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 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.
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.
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.
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