Irish Flute Players is a most popular and iconic instrument in traditional Irish music and played by many great players. The Irish music of the turn of the 20th century was described by Francis O’Neill as follows: The flute was one of the most popular musical instruments among the Irish peasantry. One of the earliest … Read more
Uilleann pipers belong to the group of instruments that are considered to be the most difficult to play. There is a famous saying that it takes “7 years of learning, 7 years of practicing, and 7 years of playing” to master the pipes. Great uilleann pipers are revered in Irish music as heirs to one … Read more
When you think of Irish music, you probably think of the fiddle. Irish Fiddle players have held a special place in Irish tradition, from the traveling dance masters of the 18th century to today’s young virtuosos. Francis O’Neill, a collector and chronicler of Irish music, once wrote A fiddle is, in the minds of many, … Read more
Singing is one of Ireland’s most cherished traditions. Ireland’s rich catalog of Irish Folk Singers and songs ranges from the Irish-language sean-nós (“old style”) to rebel ballads to rowdy drinking songs. A story of hundreds of years of laughter and tears, oppression and perseverance, feast and famine. In the 1960s, the folk revival brought a … Read more
Tin whistle players are often one of the first instruments that a player picks up on their journey through Irish music. As a result, many people don’t take it as seriously as they should. There is no cure for snobbery like listening to these tin whistle players! Tin whistles have been played in Ireland ever … Read more
Music is Ireland’s greatest export, and Irish Folk Bands can be found all over the world. There’s plenty in the Irish tradition for people to draw from, whether it’s singing or instrumental music. There are many bands that have taken that a step further, blending the sounds of other music and traditions into Irish folk … Read more
Concertina Players are one of the most distinctive sounds in Irish music. The concertina is especially associated with the county of Clare, where there used to be almost as many concertina players as sheep in the Irish countryside. Concertina playing declined during the middle of the 20th century, but now it has roared back. Today, … Read more