WORKSHOP: Irish Pub Session Tunes (2024)

WORKSHOP + PRIVATE LESSON (limited)

DATE & TIME

Date: Saturday, June 22
Workshop Time: 1p - 4p (EDT, UTC -4)

• 10a L.A / 11a Mexico City / 2p Rio / 7p Madrid
• Timezone Help

Private Lesson Time: 5p - 8p (EDT, UTC -4)

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Few settings are more fun than an Irish pub session with its group of fiddles, flutes, bouzoukis, concertinas, pipes (and more!) huddled together, lost in nearly endless tunes for hours around glasses that never seem empty. Instead of playing—as in some traditions—many repetitions of one tune, Irish tradition often strings together many tunes but with few repetitions. For us bowed people, knowing tunes is essential—but which ones?

In this workshop, prepared while getting ready to take a group to Ireland this fall, we'll learn a popular set of jigs, recommended by Irish friends who frequent the pub session scene along the western coast they call the Wild Atlantic Way. I've been assured that you should be able to jump in on these, or call them, with just about anyone.

And with more tunes out there than time to learn them, we're also going to cover chordal and accompaniment approaches—chopping and otherwise—to help your ears when you don't know the melody.

I'll even throw in a bit of ornamentation (from an American fiddler's point of view) and share some unwritten rules for putting together your own set of tunes.

(NOTE: This is a repeat of last year's Irish Pub Session Tunes workshop to take another group to Ireland)

SPECS

Included: Sheet music & Play-alongs
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Platform: Zoom (pants optional)
Instruction Language: English
*LIMIT 25 PARTICIPANTS (group) / 5 PARTICIPANTS (private)*

ABOUT THE PRIVATE LESSONS

As an add-on to the workshop, five private lesson spots, 1/2hr each, are available on a first-come/first-served basis following the workshop. (See lesson time window above.) We can focus on any subject you like. Lesson+Workshop must be purchased as package. Upon purchase, you will be redirected to a link with instructions for Lesson Signup and the Workshop. (Please note, private lessons do not include sheet music, play-alongs, or video files for the lesson itself. However, you will be able to video record through Zoom on your end if you desire.)

PREREQUISITES

Skill Level

This workshop is intended for intermediate to advanced musicians with a minimum of 10 years experience on your instrument. You should be able to learn by ear and have a basic knowledge of music theory.

Chopping Level

While chop technique is not the entire focus of this workshop, it will be roughly half of our time together. It's important that you have prior experience with the technique.

IN PREPARATION

To get your ears tuned up and get a taste of what we'll work on, head over to the Otherlands Webpage for a choose-your-own-adventure style exploration of musical collaboration, including Ireland. If you're relatively new to chopping, I also recommend familiarizing yourself with The Chop Notation Project and the accompanying Chop Notation Glossary video (both free). Additional chop resources are my Techniques & Skills: Series One - The Chop and Exercises & Grooves lesson series.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Instrument
Webcam Device (computer recommended)
Speakers or Headphones

INSTRUCTIONS TO ATTEND

Upon purchase, you'll be redirected to a screen with options to Download or Read a document that will include the Zoom logins/passwords for the workshop, and lesson if applicable. Additionally, a receipt will be emailed that will have a button labeled "Download Sign-in Details" which will redirect you to the above mentioned screen. On the morning of the workshop, you will receive sheet music (fiddle/violin, viola, cello) and play-alongs. A few days after the workshop, I'll share the video for your reference.

PRE-WORKSHOP HANG

I'll open the Zoom room 30min before the workshop's start. You can use this time to get set up and meet fellow adventurous string players.

Thanks & looking forward!
Casey