By Gordon Powell
For those of you who were intrigued by Nathanael's article on technology and ABC format for fiddle tunes, here's another article to continue the discussion.
Having recently bought an iPad, I was interested in how this device might help me find new music and improve my fiddle playing. (The iPad, for those not familiar with it, is a flat, portable, touch-sensitive, magazine-sized screen, that can connect with the Internet.) I had previously visited some ABC sites to look for new tunes, but didn't like how I ended up having to sit at my computer to play if I didn't want to print the page off. (Printing is fine if I want to keep the song, but not if I just want to sample it!)
Doing a search in the iTunes store for music applications, I came across an "app" called "Tunebook for the iPad" that was exactly what I was looking for, and it only cost me $1.99. (http://appshopper.com/music/tunebook-for-ipad) This mini-program allows me to open ABC format tunes on my iPad and view them as sheet music. The application will even play the tune for me so I can hear what it sounds like. The best part, is that I can set up my iPad on my music stand and play to my heart's content.
Fiddle tunes in ABC format
Some other interesting links to view:
Words to many Old Time tunes:
Old Time Fiddling on Youtube
Old Time MP3s
