Fiddlers love the keys of D and G but not so much the key of F. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because D and G are some of the first scales we learn early so we train our fingers and it sticks with us. Or maybe it’s because we just don’t like those damn … More What the F?
My whole life I wanted to play fiddle but there was always a reason not to. It’s too expensive to buy an instrument and take lessons. I’m too old. I don’t have a musical background, no one in my immediate family plays, and so on. There is no shortage of reasons why not to do … More It’s all about discipline
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
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 is a Donegal tune called the Gravel Walks. I literally remember the first time I ever heard this tune. I was in a retail shop in Stowe, Vermont and they had some Celtic music CD playing in the background and this tune came on. I thought it was a cool tune so … More Gravel Walks: Tune 7 of 52
This is tune #3 out of 52 that I’m learning in 52 weeks. It’s a traditional Irish jig called Katy is Waiting. Enjoy! … More Katy is Waiting: Tune 3 of 52
Now that Thanksgiving is over and December is in full swing, I thought I would relearn the tune Christmas Eve, otherwise known as Tommy Coen’s, named after the fiddler/accordion player who composed it. I learned this 3-part tune over 10 years ago and have always loved it so I figured I would dust it off … More Christmas Eve: Tune 2 of 52
UPDATE: The Session at Bagitos has been cancelled in hopes to keep people safe from Covid-19. Stay healthy everyone! This weekend, we will not only be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but we’ll also be celebrating the end of era – the Saturday session at Bagitos in Montpelier. Saturday, March 14 from 2-5pm will be the … More The end of an era and the beginning of a new one
Summer is my favorite time of year. Not just because of the beautiful weather and longer days but because there are more music festivals and workshops to choose from than there are mosquitos. Well, not really, there are a LOT of mosquitos this time of year but you get my point. This festival season kicks … More Festival Time – 13th Annual Carolan Festival
Most New Englanders love this time of year when things cool down and the leaves go from green to gold. I have to admit though, I’m sad to see summer go. I’m going to miss having porch sessions and drinking coffee outside in the morning sun. The only saving grace is the plethora of Irish … More Upcoming Irish music concerts
Session Obsession 