January 6 is the final day of the 12 days of Christmas. In Ireland, this day is known as Nollaig na mBan or Women’s Christmas. The day was intended to be a reward, a day off from all the housework the women did during the Christmas season. Traditionally men were supposed to take over the housework while … More Nollaig na mBan: Women’s Christmas Covid-Style
We’re at week 6 of my 52 week goal of learning a tune a week. This week’s tune is called Alice’s Reel and was written by the great Irish fiddler, Frankie Gavin. I hope you like it:
Though 2020 has been a tough one for us all, I want to spend some time appreciating all the good things that happened amidst the chaos, say good-bye to all the bad things that caused the chaos, and welcome in a bright new year filled with hope, empathy, love and, of course, beautiful music. I’m … More Hindsight is 2020
A few days before COVID hit, there was an Irish session about 30 minutes away from my house. I debated whether to go because it was getting dark and I was getting lazy after working all day. I opted to stay home, cuddle up on the couch, and plant myself in front of the TV. … More Why do today, what you can do…?
This week’s tune is a march that is easy to learn, and fun to play. Enjoy! … More The Drunken Piper: Tune 5 of 52
This year, I’ve been having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. So to help get into the spirit of the season, I figured I would stray from the Irish fiddle tunes this week and play one of my holiday favorites. … More Greensleeves: Tune 4 of 52
Though we cannot gather for holiday music this year we can celebrate the Winter Solstice and the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. … More The Winter Solstice & The Great Conjunction
This is tune #3 out of 52 that I’m learning in 52 weeks. It’s a traditional Irish jig called Katy is Waiting. Enjoy! … More Katy is Waiting: Tune 3 of 52
Now that Thanksgiving is over and December is in full swing, I thought I would relearn the tune Christmas Eve, otherwise known as Tommy Coen’s, named after the fiddler/accordion player who composed it. I learned this 3-part tune over 10 years ago and have always loved it so I figured I would dust it off … More Christmas Eve: Tune 2 of 52
Learning tunes is the easy part. Giving them life is the challenge. Read more on how to give life to your music. … More Music that Make the Dancers Dance
Session Obsession 