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

Discover how Irish music sessions are more than just tunes, they're vibrant social gatherings that thrive on authenticity, politeness, and shared musical language. Join us as we explore the nuances of session etiquette, musical identity, and the magic of finding your voice within the community.
Main Topics:
The social fabric and etiquette of Irish music sessions
Developing personal musical voice and confidence
The cultural differences in music perception and participation

In this episode:
Lexie Boatwright shares her journey of adapting to Irish musical nuances and social vibes
Insight into how social connection and politeness shape session interactions
The importance of self-awareness and authenticity for musicians
The role of rhythm, dynamics, and personal style in Irish music
The cultural contrast in perceptions of competition, performance, and self-promotion
Practical advice on how to contribute meaningfully to sessions at any level
Reflection on how musical and cultural identity influence learning and performing

Timestamps:
00:00 - The social essence of Irish sessions and fitting in
00:27 - The importance of social vibe over technical skill
01:46 - How social and musical dynamics intertwine
03:46 - The role of caring and authenticity in sessions
05:13 - Building connections through social interaction
06:26 - Vulnerability and learning as an adult musician
07:42 - The impact of travel and access on learning Irish music
09:02 - Brain science and learning Irish music
10:48 - The stages of developing fluency and confidence
12:48 - The significance of rhythm, swing, and phrasing
15:01 - The analogy of storytelling and fluency in music
16:44 - Recognising Irish musical vernacular and accents
17:34 - The importance of organising and sharing musical vocabulary
18:56 - The beauty in imperfection and being yourself in sessions
21:07 - Playing your unique voice, the confidence to being your true self
23:40 - Cultural reflections on Irish versus American musical attitudes
26:10 - Session etiquette and politeness over social dominance
28:56 - How to navigate social cues and musical contributions
33:49 - Making space for different instruments and musical expressions
36:29 - The accessibility of Irish music and the importance of persistence
42:22 - The value of hunger, access, and community in learning
44:32 - The long-term approach to mastering Irish music
49:26 - Embracing mistakes and the non-perfection in performance
54:36 - The cultural lens on competition versus performance
57:23 - The role of festivals, competitions, and social mixing
62:34 - The importance of social interactions and playing together
66:29 - Finding your voice and the social-cultural context of Irish music
70:14 - Building confidence and sharing your music authentically
75:36 - Developing your musical voice through variation and exploration
79:26 - The significance of rhythm, dynamics, and ornamentation
83:08 - Contributing to the session beyond just playing tunes
86:38 - The social glue: belonging and community in Irish music
89:22 - Neuroscience of learning music and neurodiversity
93:43 - The relationship between classical and Irish traditional music
97:04 - Overcoming self-consciousness in hearing your own voice
99:52 - Recognising mistakes and the natural flow of performance
106:54 - The importance of intentionality and matching rhythm
111:58 - Dynamics, phrasing, and micro-dynamics in session playing
120:13 - Defining Irish music: features, patterns, and cultural identity
122:32 - The role of accompaniment and social harmony in sessions
126:51 - Final thoughts on authenticity, community, and musical self-acceptance
Resources & Links:
The Consequences - Band Website
In Tune With Tradition - Private Session Experience
https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette

Produced, recorded & edited by Tara Connaghan and guest editor Anita Alvarez Santos

Summary:
Discover the nuances of Irish music sessions through the insights of UK accordionist Luke Daniels in conversation with Tara Connaghan. This episode explores what makes a great session, common pitfalls, and how to contribute positively whether you're a novice or a seasoned musician.
In this episode:
Luke shares hilarious and memorable session mishaps, including a disruptive session in Milltown and an unwelcoming experience with a plastic bag.
The significance of listening over talking and the impact of environment on session quality.
How to join a session when you're just starting out, including practical tips on timing, tune selection, and attitude
The debate over recording sessions silently or with consent, and the ethics surrounding it.
Insights into playful and respectful interactions with musicians of all levels and ages.
A discussion on tuning in different keys and regional playing styles affecting session dynamics.
The importance of not taking oneself too seriously, "don't be a dick", as a guiding principle for session etiquette.
Timestamp Highlights:
0:00 - Introduction to Luke Daniels
2:34 - What makes a session successful: number of players and responsiveness
4:05 - How fragile good sessions are and the importance of natural flow
6:30 - A memorable incident: a disruptive pub session in Milltown
8:46 - The story of a plastic bag and unwelcome gatekeeping at a session
10:31 - Giving feedback to fellow musicians and managing social interactions
13:04 - The impact of recording in sessions and respecting musicians' boundaries
25:14 - How beginners should approach joining sessions and tune repertoire
35:41 - The regional differences in session styles and tempo considerations
41:25 - The balance of structure and freedom in improvisation and etiquette
42:54 - The mystery question: playing in different keys and tuning considerations
Resources & Links:
https://lukedanielsmusic.com
www.sessionetiquette.com

In Tune with Tradition - Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette

In Tune with Tradition: The Private Session Experience
www.sessionetiquette.com/retreat

Podcasthon:
https://podcasthon.org/podcaster/in-tune-with-tradition

Donegal Cancer Flights & Services:
https://ionadnp.ie/donegal-cancer-flights/?lang=en
Donate:
https://ionadnp.ie/donations/tabhair-sintiuis/

Produced, recorded & edited by Tara Connaghan and guest editor Anita Alvarez Santos

Keywords:
Irish Music Sessions, Session Etiquette, Luke Daniels, Accordionist Insights, Musical Improvisation, Session Atmosphere, Recording Ethics, Regional Playing, Styles, Musical Connection, Beginner Session Tips, Irish music

