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

If that happened consistently it would drive me mad!

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

Show Notes

Episode 11: Leonard Barry If that happened consistently it would drive me mad! Summary In this episode of 'In Tune with Tradition’, Tara engages in a deep conversation with uileann piper Leonard Barry about the significance of Irish music sessions, the etiquette involved, and the importance of respect and listening in traditional music. They explore the dynamics of group sessions, the role of accompaniment instruments, and the need for inclusivity and encouragement for new musicians. The discussion highlights memorable experiences in sessions and the collective joy that music brings to both musicians and listeners alike. Links from Show: Course starting in January. Buy now at 2025 prices. Prices will go up at 11.59pm on 31st December 2025. https://www.sessionetiquette.com/courses

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 01:58 The Importance of Irish Music Sessions 05:23 Learning Through Listening 07:58 Session Etiquette for Beginners 11:18 The Role of Accompaniment Instruments 14:25 Creating the Right Atmosphere in Sessions 16:48 Respect and Inclusivity in Music 20:04 Navigating Different Skill Levels 22:45 Recording in Sessions 25:00 The Magic of Shared Musical Experiences 27:25 Encouraging New Musicians 29:52 Memorable Sessions and Learning from Heroes 32:46 The Dynamics of Group Sessions 35:26 Awareness and Respect in Sessions 38:11 Final Thoughts on Session Etiquette

Keywords Irish music, session etiquette, traditional music, listening skills, music community, respect, learning, musicianship, cultural heritage, music sessions, uileann pipes, Irish music sessions

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

Oct 17, 2026

In this episode of In Tune with Tradition, Tara chats with harper Janet Harbison at the Donegal Harp Summer School in Dungloe. Janet has spent a lifetime around the Irish harp, but this conversation is as much about belonging as it is about the belonging of the instrument. Tara and Janet talk about sessions as social life and practice, the difference between a harper and a harpist, learning the core session repertoire and why Janet now describes herself as a teacher of social musicianship. Along the way, Janet traces a musical life through Dublin, Belfast and Donegal, and reflects on the musicians, teachers, students and sessions that shaped how she thinks about traditional music. “Where there was traditional music, there was my tribe.” Mentioned in this episode: Patrick MacGill Festival Visit www.patrickmacgillfestival.ie for more details.

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This episode Éamon Ó Ciosáin talks with Tara about nerves, listening and the things musicians gradually learn by actually spending time in Irish music sessions. Éamon speaks openly about going blank when asked to start a tune, playing slightly above your comfort level and why nerves do not necessarily disappear with experience.

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This episode of In Tune with Tradition was recorded in person in Miltown Malbay during Willie Clancy Week 2025, (shortly after the podcast was officially launched), where Clare fiddle player, teacher and broadcaster Joan Hanrahan joins Tara Connaghan for a warm, reflective conversation about what Irish traditional music sessions really are: shared spaces built on listening, trust, and people first. They talk through session etiquette, intergenerational learning, the role of repetition and repertoire, and why music can feel healing in moments of grief, joy, and everything in between.

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