The book is designed to make the personal aspects of traditional Irish fiddle playing, improvisation and interpretation, accessible to novice players. Drawing on his experience writing out reels, jigs and other tunes for new players at a North London session and teaching fiddle, the author conveys what to do with tunes to make them your own. The first part of the book discusses such subjects as the "language" of traditional music, posture, bowing, and effective practice, with a detailed analysis of left and right hand technique. The second section is a selection of tunes that demonstrate the ideas in the first part. The aim of the book is to allow the player to look more closely at their technique while also improving accuracy and speed. A recording adds an extra dimension to the learning experience. Includes access to online audio.

Arthur Darley's Jig      
Eddie Kelly's Reel      
Foxhunter's Reel      
John Stenson's Reel      
Julia Delaney      
Louis' Reel      
O'Rourke's      
Off to California      
Paddy's Trip to Scotland      
Pat Tuohey's Reel      
The Boys of Malin      
The Bunch of Keys      
The Butterfly      
The Concrete Cow      
The Connaughtman's Rambles      
The Duke of Leinster      
The Emerald Jig      
The Hunter's Purse      
The Mason's Apron      
The Morning Dew      
The Mountain Road      
The Musical Priest (version 1)      
The Musical Priest (version 2)      
The Peacock's Feather      
The Retiro Jig      
The Roscommon Reel      
The Ships in Full Sail