Welcome to “In Tune With Tradition,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unwritten rules, shared experiences, and stories of Irish traditional music sessions. Sessions are magical gatherings where music, community, and tradition come together, and it is session etiquette (the customs and courtesies shared by all) that helps sessions run smoothly and ensures everyone feels welcome, whether playing, listening, or joining in for the first time. Hosted by Tara Connaghan, a seasoned and well respected Irish fiddle player and cultural insider, this series dives deep into the heart of the Irish session. Each episode features conversations with musicians, session regulars, and passionate participants from Ireland and beyond, sharing their personal experiences and perspectives on the etiquette and quirks that make each session unique and magical. Whether you’re an experienced player, a newcomer, or simply curious about the world of Irish traditional music, “In Tune With Tradition” offers an authentic, entertaining, and insightful look at the elements that make memorable Irish music sessions. Expect lively stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs as we celebrate the music, the people, and the spirit of the session. The podcast was launched Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2025 in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, renowned fiddle player, singer, and founding member of Altan. Join Tara and her guests each episode as they tune into the tradition, sharing the wisdom and warmth that resonate through the magic of Irish music sessions. Episodes are usually launched fortnightly.
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What is In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music?
In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 24 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.
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Unknown Host hosts In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music, a arts show with 24 episodes published.
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Episode #24
People First, Music Second
Sep 18, 202642 minS1
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. Chapters 01:25 – What an Irish music session means to Joan 02:22 – First sessions in Garvey’s in Inagh and learning tunes by osmosis 04:55 – Why the intergenerational nature of Irish music matters 05:51 – Nobody knows it all 06:13 – Old tunes, repertoire and why quantity is not everything 07:24 – Advice for joining a session when you know nobody 08:25 – The natural high when a session really works 11:15 – People first, music second 12:27 – Music as a constant through grief, loss and life 14:18 – Friendships across the world and a connection with Cape Breton 17:13 – What happens when musicians truly gel 18:21 – Processing grief through music 20:05 – Writing tunes for Joan’s father and sister 24:48 – Why Joan likes playing tunes more than twice 26:21 – What blocks the flow of a good session 29:44 – Welcoming people without asking them to prove their worth 30:33 – Joan’s ideal session size and why sessions should inspire you 31:58 – Festival sessions, hospitality and keeping music human 35:18 – Ten ingredients of a successful session 38:12 – Old pubs, open fires, singers, dancers and good listeners Resources: The West Wind with Joan Hanrahan – Clare FM Joan’s long-running traditional Irish music and song programme on Clare FM. Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy Session Etiquette Questionnaire Share a question, challenge or joy from your own session experience for a future episode. Support In Tune with Tradition Help support the recording, production and editing of the podcast. In Tune with Tradition: The Private Session Experience Join the Session Etiquette mailing list Recorded and produced by Tara Connaghan and edited by Anita Alvarez Santos. Recorded in person in Miltown Malbay during Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2025.
Irish Music Sessions Are Strange Social Experiments!
Aug 31, 20261h 1mS1
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. Resources: https://www.cobblestonepub.ie/cobblestone-backroom/balaclavas-session Ceoltóir course - Ballyfermot Clontarf Comhaltas CCE Session Etiquette Questionnaire Support the In Tune with Tradition podcast In tune with Tradition: The Private Session Experience
In this episode of In Tune with Tradition , Tara Connaghan speaks with Donal O’Connor in Belfast ahead of Belfast Trad Festival and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. This conversation goes straight into one of the hardest parts of Irish session culture: expectations. Donal talks about how different people arrive at a session wanting different things. Young musicians may want to play their new tunes. Adult learners and intermediate players may want the buzz of a big inclusive session. Older or more experienced musicians may hope for a smaller corner, strong repertoire, good listening, space, chat and musical connection. The problems begin when all of those expectations land in the same room and are not spoken about. Donal also talks about Belfast Trad Festival, the challenge of managing session trails, why master musicians need space to play too, how listening sessions can help, why song and dance matter, and why respect remains central to the whole thing. This is a practical, thoughtful conversation about sessions as living social spaces: places where music, people, rooms, listeners, age, gender, alcohol, confidence, safety and expectation all meet.
Summary In this engaging conversation, Tara Connaghan speaks with Deirdre Scanlan, former singer with Irish music group, Solas. Deirdre is a passionate musician and educator, about the essence of Irish music, the importance of traditional singing, and the dynamics of music sessions. She shares her insights on emotional connections in music, the role of technology, and the challenges of teaching and learning in the musical community. They explore the expectations and realities of participating in music sessions, the significance of participation, and the balance between tradition and innovation. The discussion also touches on listener questions, providing valuable perspectives on navigating the world of Irish music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deirdre Scanlan 01:50 The Essence of Irish Music Sessions 05:35 Understanding Traditional Singing 09:15 Emotional Connection in Music 12:51 Gender Perspectives in Music Expression 15:31 The Evolution of Tradition 17:14 Variations in Singing vs. Instrumental Performance 22:57 Teaching and Learning in Music 28:24 Navigating Music Sessions 30:46 Navigating Session Etiquette 33:39 Understanding Session Dynamics 36:15 The Role of Personal Experience in Sessions 38:24 Baggage and Expectations in Musical Spaces 40:48 Inclusivity and Participation in Sessions 44:26 The Pressure of Performance and Hosting 47:45 Diverse Motivations in Musical Sessions 51:20 Finding Value in Every Session 54:16 Session Behaviour and Respect 56:20 Exploring Session Dynamics and Imposter Syndrome 58:22 The Art of Participation in Musical Sessions 01:01:22 Navigating Social Expectations in Irish Music 01:04:01 Understanding Personal Motivations in Musical Engagement 01:06:56 Supporting Others in Musical Settings 01:09:47 Final Thoughts and Personal Connections to Music Resources In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette In Tune with Tradition / Session Etiquette website - https://www.sessionetiquette.com Sign up to the In Tune with Tradition newsletter https://www.sessionetiquette.com/newsletter-signup Deirdre Scanlan To read the transcript, please listen to the episode on www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast This is the transcript Tara generates (not AI generated).
Summary Join Tara Connaghan as she chats with Four Men and a Dog bodhrán player, Gino Lupari. Explore the rich culture of Irish traditional music sessions, the importance of etiquette, and how to improve as a musician. Insights from a seasoned Irish musician sharing stories, tips, and the essence of session camaraderie. Chapters 00:00 The Origins of Four Men and a Dog 03:42 The Heart of Irish Music Sessions 08:52 The Power of Community in Music 14:32 Navigating Session Etiquette 20:12 The Balance of Skill and Inclusion in Sessions 25:53 Introduction to Sketch City and Music Culture 26:41 The Importance of Listening in Music 29:18 Navigating Musical Expectations and Parental Influence 31:21 The Journey of Learning and Playing Music 35:04 Understanding the Tools of Music 39:13 Passing Down Musical Traditions 42:18 The Role of Dancers in Music 44:48 Teaching Adults in Music 48:44 The Rhythm of Music and Its Influence 50:40 Exploring the Dynamics of Music Sessions 52:59 The Journey of Learning and Practicing Music 54:45 Navigating the Social Structures of Music Sessions 58:22 The Importance of Confidence in Joining Sessions 01:03:01 The Role of Listeners in Music Sessions Resources: In Tune with Tradition / Session Etiquette website - https://www.sessionetiquette.com http://www.fourmenandadog.net/ Sign up to the In Tune with Tradition newsletter https://www.sessionetiquette.com/newsletter-signup www.sketchcity.co In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette To read the transcript, please listen to the episode on www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast This is the transcript Tara generates (not AI generated).
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