The Bodhrán Episode Part 2
In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional MusicShow Notes
Summary In this episode, Aimée Farrell-Courtney discusses the intricacies of session etiquette in Irish traditional music, focusing on the importance of volume control, positioning, and creating an inclusive environment for all musicians. She emphasises the need for clear communication, establishing guidelines, and fostering a supportive community among players. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities of session hosts and the significance of building connections within the music community.
Takeaways Understanding the volume and positioning of instruments is crucial in a session. Creating an inclusive environment is the responsibility of all musicians. Establishing session guidelines can help maintain the integrity of the music. Different types of sessions require different approaches and awareness. Effective communication is key to resolving conflicts in sessions. Building confidence in musicians can enhance the overall session experience. Hosts have a responsibility to guide and support musicians in sessions. Finding a supportive community can greatly benefit musicians' growth. Respect and inclusivity are essential in Irish traditional music. Musicians should be prepared and do their homework before joining a session.
Sound Bites "You have to do your homework too." "We need the melody to work on." "It's not one size fits all."
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Session Etiquette 01:36 Understanding Instrument Volume and Positioning 05:50 Creating an Inclusive Session Environment 07:48 Establishing Session Guidelines for Musicians 10:22 Navigating Different Types of Sessions 14:49 Communicating Effectively in Sessions 18:58 Building Confidence and Community Among Musicians 26:13 The Role of Hosts in Sessions 32:27 Finding Support and Building Connections 46:11 Advocating for Respect and Inclusivity in Music 52:31 Conclusion and Future Directions
Keywords Irish traditional music, session etiquette, musicianship, community, inclusivity, bodhrán, performance, communication, guidelines, support
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.