Becoming one with your music
In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional MusicShow Notes
Keywords Irish traditional music, session etiquette, community, camaraderie, listening, singing, dance, evolution, music sessions, respect Summary In this inaugural episode of 'In Tune with Tradition', Tara Connaghan and Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh delve into the rich tapestry of Irish traditional music sessions. They explore the unwritten etiquette that governs these gatherings, emphasising the importance of camaraderie, listening, and community. The conversation highlights the evolution of Irish music, the role of singing and dancing, and the significance of respect and sensitivity in sessions. Mairead shares personal anecdotes and insights, offering guidance for beginners and reflecting on the joy and spiritual connection that music brings to both musicians and listeners alike.
Takeaways
Irish music sessions foster a unique camaraderie among musicians. Listening is a crucial skill in music sessions. The evolution of Irish music includes the integration of chords and harmonies. Singing adds depth and variety to music sessions. Dance is an integral part of traditional Irish music. Respect and manners are essential in music sessions. Beginners should focus on listening before playing. The joy of music transcends age and experience. Self-consciousness can hinder musical expression. Music creates a spiritual connection among participants.
Titles
Exploring the Heart of Irish Music Sessions Camaraderie and Community in Traditional Music
Sound bites
"Music keeps your mind young." "The cart before the horse, you know." "You are a whole, the music and..."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Irish Traditional Music Sessions 01:21 The Meaning of Music Sessions 04:32 Camaraderie and Community in Music 07:07 The Role of Listening in Sessions 10:27 The Evolution of Irish Music 11:54 The Importance of Singing in Sessions 14:27 Dance and Music: A Traditional Connection 16:55 The Transition from House Dances to Sessions 20:12 The Growth of Music Sessions in the Northwest 22:02 The Impact of Paid Sessions 25:15 Guidelines for Beginners in Sessions 29:05 The Art of Listening and Sensitivity 32:27 The Balance of Ego in Music 36:29 Finding Joy in Music 38:53 Navigating New Sessions 43:00 Respect and Manners in Music Sessions 47:19 Successful Sessions for Beginners and Advanced Musicians 50:52 The Essence of Music and Oneness 54:56 Final Thoughts on Music and Community
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.
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.
Fiddle player and teacher Jacqui Martin joins Tara Connaghan to talk about friendship, slow sessions, rhythm, seating, safe places to play and why Irish music sessions can feel like strange social experiments where anyone can walk in and change the whole evening.
This episode explores how music can regulate the nervous system, build belonging, and help people feel safe in communal playing spaces. Tara Connaghan is joined by Louise Kelly, a consultant music therapist from the North of Ireland, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of Resilient Rhythms, whose perspective connects traditional music with anxiety, confidence, and connection. We discuss why some players sit on the periphery, why others play loudly or keep leaving and returning, and how those behaviours can be understood through fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses rather than judgment.