A Tune A week #3
Some tunes feel like a friendly walk down the road. Others feel like a lively argument you’re happy to listen to. “Grumbling Old Man and the Growling Old Woman” definitely falls into the second category.
This tune is notey. There’s no getting around that, especially in the B-part]
The first few times through, it can feel like your bow arm and left hand are having two completely different conversations. But that’s also what makes it such a great tune to learn—and such a satisfying one once it starts to settle in.
One of the reasons this tune is such a great learning tool is how naturally it encourages double stops. They’re not just thrown in for color — they’re part of the tune’s character. Practicing this tune is a sneaky way to work on landing clean, confident double stops without it feeling like an exercise.
It’s also a strong tune for practicing cross-bowing. The phrasing nudges you across the strings in a way that really rewards good bow control. Once the bowing starts to click, the tune feels lighter, bouncier, and much more musical.
Despite all the notes, this tune has a great sense of lift and character. You can almost hear the back-and-forth suggested by the title—grumbling, growling, and maybe even a little good-natured arguing. That personality is what makes it so fun to play at speed, especially once muscle memory takes over and you’re no longer chasing every note.
If you’re looking for a tune that builds technique and keeps things playful, Grumbling Old Man and the Growling Old Woman is a perfect pick for this week.
Session Obsession 