The Song is the Boss

What makes a good Irish music session?

In this episode of In Tune with Tradition, Tara Connaghan speaks with Donal O’Connor in Belfast ahead of Belfast Trad Festival and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. This conversation goes straight into one of the hardest parts of Irish session culture: expectations. Donal talks about how different people arrive at a session wanting different things. Young musicians may want to play their new tunes. Adult learners and intermediate players may want the buzz of a big inclusive session. Older or more experienced musicians may hope for a smaller corner, strong repertoire, good listening, space, chat and musical connection. The problems begin when all of those expectations land in the same room and are not spoken about. Donal also talks about Belfast Trad Festival, the challenge of managing session trails, why master musicians need space to play too, how listening sessions can help, why song and dance matter, and why respect remains central to the whole thing. This is a practical, thoughtful conversation about sessions as living social spaces: places where music, people, rooms, listeners, age, gender, alcohol, confidence, safety and expectation all meet.

Podcast 1st birthday special - Celebrating a year of Irish music sessions and community

Join Tara Connaghan as she reflects on a vibrant year of exploring Irish music sessions, session etiquette, and community connection via the In Tune with Tradition podcast. This special episode features insights from musicians, educators, and session enthusiasts from around the world discussing what makes sessions meaningful and how to foster better experiences for all. Guests: Dr. Michael Walsh, Michael Eskin, Lori Madden and Mimi Vidaver-Davis. Transcript available on https://www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast This episode is also available to watch on https://www.youtube.com/live/V6ItyDgg9y0 Resources Celtic Back-Up for All Instruments by Chris Smith [https://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Back-Up-Instrumentalists-Chris-Smith/dp/0786640650] (book) John Doyle Guitar on YouTube [https://duckduckgo.com/?q=youtube.com+john+doyle+guitar&ia=web] Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival, UK [https://www.sheffieldfolksessionsfestival.co.uk/] Dr. Michael Walsh [https://www.michaelwalshmusic.com/home] Michael Eskin [https://www.michaeleskin.com/] San Diego Comhaltas [https://www.sandiegocomhaltas.org/] Mimi Vidaver-Davis [https://www.brightwoodtunes.com/mimi] Blue Ridge Irish Music School [https://blueridgeirishmusic.org/] Virginia-based Irish music education Plough and Stars pub [https://theploughandstars.com/] The Starry Plough pub [https://thestarryplough.com/] Slainte pub [https://slainteoakland.com/] TheSession.org [http://TheSession.org] - source of tunes, discussions, directory of sessions TradRadar.ie [http://TradRadar.ie] - directory or sessions in Ireland Shift.Irish [https://shift.irish/] - app to connect Irish people at home and abroad plus list of sessions / pubs In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience [https://www.sessionetiquette.com/retreat] https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette [https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette?utm_source=search] In Tune with Tradition / Session Etiquette website - https://www.sessionetiquette.com Sign up to the In Tune with Tradition newsletter https://www.sessionetiquette.com/newsletter-signup [https://www.sessionetiquette.com/newsletter-signup] Intro music: Track 1: John Phadaí Chonchubhair’s jig - Derek McGinley & Tara Connaghan ‘Far Side of the Glen’ album [https://farsideoftheglen.com/wp/](2011)

