How to find your voice in Irish traditional music
In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional MusicShow Notes
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 In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette
Produced, recorded & edited by Tara Connaghan and guest editor Anita Alvarez Santos
More from In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music
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.
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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