In this episode Tara Connaghan talks with Emmy-Winning TV host, Mickela Mallozzi, about her love for Ireland and Irish music and how she has learned to 'read the room' through her years of presenting the 'Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi' TV series.
Discover how to respectfully participate in Irish sessions and the importance of cultural understanding, cultural nuances and the joy of musical exchange.
This episode is part of the Podcasthon - a charity event uniting podcasters worldwide to raise awareness for local charities.
https://podcasthon.org/
My chosen charity:
Donegal Flights and Cancer Services
https://ionadnp.ie/donegal-cancer-flights/?lang=en
Donate to Donegal Flights and Cancer Services:
https://ionadnp.ie/donations/tabhair-sintiuis/

Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi' TV series
https://www.travelbarefeet.com/
Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/travelbarefeet

Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/cw/SessionEtiquette

www.sessionetiquette.com

In tune with Tradition: The Private Session Experience:
www.sessionetiquette.com/retreat

Vote for the podcast at the NYC Podcasting Awards:
https://www.silver-nyc.com/nycpodcastawards/vote

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Irish Session Culture
01:33 Michaela's Connection to Irish Music and Culture
05:24 What Does an Irish Traditional Music Session Mean?
10:03 How to Approach a Session as a Newcomer
13:44 Cultural Nuances and Respect in Irish Sessions
18:43 Learning the Language and Nuances of Irish Music
23:12 Reading the Room and Understanding Session Dynamics
27:43 Handling Requests and Song Selection Etiquette
32:43 The Significance of Silence and Respect in Sessions
37:18 The Emotional and Dynamic Range of Irish Music
42:16 The Role of Community and Generations in Sessions
46:26 Advice for Respectful Participation and Observation
51:17 Final Thoughts on Cultural Respect and Connection

Recording, Editing, Mastering: Tara Connaghan
Guest editor: Anita Alvarez Santos Creative Virtual Assistant www.SolaraSage.us

Keywords
Irish music, music sessions, Mickela Mallozzi, traditional music, musicians, music community, session etiquette, music culture, travel bare feet, Irish American

Summary
In this episode of "In Tune with Tradition”, Tara Connaghan talks to author of the book ‘Field Guide to the Irish Music Session’ Barry Foy. He shares his personal journey, starting from his early experiences in Dublin's vibrant music scene in the 1970s, where he is thankful he was tolerated, sometimes several nights every week. Barry discusses the psychological barriers that new musicians face when joining sessions, emphasising the importance of psychological safety to truly enjoy and contribute to the music. He also reflects on the evolution of Irish music, the pressures faced by musicians today, and the significance of understanding the unspoken rules of sessions to foster a welcoming environment for all participants.
Throughout the conversation, Barry highlights the need for patience and understanding among musicians, especially when it comes to welcoming newcomers. He shares anecdotes from his own experiences, illustrating the challenges and joys of participating in sessions. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology on traditional music, the importance of repertoire, and the communal aspect of music-making that transcends individual skill levels. Barry's insights serve as a guide for both seasoned musicians and newcomers, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Irish music.
Links:
www.sessionetiquette.com
www.sessionetiquette.com/retreat
Book:
Field Guide to the Irish Music Session, by Barry Foy

Advert:
www.soundsound.ie
DanDan Fitzgerald recording studio

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Irish Music Sessions
01:12 Barry Foy's Journey in Irish Music
04:50 The Importance of Psychological Safety
09:35 Navigating the Unspoken Rules
16:15 The Evolution of Irish Music
25:16 The Role of Technology in Music Sessions
34:08 Creating an Inclusive Session Environment
42:51 Advice for Newcomers to Irish Music Sessions
51:44 Reflections on the Future of Irish Music

Recording, Editing, Mastering: Tara Connaghan
Guest editor: Anita Alvarez Santos Creative Virtual Assistant www.SolaraSage.us

Keywords
Irish music, music sessions, Barry Foy, traditional music, musicians, music community, session etiquette, music culture

Episode 11: Leonard Barry
If that happened consistently it would drive me mad!
Summary
In this episode of 'In Tune with Tradition’, Tara engages in a deep conversation with uileann piper Leonard Barry about the significance of Irish music sessions, the etiquette involved, and the importance of respect and listening in traditional music. They explore the dynamics of group sessions, the role of accompaniment instruments, and the need for inclusivity and encouragement for new musicians. The discussion highlights memorable experiences in sessions and the collective joy that music brings to both musicians and listeners alike.
Links from Show:
Course starting in January.
Buy now at 2025 prices. Prices will go up at 11.59pm on 31st December 2025.
https://www.sessionetiquette.com/courses

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
01:58 The Importance of Irish Music Sessions
05:23 Learning Through Listening
07:58 Session Etiquette for Beginners
11:18 The Role of Accompaniment Instruments
14:25 Creating the Right Atmosphere in Sessions
16:48 Respect and Inclusivity in Music
20:04 Navigating Different Skill Levels
22:45 Recording in Sessions
25:00 The Magic of Shared Musical Experiences
27:25 Encouraging New Musicians
29:52 Memorable Sessions and Learning from Heroes
32:46 The Dynamics of Group Sessions
35:26 Awareness and Respect in Sessions
38:11 Final Thoughts on Session Etiquette

Keywords
Irish music, session etiquette, traditional music, listening skills, music community, respect, learning, musicianship, cultural heritage, music sessions, uileann pipes, Irish music sessions