Workshops
Traditional music by definition is music passed from one person to another. In our busy iPod filled American culture, traditional music doesn't have the chance to be passed person to person around the fire or after a meal. Those of us who enjoy the music must actively seek opportunities to absorb the tunes and songs we admire from people whenever we get the chance. I am thrilled to offer 45 minutes on one fine Saturday or an entire week's worth of classes to children and adults alike. My workshops on Irish Gaelic song approach the language and songs from the point of view of someone who is not a native nor fluent speaker of Irish. Many people are instantly frustrated looking at the words on paper and not being able to make sense of any of it. If we are frustrated or intimidated by the language and push it aside, the music will not be heard. The language is fragile with only a handful of native speakers. It is good and important to learn and respectfully try to sing and preserve the beautiful music that is locked in a language that might otherwise die. I am now and always will be a student myself - forever learning, growing, and practicing the tradition. People leave my workshops with songs they can share and a renewed admiration for Irish song.
For more information on my studies and my workshops, please visit my Irish pages.