In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music

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

If you work the hardest in Irish music, you get the most reward

Summary Join Tara Connaghan for an in-depth conversation with Damien Mullane, a distinguished Irish accordion player from London. We explore session etiquette, the importance of inclusivity and handling mistakes. Links www.sessionetiquette.com www.sketchcity.co Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Irish Traditional Music Sessions 09:37 Engaging New Musicians and Session Etiquette 18:58 The Role of Mistakes in Music 28:08 Fostering a Positive Session Environment 34:23 Navigating Musical Etiquette in Sessions 36:08 The Dynamics of Playing with Friends 38:38 The Balance of Fun and Seriousness in Music 39:58 Embracing Mistakes and Humor in Performance 42:08 Understanding Session Traditions and Etiquette 45:41 The Role of Speed in Musical Sessions 49:37 Finding Balance Between Singers and Musicians 52:43 Identifying and Addressing Session Disruptions 58:35 Personal Growth Through Musical Expression keywords Irish traditional music, session etiquette, music community, improvisation, musical mistakes, inclusivity, session leadership, Irish culture, music education, live performance

How to find your voice in Irish traditional music

Discover how Irish music sessions are more than just tunes, they're vibrant social gatherings that thrive on authenticity, politeness, and shared musical language. Join us as we explore the nuances of session etiquette, musical identity, and the magic of finding your voice within the community. MAIN TOPICS: * The social fabric and etiquette of Irish music sessions * Developing personal musical voice and confidence * The cultural differences in music perception and participation IN THIS EPISODE: * Lexie Boatwright shares her journey of adapting to Irish musical nuances and social vibes * Insight into how social connection and politeness shape session interactions * The importance of self-awareness and authenticity for musicians * The role of rhythm, dynamics, and personal style in Irish music * The cultural contrast in perceptions of competition, performance, and self-promotion * Practical advice on how to contribute meaningfully to sessions at any level * Reflection on how musical and cultural identity influence learning and performing TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - The social essence of Irish sessions and fitting in 00:27 - The importance of social vibe over technical skill 01:46 - How social and musical dynamics intertwine 03:46 - The role of caring and authenticity in sessions 05:13 - Building connections through social interaction 06:26 - Vulnerability and learning as an adult musician 07:42 - The impact of travel and access on learning Irish music 09:02 - Brain science and learning Irish music 10:48 - The stages of developing fluency and confidence 12:48 - The significance of rhythm, swing, and phrasing 15:01 - The analogy of storytelling and fluency in music 16:44 - Recognising Irish musical vernacular and accents 17:34 - The importance of organising and sharing musical vocabulary 18:56 - The beauty in imperfection and being yourself in sessions 21:07 - Playing your unique voice, the confidence to being your true self 23:40 - Cultural reflections on Irish versus American musical attitudes 26:10 - Session etiquette and politeness over social dominance 28:56 - How to navigate social cues and musical contributions 33:49 - Making space for different instruments and musical expressions 36:29 - The accessibility of Irish music and the importance of persistence 42:22 - The value of hunger, access, and community in learning 44:32 - The long-term approach to mastering Irish music 49:26 - Embracing mistakes and the non-perfection in performance 54:36 - The cultural lens on competition versus performance 57:23 - The role of festivals, competitions, and social mixing 62:34 - The importance of social interactions and playing together 66:29 - Finding your voice and the social-cultural context of Irish music 70:14 - Building confidence and sharing your music authentically 75:36 - Developing your musical voice through variation and exploration 79:26 - The significance of rhythm, dynamics, and ornamentation 83:08 - Contributing to the session beyond just playing tunes 86:38 - The social glue: belonging and community in Irish music 89:22 - Neuroscience of learning music and neurodiversity 93:43 - The relationship between classical and Irish traditional music 97:04 - Overcoming self-consciousness in hearing your own voice 99:52 - Recognising mistakes and the natural flow of performance 106:54 - The importance of intentionality and matching rhythm 111:58 - Dynamics, phrasing, and micro-dynamics in session playing 120:13 - Defining Irish music: features, patterns, and cultural identity 122:32 - The role of accompaniment and social harmony in sessions 126:51 - Final thoughts on authenticity, community, and musical self-acceptance Resources & Links: * The Consequences - Band Website [https://theconsequencesband.com/] * 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] Produced, recorded & edited by Tara Connaghan and guest editor Anita Alvarez Santos