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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 monthlyEpisodes17Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music InterviewsMusicSociety & Culture

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Artwork for In Tune with Tradition

Latest Episodes

Episode 17: Robert Sommer

Join Tara Connaghan as she interviews Robert Sommer, a newcomer to Irish traditional music, about his journey into sessions, the social and technical aspects of playing guitar, and how music can be a source of joy and conne... more

Summary

Join Tara Connaghan for an in-depth conversation with Damien Mullane, a distinguished Irish accordion player from London. We explore session etiquette, the importance of inclusivity and handling mistakes.

Links

www.sessionetiquette.com

ww... more

Discover how Irish music sessions are more than just tunes, they're vibrant social gatherings that thrive on authenticity, politeness, and shared musical language. Join us as we explore the nuances of session etiquette, musical identity, and the magi... more

Summary:

Discover the nuances of Irish music sessions through the insights of UK accordionist Luke Daniels in conversation with Tara Connaghan. This episode explores what makes a great session, common pitfalls, and how to contribute positively wheth... more

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Recent Guests

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
Luke Daniels
UK accordion player discussing session etiquette
Independent musician
Episode: Lack of etiquette is anyone that disrupts the flow
Mickela Mallozzi
Emmy award-winning TV host and executive producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi
Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi (PBS)
Episode: How to Read the Room
Barry Foy
Author and musician who has been attending Irish music sessions since the 1970s.
Author of The Field Guide to Irish Music Session
Episode: Sessions have represented my greatest pleasures and miseries
Leonard Barry
Experienced piper who has contributed to the music community for decades.
Episode: If that happened consistently it would drive me mad!
Enda Scahill
Known banjo player from Galway and member of the band We Banjo 3.
Episode: 5 million triplets on the banjo, I’ve been that Idiot
Shannon Heaton
A wonderful flute player living in Boston and podcaster of Irish Music Stories
Irish Music Stories
Episode: You go for the music, You stay for the people
Aimée Farrell-Courtney
A passionate musician and educator specializing in bodhrán performance
Tradrum Community
Episode: The Bodhrán Episode Part 2

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 26 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 Statesa month 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 States7 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 States7 months ago
  • Fantastic

    Refreshing, honest and I am hooked!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mairéad McManus
    United Kingdom9 months 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

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
A teen perspective
Q: What advice would you give to newcomers?
Even if nervous, just play because someone will always know the tune.
A teen perspective
Q: What does a successful session look like?
Everyone gets their turn, and everyone plays together happily.

Audience Metrics

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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. Freakonomics Radio
3. GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST
4. On Being with Krista Tippett
5. The Blindboy Podcast

How many episodes of In Tune with Tradition are there?

In Tune with Tradition launched a year ago and published 17 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. Damien Mullane
2. Lexie Boatwright
3. Luke Daniels
4. Mickela Mallozzi
5. Barry Foy
6. Leonard Barry
7. Enda Scahill
8. Shannon Heaton

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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