Sometimes the best way to get better at what you love is to step away from it for a little while. That’s something I’ve been discovering through my recent classical violin lessons. I’m a fiddle player at heart. I love the energy, the groove, the ornamentation, and the particular character that comes with playing fiddle … More Why Playing a Different Genre Can Make You Better at Your Own
There comes a moment in every musician’s life when you look at your instrument… and your instrument looks back at you… and you both silently agree: not today. If you’ve ever sat down to practice and immediately felt the overwhelming urge to reorganize your spice rack, scroll your phone, or pour yourself a cup of … More 6 Tips to Overcome Low Motivation
Somewhere in the middle of “I’m officially taking a step back from a Tune a Week” and “I’ll just casually noodle for five minutes,” I accidentally learned two tunes in the last two weeks. I didn’t write about them. I didn’t record them. I didn’t announce them with fanfare or a thumbnail or a clever caption. They … More Two Tunes, Zero Posts, and a Very Strong Cup of Tea
Tune # 5: The Minor Slip I’m kicking off the new year with one of my favorite slip jigs — The Minor Slip (thanks for the suggestion, Harold!). Honestly, I don’t know why it took me so long to actually sit down and learn this one. It’s not a complicated tune; in fact, once it gets … More The Emotional Charm of The Minor Slip Tune
This week’s tune is The Rookery by Vincent Broderick. Hope you enjoy! … More The Rookery: A Tune for Intentional Playing
This year I accidentally picked up a new hobby: crocheting. By “picked up,” I mean I went down the YouTube rabbit hole, bought entirely too much yarn, and suddenly became a crocheting queen. Which basically means that if you’re in my family circle, you’re getting something crocheted for Christmas — a deeply sincere something. Handmade gifts … More Making Something Out Of Nothing and Getting Into the Christmas Spirit
Join us for the Worst Song Ever at the Barre Opera House on November 22! … More Stepping Out of the Musical Comfort Zone
Stay tuned for this year’s tune a week. … More Adopting a Puppy and Rediscovering My Fiddle: A Journey
Each April 22nd, the world pauses—if only for a moment—to honor the Earth. It’s a time to reconnect with the natural world, reflect on the landscapes that surround us, and maybe plant a seed or two (literal or metaphorical). As an Irish musician, I can’t help but hear the land singing back to me through … More Earth Day and the Echoes of Irish Music
Ah, St. Patrick’s Day. The one day of the year when everyone suddenly discovers their Irish heritage, Guinness flows like water, and people who’ve never heard of a jig suddenly become professional dancers. And for those of us in Irish bands? It’s absolute madness—in the best way possible. Playing gigs as an Irish band during … More The Joy (and Chaos) of St. Patrick’s Day Gigs
