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In this conversation, Hannah and Anne discuss band dynamics and the differences between Irish traditional music and bands that play Irish music. They explore the definition of the Irish feel and the importance of communication and vision in a band. They also touch on the evolution of their own band, Trillium, and the challenges of finding an authentic Irish sound. They discuss the nuances of Irish music, including inflection, emphasis, swing, and lift, and how these elements differentiate Irish music from other genres. The conversation explores the distinction between traditional and innovative Irish music and the role of curiosity and immersion in developing a unique style. The importance of communication and feedback within a band is emphasized, as well as the balance between tradition and innovation. The significance of listening, flexibility, and continuous learning is highlighted. The challenges of ornamentation and variations are discussed, along with the importance of clarity and constructive feedback. The conversation concludes with reflections on the joy of playing in a band and the impact of live performances.

You can connect with Anne on her LinkedIn page and hear more about what our band Trillium is up to on our website here!

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In this episode, Hannah discusses performance anxiety in Irish traditional music. She shares personal experiences of feeling frustrated and nervous while playing in front of others. Hannah explores the fear of making mistakes, sounding silly, and being a beginner in a space where one feels they should be more advanced. She offers strategies for handling performance anxiety, including practicing breathing techniques, being prepared musically and externally, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and embracing curiosity and experimentation in playing. Hannah encourages listeners to overcome their fears and share their unique voices in the Irish traditional music space.

Takeaways:

• Performance anxiety is a common experience for musicians, including those in Irish traditional music.
• Strategies for handling performance anxiety include practicing breathing techniques, being prepared musically and externally, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and embracing curiosity and experimentation in playing.
• It is important to remember that mistakes and sounding silly are part of the learning process and should not deter one from sharing their music.
• Surrounding oneself with supportive and encouraging people can greatly impact one's confidence and growth as a musician.
• Embracing curiosity and experimentation allows for personal growth and the discovery of unique sounds and expressions on the instrument.

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Jim Lindroth shares his backstory of how he got into Irish music through classical percussion. He discusses the influence of his classical training on his Irish playing, particularly in terms of technique, sound, and color. Jim also talks about his preparation for the Fleadh Cheoil competition and how he selected tunes based on their variety and opportunities for showcasing different rhythms and melodies. In this conversation, Jim and Hannah discuss the process of arranging traditional Irish tunes for the bodhrán. Jim shares his experience of finding space within the melodies and exploring different rhythms and accents. They also touch on the concept of authenticity in traditional music and how it can be interpreted differently by different musicians. Jim emphasizes the importance of listening and adapting to the playing styles of other musicians when accompanying them on the bodhrán.

Takeaways

• Classical percussion training can have a significant impact on Irish music playing, particularly in terms of technique, sound, and color.
• The selection of tunes for performance should consider their variety and opportunities for showcasing different rhythms and melodies.
• The choice of tippers in Irish music can greatly influence the sound and color produced on the bodhran.
• Preparation for competitions or performances should involve intentional exploration of different techniques and approaches to maximize musical expression.
• The collaboration between musicians in a performance can enhance the overall musical experience and create unique interpretations of traditional tunes. Arranging traditional Irish tunes for the bodhrán involves finding space within the melodies and exploring different rhythms and accents.
• Authenticity in traditional music can be interpreted differently by different musicians, and it is important to find a balance between staying true to the tradition and adding personal expression.
• When accompanying other musicians, it is crucial to listen and adapt to their playing styles, whether it's playing along, playing against, or adding colors and textures to enhance the music.
• The bodhrán player's role is to support and enhance the music, adding what is needed in the moment.

Connect with Jim on Instagram @jimdroth or via his website!

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Hannah sits down for a chat with fellow fiddle teacher, Charlene Adzima, who shares her journey into Irish music, her experience with Suzuki training, and her approach to teaching. The conversation explores the intersection of classical and folk music, the importance of creativity, compassion, and consistency in teaching, and the concept of finding one's 'lilt' in music.

Check out Charlene's website and keep up to date with her teaching schedule here!

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In this episode, Hannah Harris discusses her experience of combining classical music and traditional Irish music in a concert. She reflects on the success of the collaboration and explores the factors that contributed to its success. She emphasizes the importance of having musicians who are familiar with both genres and can adapt to different styles. She also highlights the significance of well-crafted arrangements and the ability to go beyond the sheet music to capture the essence of the music. Hannah acknowledges the potential challenges of combining these genres, such as ego clashes and the risk of overshadowing the rhythm players. She concludes that while the combination can work well in certain situations, it should be done in limited quantities to allow each genre to shine on its own.

Links to musicians: Cillian Vallely, David Doocey and Alan Murray
Morning Nightcap set with orchestra + without orchestra

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Hannah Harris introduces her new podcast, Find Your Lilt, where she aims to have deeper conversations about Irish traditional music. She shares her background as a classical violinist who found her passion for Irish fiddling and her journey in the music scene. The podcast will cover various topics related to being a traditional Irish musician, including gigging, learning the music, travel stories, and connecting over a shared love of the style of playing. Hannah invites guests to share their experiences and perspectives, creating a valuable resource for those interested in Irish music.

Main Takeaways:

• Find Your Lilt is a podcast that explores the world of Irish traditional music and aims to have deeper conversations about the genre.
• Hannah Harris shares her background as a classical violinist who found her passion for Irish fiddling.
• The podcast will cover various topics related to being a traditional Irish musician, including gigging, learning the music, travel stories, and connecting over a shared love of the style of playing.
• Guests will be invited to share their experiences and perspectives, creating a valuable resource for those interested in Irish music.

Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here!

I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here!