Hi everyone, Joel Kennedy here with Kennedy Violins! Today, we’re taking another break from our usual Suzuki repertoire to play a beautiful Irish tune—Down by the Salley Gardens. 

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Playing the Tune

Before we break down the details, let’s play through Down by the Sally Gardens together.

This melody has a simple but expressive structure, making it a great piece to focus on dynamics and phrasing. If you’re familiar with traditional Irish music, you’ll recognize the flowing, lyrical quality of this piece. Now, let’s go over some key elements to help you master it.

Key Signature and Finger Placement

This piece is in D major, which means we have two sharps: F# and C#. For your left hand, that means all second fingers will be in a high position:

• High second finger on the A string (C#)

• High second finger on the E string (F#)

• Remember, the second finger is either next to the first finger (low position) or next to the third finger (high position). In this case, it’s always high!

Time Signature and Rhythm

We are in common time (4/4), meaning there are four beats per measure and the quarter note gets one beat. The rhythm of this piece is quite straightforward, with the trickiest part being the dotted quarter note in the third line. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Half note = 2 beats

• Dotted half note = 3 beats

• Dotted quarter note = 1.5 beats, followed by an eighth note

To internalize the rhythm, I played this piece with a metronome set to 85 BPM. Playing along with a metronome is a great way to ensure a steady tempo and accurate note values.

Phrasing and Expressiveness

One of the most beautiful aspects of Down by the Salley Gardens is its phrasing. You’ll notice small commas in the music—these indicate breaths or natural pauses in the melody. These moments add to the expressiveness of the tune and make it feel more like a sung melody.

When you see these commas, allow a small break in your bowing. It doesn’t mean a full stop, but a subtle separation to enhance the musicality.

Dynamics and Expression

This piece has fantastic opportunities for dynamic contrast:

• The first measure starts with a crescendo that builds to the second measure.

• The third line features a crescendo to double forte, making this the emotional peak of the piece.

• There’s a fermata over a D natural in the third line—hold this note to create a moment of tension before resolving.

• Finally, we transition into mezzo piano, giving the piece a reflective, melancholic ending.

Here’s an example of how to shape the dynamics:

By carefully following these crescendos and diminuendos, you can transform this tune from a simple melody into an expressive, moving piece.

The Story Behind the Song

Down by the Salley Gardens is a sad song, telling a story of unrequited love and the regrets of youth. When playing, try to capture this sorrowful and wistful emotion. Think of it as a storytelling moment—your violin is the voice conveying the meaning behind the lyrics.

Final Thoughts

If you really take the time to shape your sound, use your bow expressively, and lean into the dynamics, this piece becomes a joy to play—not just for yourself, but for anyone listening. It’s a great song to perform, as it connects deeply with audiences.

I hope you found this playalong helpful! If you have any questions or comments, drop them below—I answer almost all of them. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the channel for more playalong and technique videos. Have fun practicing Down by the Salley Gardens, and happy playing!