In Tune with Tradition – Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music
In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music
Podcast Description
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 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.
Whether you’re a seasoned 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 do’s, don’ts, and delights of the session scene. 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 week as they tune in with tradition, sharing the wisdom and warmth that resonate through the magic of Irish music sessions.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on topics related to Irish traditional music, session etiquette, and community dynamics. Episodes delve into the nuances of social interactions within sessions, the evolution of session culture, the importance of respect for tradition, and the challenges faced by musicians. For instance, one episode features renowned fiddler Martin Hayes discussing listening skills and emotional expression, while another highlights personal anecdotes shared by Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh reflecting on the joy music brings.
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 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 a seasoned 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 up brilliant 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.
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.
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
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
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