First Things
Music is not what musicians play
Music is what others experience while musicians play
Music is what others experience while musicians play
The oldest musical instrument discovered by archeologists dates to more than 60,000 years ago. Music theory that guides the composition and performance of Western music dates to about 600 years ago. Theory is an analytical explanation of best practices in music. The music discussed in this class is "traditional". That means it comes to future generations mostly by ear, not by paper. That said, a tiny dash of theory can make learning easier, more efficient and more effective. Worried about a lack of knowledge of theory? Visit the Resources and Tools page for some help.
What is Traditional Music
1. Music that is (or was originally) passed on predominately by oral and aural transmission rather than by written notation
2. Generally associated with a distinct people or region, sometimes defined by their own language, often integral to some aspect of traditional culture including rural customs
3. Variation is an intrinsic feature of traditional music. Tune families are common. A single tune may appear in several forms or styles according to region or genre
4. The music is a living tradition. Traditional does not mean old. Rather it me and handed over and can include new invention. Traditional music is being composed today.
Phyllis Kinney
Welsh Traditional Music
Martin Hayes on Traditional Music
“There are as many ways to play Irish music as there are people to play it. One of its greatest strengths is in its flexibility of interpretation. Everyone has the opportunity to put their personal stamp on it.”
Liner Notes
Welcome Here Again (2008)
Tempo
The demonstration recordings in this class are generally set at 100 bpm for jigs and 150 bpm for reels. These tempos may seem to too fast for some sessions and too slow for some dances. It’s not unusual for sessions to play reels at 120 bpm and jigs at 85 bpm. Hot Cape Brenton concert bands may take a reel at 170 bpm, or more. Pick the tempo that allows you to play the tune accurately. Speed up to the tempo you think best as your accuracy improves. No tempo rules exist outside of dance contests. In those competitive situations metronome settings are required for each type of dance. So, set the tempo that works for you and your session. Set tempos that bring out the best in melodies.
Sets in Traditional Music
This 18 minute video on The Fiddle Channel contains excellent information about the origin and nature of sets in traditional Celtic Music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezAA5fkiCdk
What is Traditional Music
1. Music that is (or was originally) passed on predominately by oral and aural transmission rather than by written notation
2. Generally associated with a distinct people or region, sometimes defined by their own language, often integral to some aspect of traditional culture including rural customs
3. Variation is an intrinsic feature of traditional music. Tune families are common. A single tune may appear in several forms or styles according to region or genre
4. The music is a living tradition. Traditional does not mean old. Rather it me and handed over and can include new invention. Traditional music is being composed today.
Phyllis Kinney
Welsh Traditional Music
Martin Hayes on Traditional Music
“There are as many ways to play Irish music as there are people to play it. One of its greatest strengths is in its flexibility of interpretation. Everyone has the opportunity to put their personal stamp on it.”
Liner Notes
Welcome Here Again (2008)
Tempo
The demonstration recordings in this class are generally set at 100 bpm for jigs and 150 bpm for reels. These tempos may seem to too fast for some sessions and too slow for some dances. It’s not unusual for sessions to play reels at 120 bpm and jigs at 85 bpm. Hot Cape Brenton concert bands may take a reel at 170 bpm, or more. Pick the tempo that allows you to play the tune accurately. Speed up to the tempo you think best as your accuracy improves. No tempo rules exist outside of dance contests. In those competitive situations metronome settings are required for each type of dance. So, set the tempo that works for you and your session. Set tempos that bring out the best in melodies.
Sets in Traditional Music
This 18 minute video on The Fiddle Channel contains excellent information about the origin and nature of sets in traditional Celtic Music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezAA5fkiCdk