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Artwork for In Tune with Tradition

In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music

Tara Connaghan
Irish Traditional Music
Session Etiquette
Community
Irish Music Sessions
Bodhrán
Boston
Community In Music
Music Sessions
Lúnasa
Trad Drum Community
Positive and Negative Experiences
Music Education
Musical Communication
England
Belfast Trad Fest
Women In Music
Cup Of Tae Festival
Build Confidence
Ennis Trad Festival
Irish Folklore

Welcome to “In Tune With Tradition,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unwritten rules, shared experiences, and stories of Irish traditional music sessions. Sessions are magical gatherings where music, community, and tradition come together, and it is session etiquette (the customs and courtesies shared by all) that helps sessions run smoothly and ensures everyone feels welcome, whether playi... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes21Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music InterviewsSociety & CultureMusic

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for In Tune with Tradition

Latest Episodes

In this episode of In Tune with Tradition, Tara Connaghan speaks with Donal O’Connor in Belfast ahead of Belfast Trad Festival and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

This conversation goes straight into one of the hardest parts of Irish session culture: exp... more

Join Tara Connaghan as she reflects on a vibrant year of exploring Irish music sessions, session etiquette, and community connection via the In Tune with Tradition podcast.

This special episode features insights from musicians, educators, and sessio... more

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Tara Connaghan speaks with Deirdre Scanlan, former singer with Irish music group, Solas. Deirdre is a passionate musician and educator, about the essence of Irish music, the importance of traditional singing, a... more

Summary

Join Tara Connaghan as she chats with Four Men and a Dog bodhrán player, Gino Lupari. Explore the rich culture of Irish traditional music sessions, the importance of etiquette, and how to improve as a musician. Insights from a seasoned Irish... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Michael Walsh
Dr. Michael Walsh, education ethnomusicologist; host of the Whistles Club
Whistles Club; Comhaltas
Episode: Podcast 1st birthday special - Celebrating a year of Irish music sessions and community
Michael Eskin
Michael Eskin, session organizer and technology-focused musician
San Diego session organizer; Comhaltas
Episode: Podcast 1st birthday special - Celebrating a year of Irish music sessions and community
Lori Madden
Lori Madden, director of the Blue Ridge Music School
Blue Ridge Music School, Charlottesville
Episode: Podcast 1st birthday special - Celebrating a year of Irish music sessions and community
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Mimi Vidaver-Davis, educator and musician
Blue Ridge Music School (Virginia)
Episode: Podcast 1st birthday special - Celebrating a year of Irish music sessions and community
Deirdre Scanlan
Traditional singer, teacher, and session participant
Irish traditional music scene
Episode: The Song is the Boss
Gino Lupari
Byron Player Extraordinaire with Four Men and a Dog
Four Men and a Dog
Episode: I really LOVE Irish music
Robert Sommer
Guitarist, longtime listener turned Irish traditional session participant
Independent musician based near Kansas City, USA
Episode: You need to know these chords!
Damien Mullane
Accordion and melodeon player from London with a strong connection to Irish tradition
London Irish trad scene
Episode: If you work the hardest in Irish music, you get the most reward
Lexie Boatwright
Harp, concertina and fiddle player; multi-instrumentalist
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Episode: How to find your voice in Irish traditional music

Host

Tara Connaghan
Host of In Tune With Tradition; Irish fiddle player with a focus on session etiquette and community-driven music culture.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 28 ratings
  • Fascinating insights into Irish music and the people who love it

    How did we go for so long without this resource!? Tara has decided to say the quiet part out loud regarding Irish music sessions and the ins and outs of negotiating the expectations and unwritten “rules” by which they function. As both a session-goer and host, I have found these podcasts so informative and insightful, as well as being extremely entertaining! Thank you, Tara! I’m a big fan!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LNFlute
    United States3 months ago
  • What I’ve been waiting for!

    A great podcast. A must listen for all musicians, beginner or advanced, and appreciators of Irish music. Thank you Tara!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    EJ0lson
    United States9 months ago
  • Really enjoying listening

    I’m a classically trained player who recently switched to Irish fiddle and am so curious to learn all the ins and outs of Irish music. The tradition of it is so amazing! That figure of 10,000 tunes played in Irish sessions—wow. What a rich tradition.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Caitlin CB
    United States9 months ago
  • Fantastic

    Refreshing, honest and I am hooked!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mairéad McManus
    United Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the practical etiquette guidance and real-world stories that illuminate how sessions work.
Fans note the show's warmth, honesty, and helpful breakdown of unwritten rules in a welcoming way.
Listeners find the international perspectives and cross-cultural insights especially valuable for adapting to new scenes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#149
United States/Music/Music Interviews
Apple Podcasts
#33
Canada/Music/Music Interviews
Apple Podcasts
#186
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#12
Ireland/Music/Music Interviews
Apple Podcasts
#55
Ireland/Music
Apple Podcasts
#71
Singapore/Music/Music Interviews

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Song is the Boss
Q: How should a newcomer approach joining a session?
First listen to the session to understand the repertoire and dynamics, then gradually join in, starting with a couple of tunes and building a sense of belonging before leading.
The Song is the Boss
Q: What does an Irish music session mean to you?
It's a space of fun, craic, and community where everybody participates at their level, and where storytelling and emotion through song guide the vibe of the session.
How to find your voice in Irish traditional music
Q: What does an Irish music session mean to you or for you?
Lexie describes sessions as inherently social first, where connection and hospitality are as important as musicality; the social vibe determines a good session as much as, or more than, virtuosity. She explains that finding a good social fit, listening, and contributing to the group's energy are key, and that her own focus is on enjoying the moment and bringing people together rather than simply showing off.
Sessions have represented my greatest pleasures and miseries
Q: What advice would you give to someone going to a session in Ireland?
Barry suggests reading his book, as it provides insights that will make them a better participant in sessions.
Sessions have represented my greatest pleasures and miseries
Q: What does Irish music session mean to you?
It represents some of Barry's greatest pleasures and miseries in life, embodying a mix of delight and challenge.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About In Tune with Tradition

What is In Tune with Tradition about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on Irish traditional music sessions, focusing on unwritten rules, etiquette, and the social dynamics that keep gatherings welcoming for both players and listeners. Through conversations with seasoned players, educators, and ambassadors from Ireland and beyond, episodes explore how to enter and participate respectfully, manage leadership and flow, and nurture inclusive, musical communities. Notable strengths include a practical, experience-based approach to session etiquette, a willingness to cover sensitive topics like inclusion and feedback, and guest voices that span performance, teaching, and cross-cultural perspectives.

Listeners who enjoy hands-on guidance for joining traditional music sessions, along with thoughtful... more

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Which podcasts are similar to In Tune with Tradition?

These podcasts share a similar audience with In Tune with Tradition:

1. Irish Music Stories Podcast
2. In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music
3. Stories of Art
4. Poetry Unbound
5. Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

How many episodes of In Tune with Tradition are there?

In Tune with Tradition launched a year ago and published 21 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on In Tune with Tradition?

Recent guests on In Tune with Tradition include:

1. Michael Walsh
2. Michael Eskin
3. Lori Madden
4. Mimi Vidaver-Davis
5. Deirdre Scanlan
6. Gino Lupari
7. Robert Sommer
8. Damien Mullane

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