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

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.

Join Tara Connaghan as she reflects on a vibrant year of exploring Irish music sessions, session etiquette, and community connection via the In Tune with Tradition podcast.
This special episode features insights from musicians, educators, and session enthusiasts from around the world discussing what makes sessions meaningful and how to foster better experiences for all.

Guests: Dr. Michael Walsh, Michael Eskin, Lori Madden and Mimi Vidaver-Davis.

Transcript available on https://www.sessionetiquette.com/podcast

This episode is also available to watch on https://www.youtube.com/live/V6ItyDgg9y0

Resources
Celtic Back-Up for All Instruments by Chris Smith (book)
John Doyle Guitar on YouTube
Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival, UK
Dr. Michael Walsh
Michael Eskin
San Diego Comhaltas
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Blue Ridge Irish Music School Virginia-based Irish music education
Plough and Stars pub
The Starry Plough pub
Slainte pub
TheSession.org - source of tunes, discussions, directory of sessions
TradRadar.ie - directory or sessions in Ireland
Shift.Irish - app to connect Irish people at home and abroad plus list of sessions / pubs
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

Intro music: Track 1: John Phadaí Chonchubhair’s jig - Derek McGinley & Tara Connaghan ‘Far Side of the Glen’ album (2011)

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).
Transcript assistance was given by Darragh Ó hÉiligh.

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).

Episode 17: Robert Sommer
Join Tara Connaghan as she interviews Robert Sommer, a newcomer to Irish traditional music, about his journey into sessions, the social and technical aspects of playing guitar, and how music can be a source of joy and connection.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest background
01:22 What does an Irish session mean to Robert?
07:42 The moment Robert decided to pursue Irish music
11:34 Music as a source of joy and connection
15:34 Advice for beginners and newcomers
22:35 Overcoming nerves and self-consciousness
28:46 Technical tips: chords, tunings, and ornamentation
35:18 The importance of listening and contributing
42:02 Session etiquette and respecting the music
52:22 The community and cultural significance of Irish sessions
01:03:45 Final thoughts and Robert’s question for next guest

Resources:
www.sessionetiquette.com
www.sketchcity.co
In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience
https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette
The Irish Fest Kansas City - https://www.kcirishfest.com

keywords
Irish music, traditional sessions, guitar, fiddle, music journey, session etiquette, Irish culture, musical learning, community music, Irish festivals