The Song is the Boss

Summary In this engaging conversation, Tara Connaghan speaks with Deirdre Scanlan, former singer with Irish music group, Solas. Deirdre is a passionate musician and educator, about the essence of Irish music, the importance of traditional singing, and the dynamics of music sessions. She shares her insights on emotional connections in music, the role of technology, and the challenges of teaching and learning in the musical community. They explore the expectations and realities of participating in music sessions, the significance of participation, and the balance between tradition and innovation. The discussion also touches on listener questions, providing valuable perspectives on navigating the world of Irish music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deirdre Scanlan 01:50 The Essence of Irish Music Sessions 05:35 Understanding Traditional Singing 09:15 Emotional Connection in Music 12:51 Gender Perspectives in Music Expression 15:31 The Evolution of Tradition 17:14 Variations in Singing vs. Instrumental Performance 22:57 Teaching and Learning in Music 28:24 Navigating Music Sessions 30:46 Navigating Session Etiquette 33:39 Understanding Session Dynamics 36:15 The Role of Personal Experience in Sessions 38:24 Baggage and Expectations in Musical Spaces 40:48 Inclusivity and Participation in Sessions 44:26 The Pressure of Performance and Hosting 47:45 Diverse Motivations in Musical Sessions 51:20 Finding Value in Every Session 54:16 Session Behaviour and Respect 56:20 Exploring Session Dynamics and Imposter Syndrome 58:22 The Art of Participation in Musical Sessions 01:01:22 Navigating Social Expectations in Irish Music 01:04:01 Understanding Personal Motivations in Musical Engagement 01:06:56 Supporting Others in Musical Settings 01:09:47 Final Thoughts and Personal Connections to Music Resources In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience [https://www.sessionetiquette.com/retreat] https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette [https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette?utm_source=search] In Tune with Tradition / Session Etiquette website - https://www.sessionetiquette.com Sign up to the In Tune with Tradition newsletter https://www.sessionetiquette.com/newsletter-signup [https://www.sessionetiquette.com/newsletter-signup] Deirdre Scanlan [https://www.facebook.com/DeirdreScanlanMusic/] To read the transcript, please listen to the episode on www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast [www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast] This is the transcript Tara generates (not AI generated). Transcript assistance was given by Darragh Ó hÉiligh.

I really LOVE Irish music

Summary Join Tara Connaghan as she chats with Four Men and a Dog bodhrán player, Gino Lupari. Explore the rich culture of Irish traditional music sessions, the importance of etiquette, and how to improve as a musician. Insights from a seasoned Irish musician sharing stories, tips, and the essence of session camaraderie. Chapters 00:00 The Origins of Four Men and a Dog 03:42 The Heart of Irish Music Sessions 08:52 The Power of Community in Music 14:32 Navigating Session Etiquette 20:12 The Balance of Skill and Inclusion in Sessions 25:53 Introduction to Sketch City and Music Culture 26:41 The Importance of Listening in Music 29:18 Navigating Musical Expectations and Parental Influence 31:21 The Journey of Learning and Playing Music 35:04 Understanding the Tools of Music 39:13 Passing Down Musical Traditions 42:18 The Role of Dancers in Music 44:48 Teaching Adults in Music 48:44 The Rhythm of Music and Its Influence 50:40 Exploring the Dynamics of Music Sessions 52:59 The Journey of Learning and Practicing Music 54:45 Navigating the Social Structures of Music Sessions 58:22 The Importance of Confidence in Joining Sessions 01:03:01 The Role of Listeners in Music Sessions Resources: In Tune with Tradition / Session Etiquette website - https://www.sessionetiquette.com [https://www.sessionetiquette.com] http://www.fourmenandadog.net/ [http://www.fourmenandadog.net/] Sign up to the In Tune with Tradition newsletter https://www.sessionetiquette.com/newsletter-signup [https://www.sessionetiquette.com/newsletter-signup] www.sketchcity.co [http://www.sketchcity.co/] In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience [https://www.sessionetiquette.com/retreat] https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette [https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette?utm_source=search] To read the transcript, please listen to the episode on www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast [www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast] This is the transcript Tara generates (not AI generated).

You need to know these chords!

Episode 17: Robert Sommer Join Tara Connaghan as she interviews Robert Sommer, a newcomer to Irish traditional music, about his journey into sessions, the social and technical aspects of playing guitar, and how music can be a source of joy and connection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:22 What does an Irish session mean to Robert? 07:42 The moment Robert decided to pursue Irish music 11:34 Music as a source of joy and connection 15:34 Advice for beginners and newcomers 22:35 Overcoming nerves and self-consciousness 28:46 Technical tips: chords, tunings, and ornamentation 35:18 The importance of listening and contributing 42:02 Session etiquette and respecting the music 52:22 The community and cultural significance of Irish sessions 01:03:45 Final thoughts and Robert’s question for next guest Resources: www.sessionetiquette.com [http://www.sessionetiquette.com/] www.sketchcity.co [http://www.sketchcity.co/] In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience [https://sessionetiquette.com/] https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette [https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette?utm_source=search] The Irish Fest Kansas City - https://www.kcirishfest.com keywords Irish music, traditional sessions, guitar, fiddle, music journey, session etiquette, Irish culture, musical learning, community music, Irish festivals