Becoming an Irish Traditional Musician

Coupling the narratives of twenty-two Irish traditional musicians alongside intensive field research, Becoming an Irish Traditional Musician explores the rich and diverse ways traditional musicians hone their craft. It details the educational benefits and challenges associated with each learning practice, outlining the motivations and obstacles learners experience during musical development. By exploring learning from the point of view of the learners themselves, the author provides new insights into modern Irish traditional music culture and how people begin to embody a musical tradition. This book charts the journey of becoming an Irish traditional musician and explores how musicality is learned, developed, and embodied.

Dr Jessica Cawley is an active performer, educator, and researcher in the area of Irish traditional music and music education. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire (2006), an MA in Ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick (2008), and a PhD from University College Cork (2013). She established the non-profit organization Creative Tradition in 2013, where she currently teaches traditional music in schools and in the community in partnership with Music Generation.

Introduction: Exploring the Journey of Musical Enculturation Irish Traditional Music as a Community of Practice Constructing this Ethnography The Transmission of Irish Traditional Music: Key Features 1 Passing it on: Connecting with a Community of Practitioners Mentors Peers Family Enthusiasts Entering the Community of Practice 2 Transmission, Inspiration, and Social Tensions in Irish Traditional Music Sessions Acquiring Repertoire Developing Technique and Personal Style Situated Learning Troubleshooting: Challenges to Learning in Sessions The Session: Who is it for? 3 Organized Informality: Teaching and Institutionalizing Irish Traditional Music The Teaching of Irish Traditional Music Schooling Community Music Organizations Gateways into the Community of Practice 4 Musicking at Festivals, Summer Schools, and Live Events Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Scoil Éigse Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy Céilidhs, Sing-songs, and Concerts 5 Technology and Irish Traditional Music Culture Part 1: Old Media The Role of Literacy in an Oral Practice The Phonographic Revolution Film, Television, and Video Technology Part 2: New Media Traditional Music in a Digital Age: The Role of the Internet The Dawning of the Postdigital Day Conclusion: The Lifelong Process of Becoming an Irish Traditional Musician Searching for Patterns of Musical Enculturation The Job of Journeywork: Navigating Multiple Paths