You’ve moved beyond the initial learning curve with your hurdy-gurdy. Your trompette is (mostly!) behaving, you’ve got a repertoire of tunes, and you’re comfortable with the instrument’s core mechanics. But now you’re asking: what’s next? How do you refine your technique, deepen your musicality, and perhaps even start developing your own unique style?

If you’re looking to break through plateaus and gain fresh perspectives, then “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing” by Quentin Budworth might be the catalyst you need.

Why This Book is a Must-Have for Intermediate Players

This isn’t just another beginner’s guide. “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” is pitched as a collection of “distilled knowledge, reflections and insights from hurdy-gurdy players engaged with diverse traditions and contemporary practices.” For an intermediate player, this means access to nuanced perspectives that can transform your playing.

The book’s unique structure – a different player featured in each chapter – offers a rich tapestry of approaches to:

• Refining Musicality: Moving beyond playing notes to truly expressing emotion and interpretation.
• Advanced Playing Technique: Unlocking subtleties in your crank, trompette control, and melodic ornamentation.
• Deepening Theoretical Understanding: Gaining insights into how theory informs practice, arrangement, and improvisation.
• Effective Practice Strategies: Learning how seasoned players approach their development and maintain inspiration.
• Pedagogy & Learning Styles: Understanding different philosophies of teaching and learning, which can inform your own self-directed study.
• Elevating Performance: Gaining confidence and presence when sharing your music.
• Exploring Social & Historical Context: Broadening your appreciation for the instrument’s rich heritage and evolving role.

The book aims to “delight, enthuse, enlighten and inspire even the most experienced hurdy-gurdy player,” promising to bring “more power to every reader’s music-making.” It’s about standing on the shoulders of giants to significantly enhance your own musicianship.

Learn from the Masters: A Glimpse at the Contributors

The sheer breadth of expertise packed into this volume is remarkable. You’ll find writing and interviews with over 30 leading international players, including luminaries such as: Bruno Andersen, Patrick Bouffard, Nicolas Boulerice, Quentin Budworth, Gilles Chabenat, Germán Díaz, Oscar Fernandez, Matthias Loibner, Michalina Malisz, Isabelle Pignol, Benoît Roblin, Steve Tyler, Pablo Caamiña Ursusson, Mary Vanhoozer, and many more. Imagine tapping into that collective wisdom!

What Fellow Musicians Are Saying:

The praise from early readers speaks volumes:

• ‘Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent book. It was really interesting to read about the philosophy and approach to playing the gurdy of such a variety of musicians, and it inspired me to play my gurdy, which is never a bad thing!’ – Wolfie Fiddler
• ‘It’s an excellent book. I learn something new from every chapter!’ – Kevin Holland, multi-instrumentalist. (This is exactly what an intermediate player is looking for!)
• ‘There’s an immense amount of work there and it’s a credit to you. Thanks also for the occasional name check!’ – Neil Brook, Luthier.
• ‘A fascinating read. Not only for hurdy-gurdy players and other musicians, but with insights from 32 leading players from around the world, for anyone who likes people’s stories. Recommended! Nice one Q!’ – Lou Dufy-Howard

Secure Your Copy & Support the Author Directly

“The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” (ISBN: 978-1-0684248-0-9) is a 245-page paperback.

• Price: UK £24.99 + £5.00 P&P
• Official Launch Date: May 1st, 2025
• Great News for Eager Players! Pre-launch copies are available RIGHT NOW directly from the author, Quentin Budworth.

Why order direct?

1. Maximise the author’s royalty (and minimise Amazon’s hefty cut).
2. Help Quentin connect with his readers for future projects.
3. Enjoy the satisfaction of supporting an independent artist (and giving “a billionaire, Jeff Bezos, a little kick in the shin!”).

How to Order Directly:
Email Quentin Budworth at quentinbudworth@yahoo.com with:

1. Your postal address
2. Your preferred payment method (PayPal or Direct Bank Transfer)
   He will then provide the payment details.

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If you’re an intermediate hurdy-gurdy player serious about deepening your craft, exploring new ideas, and finding inspiration from some of the best in the field, “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” sounds like an invaluable resource to add to your collection.