufford, Torry Doyle, Jordan Phelan and Tim Popek will be putting band groups together for our Christmas concert.
If you’re looking for some great music for your Holiday Season event The Golden Hammers and The Rockin Daisies are available for your music needs. Call Anne at 905 682-6832
A large shipment of Beaver Creek guitars arrived today including the backpackers guitars, a great Christmas gift.
Speaking of great gifts, music lessons are a gift, that last a lifetime.
Our Rysons Gift Cards are available in all amounts and can be redeemed for musical instruments, instrument repairs, or music lessons and books.
Ryson’s Studio of Music is open Monday to Friday 9 to 9 Saturday 9 to 5.
If I can be of service please give me a call at 905 682-6832 or anne@rysonsmusic.com
Best Wishes,
Anne.
P.S.
Ryson’s is Home of the 2 year Warranty…don’t take chances on your new musical instrument.
“The Richest Child is Poor Without a Musical Education”
Is It A Violin or A Fiddle?
Posted by: | CommentsMany people say a fiddle is a violin with attitude. 
Fiddle has two syllables; violin has three. The goal of violin music is beauty and power and the goal of fiddling is dance ability. Violin music is hard to play, fiddle music is usually improvised in part and violin music is rarely improvised. Violin is for orchestra in a classical setting where as fiddle is usually country, pop and celtic. Fiddle is a violin played as a folk instrument.
Itzhak Perlman said “it’s a compliment to tell another violinist – ‘that’s a pretty fiddle.’”
Many fiddlers hold their instrument down on the arm rather than under the chin which frees up the jaw. This can be useful for calling square dancing. This is NOT acceptable in classical playing. Many fiddlers have discovered the benefit of classical training in the speed of their playing and note reading skills as well as learning to improvise at studios, like Rysons Music.
There’s actually no different between Violin and Fiddle except for the attitude of the musician playing the instrument. The instruments are the same but different techniques are used to create the sound.
There are a few physical differences. 
- The fiddler’s bridge may be cut so that it is slightly less curved. The reason for this is that it reduces the range of right arm motion required for the string crossing found in some styles. It also makes it easier to play double stops, shuffles and makes triple stops possible, allowing one to make chords.
- Classical violinists prefer a more rounded curve to the top of the bridge allowing them to articulate each note easily and clearly.
- Violin players usually use gut strings wound with silver to acquire a rich full quality for orchestral playing.
- Fiddle players most often use steel strings for bright tone and playing mobility.
Either way, layers of rosin binding with varnish, whether violin or fiddle is a no-no as it destroys the quality of sound.
Here’s a well-known stereotype about violins and fiddles: “if it’s over $50, it’s a violin”.
Whether you play a Fiddle or a Violin enjoy the love of music.
Kiwanis Classical Violin competition is taking place on May 4th and 5th.
Kiwanis Fiddle competition is on May 1st.
St. Catharines Downtown Fiddlefest and Car Show is on July 11th.
