My trainer told me a story of how he was listening to his kids play Monopoly. One kid landed on one of those properties where rent was only $5. The other kid said “don’t bother paying me, it’s only $5.” As my trainer was listening to their conversation he thought “clearly this kid hasn’t worked … More Every little bit counts
I’m not sure if it’s age or what but it seems when I learn a new tune, I forget an old one. Last night I played with my band for the first time in over a year. It’s been too long since I sat down and played music with live people sitting right next to … More Learning new tunes and forgetting the old
Every good sessioneer has a list — a running tab of all the tunes you’ve heard at a session and plan to learn for future sessions. Sometimes it’s just a tiny piece of paper you keep in your instrument case. Sometimes it’s a whole notebook. Other times, it’s just an imaginary collection of tunes to … More Sporting Paddy: Tune 24 of 52
During this pandemic it has been quite the challenge to play music with other people. If you have tried to play music together via zoom, you’ll know how challenging that can be because of the delay. It’s pretty much impossible to play together. I have been using other apps, one in particular called Acapella, which … More McGivney’s Fancy: Tune 21 of 52
I learned this week’s tune, Sweeney’s Dream, because it goes well after last week’s tune Humours of Lissadell. And now we have a set. We’re on week 19 of my tune learning venture and I have to admit, I’m pretty proud of myself for keeping it up for 19 weeks. It has definitely been a … More Sweeney’s Dream: Tune 19 of 52
This is a slip jig that I likely learned at one point and relearned this week because it’s a great session tune. And also, because dusting off an old tune gives me a chance to work on technique instead of focusing so much on learning the notes. As I spoke about in a previous post, … More Give Us a Drink of Water: Tune 17 of 52
This is St. Patrick’s Day week and normally, we’d all likely be practicing diligently for a gig. I’m hoping that next year we’ll all be in a different place and are able to celebrate St. Patrick’s day by playing music together. Until then I’ll carry on with A Tune A Week. This week’s tune is … More Barney Brannigan: Tune 16 of 52
Many years ago I attended a week long Celtic music festival in Glasgow, Scotland. I took workshops with some of my favorite fiddlers, went to concerts, master classes, and played in some sessions. One of the workshops I took was with a fiddler and composer named Aiden O’Rourke. Not only is he a great fiddle … More Ride a Mile: Tune 15 of 52
As with anything in my life, I learn as I go. My first real job in Vermont was as a snow reporter and I got the job reporting on snow conditions before I even learned how to slide down the mountain gracefully. Needless to say, I learned quickly. Since this is the first time I’ve … More The Foxhunter’s Slip Jig: 14 of 52
It’s been hard not playing music with other people, not socializing, not going to concerts or playing in concerts. Fortunately, for me though, the pandemic hasn’t hindered my outdoor activities. This year has been a great year for those of us who love to play in the snow. It hasn’t been too cold and Mother … More The Snowy Path: Tune 13 of 52
