Find Your Lilt

I had the great pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Matt Cranitch, who is perhaps most well-known in the States for his Irish Fiddle method book as well as live and online workshops he has offered. This interview is your opportunity to "take a class" with Matt and hear a mix of his story, his teaching approaches, and his current projects in the summer of 2026.

Matt's website
ITMA Padraig O' Keeffe Collection
Colleen Freeman playing her ancestor Julia Clifford's Stroh Fiddle

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With the recent release of her 3rd tune collection, Liz Carroll shares the evolution of her tune books, insights on Irish music, and how she's finding her lilt these days. This conversation covers her creative process, the importance of listening and experimentation, and tips for musicians at all levels.

Get your copy of Collected III here!

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Mary Vanorny shares her journey from classical training to Irish fiddling, her innovative approach to teaching through her books, and the importance of community and style in learning Irish music.

Learn more about Mary and purchase her book collection here:
https://www.fiddlermary.com/
https://www.learningfiddlewithirishmusic.com

Want to support the Find Your Lilt podcast and learn some new tunes by ear? Become a Tune Library member!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Suzuki Method and Irish Fiddling
03:10 Creating Resources for Young Musicians
05:59 The Importance of Listening and Training in Music
08:56 The Transition from Classical to Irish Fiddling
11:59 Understanding Songs vs. Tunes in Irish Music
14:58 Teaching Approaches for Different Age Groups
17:49 The Role of Bowing Techniques in Fiddling
21:03 Personal Journey in Fiddling and Learning from Mentors
33:49 Navigating the Challenges of Teaching Music
34:50 The Impact of Encouraging Teachers
35:56 Bridging Classical and Irish Music
36:58 The Importance of Skill Development
39:25 Teaching Techniques and Learning by Ear
41:21 The Role of Sheet Music in Learning
43:03 Understanding Irish Music's Unique Characteristics
45:57 The Journey of Learning Fiddle Techniques
48:25 Creating a Community Through Music
50:43 The Importance of Consistent Practice
52:52 Exploring Cape Breton and Irish Music
56:37 Building Connections Through Tunes
01:00:18 The Role of Resources in Music Education

Liz Knowles and Hannah chat about insights on effective practice strategies for musicians, emphasizing the concept of 'pistons' firing simultaneously to achieve mastery. In this interview, you'll walk away with a treasure trove of practical tips on memory, repertoire, and self-assessment to further improve your practicing skills and develop your Irish fiddling lilt!

Resources mentioned:
Seeing is Forgetting by Robert Irwin
Liz Carroll's three tunes: The Source air, Hopping from West to East hop jig, Clonakilty reel (from Collected III)
Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician's Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing by Molly Gebrian

Connect with Liz and join her LizNotes newsletter here:
LizNotes
https://www.lizknowles.com/

Want to support the Find Your Lilt podcast and learn some new tunes by ear? Become a Tune Library member!

Chapters
00:00 Reconnecting with Liz Knowles
06:09 Teaching and Developing Practice Skills
16:51 Memory and Spaced Repetition
24:58 Extended Repetition and Memory
30:27 The Illusion of Mastery and Continuous Learning
36:25 Assessing Progress and Self-Trust
47:33 The Passage of Time and Evolution of Skills

Jack Hughes didn't grow up playing fiddle – he started as a trumpet player, picking up the violin at 21 years old. Yet his thoughtful approach to practicing and performing Irish traditional music offers tremendous insights for musicians at any stage in their journey.

In this illuminating conversation, Jack reveals how his trumpet background shaped his distinctive fiddle methodology. He explains his practice of beginning every session by focusing on what Suzuki called "natural tone" – allowing the instrument to speak with ease rather than forcing sound production. This foundation of relaxation and clarity becomes the bedrock upon which everything else is built.

The discussion delves deep into the art of deliberate practice. Jack shares a transformative insight from his teacher Brendan Mulvihill: "Play it 500 times as is and then you can vary it." This patient approach – giving every note its due time rather than rushing to performance speed – creates playing that feels effortless even at high tempos. Jack articulates how slowing down recordings of master musicians reveals their relaxed technique beneath seemingly blazing speeds.

Perhaps most valuably, Jack outlines his performance preparation process. Rather than practicing isolated sections, he advocates for contextual practice – playing entire sets without stopping, just as in performance. This builds the confidence to maintain rhythm and flow regardless of small technical mistakes. His approach to recording practice sessions also separates creative playing from critical evaluation, allowing both to happen more effectively.

Throughout the conversation, Jack's philosophy emerges: "There's no point in playing this music if you're not enjoying it." His approach prioritizes finding joy in the process, believing the most compelling performances come from musicians truly invested in the emotional heart of the music rather than technical showmanship alone.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or just beginning your journey, Jack's thoughtful perspective offers practical wisdom to transform your relationship with practice and performance. How might focusing on ease and natural tone change your own approach to music-making?

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