Biddy from Sligo Jig

 Here is a lovely jig that I learned from the playing of Cathal McConnell, one of the founding members of the group, Boys of the Lough.  

Here is the written version of the tune as well: Biddy from Sligo

What is Fleadh Cheoil?

Fleadh Cheoil means Festival of Music in Irish Gaelic and is an Irish music competition run by   Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ). 
    There are various stages to the competition. In Ireland there are county and provincial competitions leading to the All-Ireland Fleadh.  North America has two regional qualifying Fleadh Cheoil. The Mid-Atlantic Fleadh covers the US eastern seaboard, eastern Canada and the Maritimes. The Midwest Fleadh covers the rest of North America from Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta and Detroit to San Francisco.
Competitions are divided into the following age categories: under 12, 12-15, 15-18, and over 18 (senior). 
 The Mid Atlantic Fleadh will be taking place May 19th 2012.  For details, please go to:Mid Atlantic Fleadh Rules and Application

The All Ireland Fleadh will be held in Cavan, Ireland for a third year in succession!

Saint Patrick's by Christelrice

 My daughter may dance to this particular set dance tune a zillion times over Saint Patrick's Day, which is why I am giving you this tune today.   A set dance is a type of dance-tune arranged or composed by dancers to display their finest "footwork."   This tune, Saint Patrick's Day doubles the first part, with the second part leading back in repeating the first and is played only once.  Everyone got that?!

Saint Patrick's

What an exciting start to the day, I admit!  I received quite a few emails thus far regarding lessons that I teach through Skype. One particular fellow heard my Tunnelvision record being played on a  radio station in Boston, and has now requested a lesson.  I know it may seem trivial, but there is something so genuine about sharing music and passing it along. So on that note, I will continue sharing music to feed my soul as well as hopefully feeding yours as well.  You can happily look into a fun-filled Skype lesson with me by going to the website www.christelrice.com
Cheers ya'll! 

This was a fun night of playing Irish music in Manhattan.  Thank you Mickela Malozzi for posting this video!

The rewards of playing by ear

     If you are new to playing Irish music by ear,  you may have a tendency to want to "play along" with a particular tune with the sheet music in front of you.  Please, I beg you, don't!   As I post the written versions of the tunes, do remember that it is just a reference point and that is it.  These particular tunes are taught to students by ear first before they receive the written version of them.  At a further date, we will discuss how to read sheet music without playing along with it on your instrument.  Sounds tricky, but the sooner you learn to play by ear, the easier this technique will become!    
      I can't stress this enough:  listen, listen, and listen again to the tunes you want to learn.  It is a process of experimentation on your part that is actually quite fun.  Once you pick out the notes that match the pitch that you hear in your head, you can then piece together this musical puzzle and VIOLA, a tune is discovered on your own without any aides.  Now that's a nice pat on the back, wouldn't you agree? 

    

I am now available to teach tin whistle or wooden flute on Skype!  If you are interested in a lesson and would like further details,  please visit my website:  www.christelrice.com