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"I've absolutely enjoyed your writings during my breaks for the past few days. As far as i am concern, you are in the league of James Harriot."I am looking forward to the day that you compile them into a book and publish it."- Jack, Pittsburgh, PAWow, you are my hero---you write only the truth. You have encapsulated your book to be written. You have the gift of wordiage and experience. 'Twas indeed a pleasure to read your article. Thanks and cheers to you!-Joe, North East, PennsylvaniaI find Rhiannon's writings intelligent, and intriguingly witty and encourage her to write more as I consider her [articles] most interesting of all I have read [on violinist.com]!- Scott, Columbus, OhioBravo, Rhiannon! You are a passionate teacher and a gifted reporter and storyteller. And a generous human being, living out and dramatizing [a player's] triumphs even after she has moved on to another teacher.- Roy Sonne, Pittsburg, PAI enjoyed reading some of your writings, they are impressive. You've got a wonderful sense of humor. Loved the "Red Violin." Your site has been bookmarked and I'll explore some more. Your site made my night.- Russell, Winnsboro SC
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Rhiannon Schmitt's Article Archive:
Violin & Music Writings, Concert reviews and Essays
Fiddleheads' owner Rhiannon Schmitt has written music & violin columns and concert reviews for Music Teacher Magazine, BC Musician Magazine and currently for Gonzo Magazine.
Her writings receive a large online readership from players seeking advice and entertainment in the field of violin and music. Humour is her favourite style as she can be a bit of a smart-ass at times, and heck, the life of a self-employed musician is pretty funny.
Your comments and story pitches are welcome.
Rhiannon is happy to assist as an expert in the violin field for other writers completing works on the subject. For example, her work was referenced in a USA Today science article about violins vs. fiddles.
Check back often for new content and thanks for your readership. You may also be interested in The Fiddleheads Gazette, Rhiannon's online violin magazine.
Browse By Topic: All Things Violin/Viola - Concert Reviews & Interviews - Heartfelt - Humorous - Classical Music - Pop Culture - Learning & Education
Most Popular:
Violin or fiddle?: Settling the Subtle Differences Between these Distant Cousins (As referenced to in USA Today's WonderQuest Science Column)
Strad or Dud?: Discovering “The Red Violin” of Stradivariuses is pretty much impossible. Shucks.
Viola Players Have the Last Laugh: Viola Jokes don't discourage us from filling in the harmonies and living a quiet life in the orchestra pit
Latest Additions:
Talking Tone is Harder than it Sounds: Words which describe the tonal qualities of violins and other instruments
Hou Does She Do It?: Interview with Canadian violin star Susanne Hou where she passionately shares everything in her music world from the nearly $3-million violin she plays to her love of Elvis
Cheap Ebay Violins, Sadly, an Easy Sell for Some: The Deal that is "Too Good to Be True" certainly is Just That
All Things Violin/Viola
Try That Violin on For Size: A Violin Teacher Assists Players in Finding the Correct Violin for their Age and Size, Plus a Few other Useful Hints
Forrest Gump's Red Violin: The "Truth" to a Violin's Past is Revealed
The Dark Side of The Violin: Crooked Luthiers, Greedy Salesmen and Other Creepy Creatures Exposed
Dance of the Pawn Shop Swindlers: Don't Let their Tactics Throw you off Balance
Violin Playin' Ain't for Sissies: A Soloist's Heroic Battle with a Bug
Careful with That Axe, Eugene: "Don't practice your backhand with your Strad" and other tips on violin care.
Violin or fiddle?: Settling the Subtle Differences Between these Distant Cousins (As referenced to in USA Today's WonderQuest Science Column)
Strad or Dud?: Discovering “The Red Violin” of Stradivariuses is pretty much impossible. Shucks.
The Fiddle Movement: Generation-X is Resurrecting Fiddle Music
Exercize Your Body & Spirit: Forget the Tummy Trimmer: Play your Violin for a Complete Experience
"Buy This Violin!" Instrument Purchasing for Newbies: A music teacher sheds light on the delicate issue of purchasing a violin or other stringed instrument
Cheap Ebay Violins, Sadly, an Easy Sell for Some: The Deal that is "Too Good to Be True" certainly is Just That
Viola Players Have the Last Laugh: Viola Jokes don't discourage us from filling in the harmonies and living a quiet life in the orchestra pit
Winter With No Strings Attached: Cold, dry weather is perfect for polar bears and penguins but fierce for fiddles. Canada's Rhiannon Schmitt offers advice on how to keep violin strings and instruments from breaking in Winter.
Breaking New Ground by Breaking-In a New Violin: Enjoy the beauty of a new violin beyond just good looks. Break it in with play and and witness the tone open up and mature.
Intonation: Pitch’s Evil Vendetta with Violinists: What is Intonation, What is Good Intonation and Where Can I Get Some?
