Learning music isn’t just about learning the tunes. Anyone can memorize notes. But when it comes to traditional Donegal music, knowing the dances can help tell the story of the tunes, making it easier to feel the music and help it sink in. At the Donegal Fiddle School I attended in Glencomcille, learning the dances was … More Music and Dancing, Like Peas and Carrots
There are fairies in the fiddle! I was told last night by my house-mate that in Ireland some teachers, when teaching children to play the fiddle, make the kids put the fiddle on the table while the teacher plays a tune. The children are instructed to lightly place their fingers on the strings while the … More Fairies in the Fiddle
Really is there any better place to learn Irish music than in Ireland? I think not. I’m currently in Glencolmcille, Ireland at the Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí fiddle school, studying the Donegal tradition of fiddle music. I’ve been to some beautiful places but this is by far the best place to spend a week learning fiddle tunes. … More Fiddle School in Ireland
Someone said today that the key to a long life is going to bed the same day you woke up. Well if that’s the case, this week is probably going to knock a few years off. After Dublin, I hopped on the bus to Donegal where I was greeted by fiddler, Tara Connaghan who graciously picked … More Donegal & Ballyshannon, a true start to my trip
Yesterday I arrived in Dublin, Ireland. I had a fun day though I have to admit, Dublin will not go down as one of my favorite cities. It’s not a bad city, it’s just, well…a city, like any other city. Loads of people, tons of shops and lots of hustle and bustle. What I enjoyed … More Dublin, the first stop
Heading to Ireland to go to fiddle school. Follow my blog to get the latest updates. … More Heading to Ireland
Find out what makes a good bow. … More A Bow Meant for Me
Join me on my trip to Donegal where I’ll be blogging about my experience at a fiddle school in Glencomlcille. … More How blogging helps my fiddle playing
Visit the 7th Annual Carolan Festival June 14-15, 2013. … More Sessions, Lessons and Dancing, Oh My…
Stories from my brief dancing stint on Broadway and some info on a step dancing workshop this weekend. Read on… … More Learning to Dance
Session Obsession 