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
This tune (also known as the Glasgow Reel) has haunted me since I’ve been playing the fiddle. I first learned it on the mandolin many years ago and even though the mandolin is strung like a fiddle, I couldn’t seem to transpose it to the fiddle and make it sound good. Bowing this tune is … More Tamlin: Tune 12 of 52
This isn’t a new tune for me. I learned this tune many years ago and decided to bring it bring it back to life because it’s so fun to play. It’s call the Fermoy Lasses: Since we I now have 11 more tunes under my belt, I decided to combine some of the tunes I’ve … More Fermoy Lasses: Tune 11 of 52
We’ve made it to week ten! As a recovering procrastinator, I feel like getting to the double digits is quite the accomplishment. I not only added 10 more tunes to my repertoire but I have so much more confidence in my playing and it has forced me to practice, even on the days I would … More Tommy People’s Reel: Tune 10 of 52
This week’s tune has haunted me for more years than I can count and I’ve been threatening to learn it for just as long. It’s a beautiful jig in the key of E Minor, called The White Petticoat. As a fiddler this tune is a true test to your bowing technique because it crosses 3 … More The White Petticoat: Tune 9 of 52
Session Obsession 