Concert Reviews & Interviews
In Conversation with Canadian Fiddler Shari Ulrich: Music, motherhood, fiddles and other important stuff
Fiddle with an Attitude: A Review of Fiddler Ashley MacIsaac in Concert, May 2003
Home-Cooked Symphony Concert: A Review of Fiddler Natalie MacMaster in Concert with the Okanagan Symphony, March 2003
In Conversation with Pinchas Zukerman: The Violinist/Violist/Conductor shares his passions & inspirations
Blow Your Nose if You Liked the Music: An Unlikely Combo of Classical Violin Music and a Traditional Country Fair
Classical Fiddling Adds Spark to Symphony: Review of Canadian Soloist Scott St. John in Concert
Symphonies Need More Kidding Around: A Review of the Okanagan Symphony School Concerts, Spring 2005
Heartfelt
Blair's Bass: An Exceptional Gift from an Exceptional Woman
The Violin That Saved Frank Smith's Life: A discovery that would open up his heart and his memories was simply waiting under the bed
A Soundtrack for Healing: Father and Daughter Share a Musical Connection
Dad's Guitar: Learning the stories of a man's life though his music
Christmas Volunteer Musician Syndrome: At Christmas even the bitterest musicians become giddy and frivolous
Three Generations of Musicians: The Kuroyamas Share a Legacy
Jingle Hell: Suffering a Musician's Fate Each December
Children Manifest Life’s Virtues: A Violin Teacher Recognizes the Strengths in her Pupils (June 2003)
Humorous
The Muzak Code: Screaming for Silence: A Musical Twist on Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code"
Forrest Gump's Red Violin: The "Truth" to a Violin's Past is Revealed
Psychological Analysis of Violin Student Personality Traits 101: An mentally gifted and exceptionally verbose violin teacher unravels the mysteries surrounding the complex inner workings of the violin student's mind
The Dark Side of The Violin: Crooked Luthiers, Greedy Salesmen and Other Creepy Creatures Exposed
Dance of the Pawn Shop Swindlers: Don't Let their Tactics Throw you off Balance
Violin Playin' Ain't for Sissies: A Soloist's Heroic Battle with a Bug
Viola Players Have the Last Laugh: Viola Jokes don't discourage us from filling in the harmonies and living a quiet life in the orchestra pit
Jingle Hell: Suffering a Musician's Fate Each December
Concerto for Composer with Writer's Block in C minor: Writer's Block, Deadlines and Other Creepy Things that go Bump in the Night
"Romantic" Composers Takes on a Whole New Meaning: Mozart, Schubert & Tchaikovsky Meet Today's Dating Scene
Pop Culture Blue Bin: Elvis didn’t die, they just stuck him in the blue bin!
Rhiannon's List of Essential Music: Something for Everyone on Your Christmas List
So You Want to Be a Music Teacher: Preaching to the Younger Generation of Musicians
Don't Shoot the Beginner Piano Player: A Violin Teacher Tries her "Hands" at Piano Playing
Music Festival Mayhem: A Violin Teacher's Frantic Struggle Against Time
Classical Music
Once Upon A Time: A Violin Teacher Witnesses Her Former Student Tackling Rimsky-Korsakov's "Sheherazade" and Provides Interesting History on the Piece
Concerto for Composer with Writer's Block in C minor: Writer's Block, Deadlines and Other Creepy Things that go Bump in the Night
"Romantic" Composers Takes on a Whole New Meaning: Mozart, Schubert & Tchaikovsky Meet Today's Dating Scene
Classical Christmas: The classical origins of our most cherished carols
House Concerts Keep Musicians Close to Home: From Noisy Basement Raves to Classical "Schubertiads"
Pop Culture
Carol or Song: The Modern Christmas Music Catalog Has Many Options to Enjoy
“Muggles” Make Magical Music: Exploring Harry Potter's Influence on Music
Busk or Bust: An "street-wise" musician and teacher educates the public on the world of busking and offers musicians advice on making good tips as a busker.
The Muzak Code: Screaming for Silence: A Musical Twist on Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code"
A Musical Web: Beethoven's Internet-Like Concept Took 194 Years to Manifest Itself
Pop Culture Blue Bin: Elvis didn’t die, they just stuck him in the blue bin
Electric (Violin) Shock Treatment: ZETA Violins Broaden the Minds and Opportunities of Many
The Kid Rocks : Growing up on a Varied Musical Diet
Rhiannon's List of Essential Music: Something for Everyone on Your Christmas List
Learning & Education
Psychological Analysis of Violin Student Personality Traits 101: An mentally gifted and exceptionally verbose violin teacher unravels the mysteries surrounding the complex inner workings of the violin student's mind
Talking Tone is Harder than it Sounds: Words which describe the tonal qualities of violins and other instruments
Try That Violin on For Size: A Violin Teacher Assists Players in Finding the Correct Violin for their Age and Size, Plus a Few other Useful Hints
Intonation: Pitch’s Evil Vendetta with Violinists: What is Intonation, What is Good Intonation and Where Can I Get Some?
Compose Yourself: Encouraging Music Students to Write their Own Music
So You Want to Be a Music Teacher: Preaching to the Younger Generation of Musicians
Don't Shoot the Beginner Piano Player: A Violin Teacher Tries her "Hands" at Piano Playing
Perfect Practice Makes Perfect: Inspiring Players to Pratice their Art
Symphonic Apprentice: A Violin Teacher and Her Fiddle Student Share An Orchestral Experience
Music Festival Mayhem: A Violin Teacher's Frantic Struggle Against Time
Musical Family: Why Parents Should Learn an Instrument with their Children
Potential for Music Growth Every April: Salmon Arm, BC Hosts Annual Music Festivals
Getting the Pointe: As a child I had to choose between two loves: Violin or Ballet? Many years, a career and family later I realise it's never too late to travel down the path I left behind and give my second priority dream a second chance.