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

Unlocking the Magic of a Session

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

Show Notes

Keywords Irish music, traditional music, music sessions, flute player, Kevin Crawford, session etiquette, community, learning music, teaching music, Irish culture, magic session Summary In this engaging conversation, Kevin Crawford, a renowned flute player in Irish traditional music, shares his insights on the significance of music sessions, the journey of mastering an instrument, and the importance of community and etiquette in Irish music. He reflects on his upbringing in England, the role of listeners in sessions, and the balance between fun and respect. Kevin also discusses the dynamics of speed and rhythm in music, and what makes a perfect session, emphasising the accessibility of Irish music for all.

Takeaways The session is the lifeblood of Irish music. Community and social interaction are essential in music sessions. Respect for tradition and fellow musicians is crucial. The journey to mastery involves hard work and dedication. Teaching music helps deepen one's understanding of it. Listeners play a vital role in enhancing the session experience. Balancing fun and respect is key to a successful session. Navigating session etiquette is important for inclusivity. Speed and rhythm dynamics can affect the session's flow. Creating the perfect session requires the right environment and energy.

Sound bites "I went more for the craic." "I had to work very hard." "You have to tread carefully." "I'd love to be Jackie Daly in my next life"

Chapters 00:00 The Heart of Irish Music Sessions 07:27 Growing Up with Music in England 13:16 The Journey to Mastery 19:20 Teaching and Learning in Music 25:39 The Role of Listeners in Sessions 29:39 The Balance of Fun and Respect in Sessions 37:09 Navigating Session Etiquette 44:03 The Dynamics of Speed and Rhythm 53:36 Creating the Perfect Session

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.

Oct 11, 2026

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.

Sep 18, 2026

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.

Sep 1, 2026

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.

Aug 15, 2026

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.

See all episodes →