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Jack Hughes didn't grow up playing fiddle – he started as a trumpet player, picking up the violin at 21 years old. Yet his thoughtful approach to practicing and performing Irish traditional music offers tremendous insights for musicians at any stage in their journey.

In this illuminating conversation, Jack reveals how his trumpet background shaped his distinctive fiddle methodology. He explains his practice of beginning every session by focusing on what Suzuki called "natural tone" – allowing the instrument to speak with ease rather than forcing sound production. This foundation of relaxation and clarity becomes the bedrock upon which everything else is built.

The discussion delves deep into the art of deliberate practice. Jack shares a transformative insight from his teacher Brendan Mulvihill: "Play it 500 times as is and then you can vary it." This patient approach – giving every note its due time rather than rushing to performance speed – creates playing that feels effortless even at high tempos. Jack articulates how slowing down recordings of master musicians reveals their relaxed technique beneath seemingly blazing speeds.

Perhaps most valuably, Jack outlines his performance preparation process. Rather than practicing isolated sections, he advocates for contextual practice – playing entire sets without stopping, just as in performance. This builds the confidence to maintain rhythm and flow regardless of small technical mistakes. His approach to recording practice sessions also separates creative playing from critical evaluation, allowing both to happen more effectively.

Throughout the conversation, Jack's philosophy emerges: "There's no point in playing this music if you're not enjoying it." His approach prioritizes finding joy in the process, believing the most compelling performances come from musicians truly invested in the emotional heart of the music rather than technical showmanship alone.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or just beginning your journey, Jack's thoughtful perspective offers practical wisdom to transform your relationship with practice and performance. How might focusing on ease and natural tone change your own approach to music-making?

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Join me for an inspiring chat with Claire Shirey, the founder of the Nashville Irish Music School. We delve into the music and dance connection in the Irish traditional scene. Highlights include Claire's journey from dancer to musician, the evolution of the Nashville Irish scene, and fostering a love for Irish music among youth.

• Claire’s transition from Irish dance to focusing on music
• Insights on playing for Irish dance competitions
• Importance of leading sessions within the music community
• The unique connection between dance and music
• Growth of Nashville Irish Music School
• Building a supportive community through music and dance
• Claire's experiences at various music festivals and dance competitions
• The influence of traditional Irish tunes in performances
• Future plans for collaboration and performance

If you would like to learn more about Claire, you can check her out at https://claireshireymusic.com/.

Tennessee residents can learn more about participating in Claire's school at https://middletnirish.org/

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This episode explains the different types of music practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and how they impact skill development in Irish fiddling. Hannah discusses practical strategies for each type, encouraging listeners to engage in better practices to achieve their musical goals. 
• Exploring naive practice and its pitfalls 
• Recognizing the shift to purposeful practice 
• Importance of feedback in practice sessions 
• Deliberate practice and pushing through challenges 
• Building mental representations for memorizing music 
• Encouraging a balanced approach to practice and enjoyment

This episode was inspired by the book Peak by K. Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool.

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In this episode of the Find Your Lilt podcast, host Hannah Harris speaks with Taylor Morris, an enthusiastic educator and musician based in Arizona. They discuss Taylor's journey into music education, his teaching philosophy centered around joy and flexibility, and the importance of engaging students in multiple ways to foster a love for music. Taylor debunks common misconceptions about learning styles and emphasizes the need for adaptability in teaching methods. The conversation highlights the significance of experimentation in both teaching and learning, encouraging students to explore various approaches to music-making.

Connect with Taylor more over on Instagram and his website!

To learn more about Gilbert Town Fiddlers, visit here!

Looking for a summer string camp in Arizona? Check out StringPlay!

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In this episode of the Find Your Lilt Podcast, host Hannah Harris engages in a lively discussion with fiddle legends + mentors Liz Carroll and Liz Knowles. The conversation delves into the intricacies of Irish music, focusing on teaching techniques, the importance of call and response, and the exploration of tunes. Both Lizzes share their insights on how to select tunes for workshops, the significance of improvisation, and the balance between tradition and modernity in music. They also discuss the concept of authenticity in Irish music and how it relates to personal expression and community acceptance. Throughout the episode, listeners gain valuable perspectives on the journey of learning and playing Irish music, emphasizing the joy of exploration and the importance of finding one's unique voice within the tradition.

To listen to and support The Lizzes Podcast, you can find their Patreon page here!

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In this episode of the Find Your Lilt Podcast, host Hannah Harris chats with fiddler, improviser, and teacher Nathan Bishop. They explore Nathan's journey in music, the balance between teaching and performing, and the importance of flexibility and motivation in Irish music. Nathan shares insights on navigating burnout, the significance of non-music hobbies, and the dynamics of student-teacher relationships. They also discuss various teaching methods, including the spiral learning approach, and how to effectively engage students in group settings.

Connect with Nathan on Instagram here!

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Book recommendations:
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Best Practice by Judy Minot

In this episode of the Find Your Lilt Podcast, Hannah Harris discusses the common challenges musicians face when trying to maintain a consistent practice routine, particularly focusing on the 'practicing funk.' She shares her personal experiences and insights on overcoming barriers to practice, including fear of disturbing neighbors, lack of a structured plan, and the importance of setting specific practice times. Hannah also highlights the significance of creative approaches to learning music, such as using a practice journal and exploring different methods of tune learning. The episode concludes with practical strategies for musicians to enhance their practice sessions and stay motivated.

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Hannah shares her experiences and strategies for preparing for a gig at IrishFest Atlanta. She discusses the challenges of learning new tunes quickly, the importance of collaboration with other musicians, and the use of different notation systems like ABC notation. Throughout the conversation, Hannah emphasizes the need for preparation, practice, and adaptability in the world of music performance.

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In this conversation, Hannah and Anne discuss band dynamics and the differences between Irish traditional music and bands that play Irish music. They explore the definition of the Irish feel and the importance of communication and vision in a band. They also touch on the evolution of their own band, Trillium, and the challenges of finding an authentic Irish sound. They discuss the nuances of Irish music, including inflection, emphasis, swing, and lift, and how these elements differentiate Irish music from other genres. The conversation explores the distinction between traditional and innovative Irish music and the role of curiosity and immersion in developing a unique style. The importance of communication and feedback within a band is emphasized, as well as the balance between tradition and innovation. The significance of listening, flexibility, and continuous learning is highlighted. The challenges of ornamentation and variations are discussed, along with the importance of clarity and constructive feedback. The conversation concludes with reflections on the joy of playing in a band and the impact of live performances.

You can connect with Anne on her LinkedIn page and hear more about what our band Trillium is up to on our website here!

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In this episode, Hannah discusses performance anxiety in Irish traditional music. She shares personal experiences of feeling frustrated and nervous while playing in front of others. Hannah explores the fear of making mistakes, sounding silly, and being a beginner in a space where one feels they should be more advanced. She offers strategies for handling performance anxiety, including practicing breathing techniques, being prepared musically and externally, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and embracing curiosity and experimentation in playing. Hannah encourages listeners to overcome their fears and share their unique voices in the Irish traditional music space.

Takeaways:

• Performance anxiety is a common experience for musicians, including those in Irish traditional music.
• Strategies for handling performance anxiety include practicing breathing techniques, being prepared musically and externally, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and embracing curiosity and experimentation in playing.
• It is important to remember that mistakes and sounding silly are part of the learning process and should not deter one from sharing their music.
• Surrounding oneself with supportive and encouraging people can greatly impact one's confidence and growth as a musician.
• Embracing curiosity and experimentation allows for personal growth and the discovery of unique sounds and expressions on the instrument.

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