Fall has arrived in Vermont and though the leaves are breathtakingly beautiful this time of year, it’s always hard to transition into shorter days. Luckily I have my fiddle to get me through. … More Falling into a practice schedule
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
As if 2020 wasn’t bad enough, on July 10 we lost another great musician, Gordon Stone, the very day he was to release a new album. Gordon was an amazing banjo and pedal steel guitar player. At one point he was my teacher, my neighbor, and more importantly, he was just a kind soul that … More Losing another legend
Before we began social distancing, I was getting in shape through spinning at this awesome spinning studio in Stowe, called Ride. Aside from getting a killer workout, the music is great and the instructors are inspiring. For each class I went to, the instructor would share one tidbit of encouraging words. Maybe it was a … More When all else fails, we still have music
Today is January 6, the final day of the 12 days Christmas. In Ireland, this day is known as Nollaig na mBan or women’s Chrismas. 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 … More Nollaig na mBan – Women’s Christmas
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, I somehow get nostalgic and long for the days of going back to school. Though I can’t imagine going back full time, taking out student loans again, focusing every moment on studying, doing homework and taking tests, I can imagine, pushing myself to learn something … More School is back in session
To those who don’t listen to Irish music all that often, listening to a set of tunes may sound like one long song that goes on forever, kind of like what techno sounds like to me. If you listen long enough though, you begin to recognize the unique style of each musician. If you’ve ever heard Martin Hayes play … More Learn to play like yourself
I have rediscovered my love for mountain biking. Recently, I went out on an all-women’s mountain bike ride. I have to admit I felt a bit out of shape, especially on the climbs where I held steady as the caboose of the group. (In my defense I still ride a hard tail and was most likely … More How music is like mountain biking
I’m always impressed with melody musicians who can just call out the key of the next tune they are going to play. I have a hard time just lifting my foot to say I’m switching tunes. Not to mention, most of the time I have no idea what keys I play in. Aren’t all fiddle tunes … More The key to being a good musician
You just learned a new tune and you play it over and over in your living room when no one is home. Each time you play it, it gets better and better. At some point it sounds so good that you think of quitting your day job and taking it on the road. You envision yourself … More Play like you have nothing to lose
Session Obsession 