Find Your Lilt

With the recent release of her 3rd tune collection, Liz Carroll shares the evolution of her tune books, insights on Irish music, and how she's finding her lilt these days. This conversation covers her creative process, the importance of listening and experimentation, and tips for musicians at all levels. Get your copy of Collected III here ! Want to support the Find Your Lilt podcast and learn som...

Mary Vanorny shares her journey from classical training to Irish fiddling, her innovative approach to teaching through her books, and the importance of community and style in learning Irish music. Learn more about Mary and purchase her book collection here: https://www.fiddlermary.com/ https://www.learningfiddlewithirishmusic.com Want to support the Find Your Lilt podcast and learn some new tunes...

Liz Knowles and Hannah chat about insights on effective practice strategies for musicians, emphasizing the concept of 'pistons' firing simultaneously to achieve mastery. In this interview, you'll walk away with a treasure trove of practical tips on memory, repertoire, and self-assessment to further improve your practicing skills and develop your Irish fiddling lilt! Resources mentioned : Seeing is...

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 hi...

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 • Insight...

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 fe...

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 s...

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 signific...

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 rela...

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...

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....

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...

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 br...

Jim Lindroth shares his backstory of how he got into Irish music through classical percussion. He discusses the influence of his classical training on his Irish playing, particularly in terms of technique, sound, and color. Jim also talks about his preparation for the Fleadh Cheoil competition and how he selected tunes based on their variety and opportunities for showcasing different rhythms and m...

Hannah sits down for a chat with fellow fiddle teacher, Charlene Adzima, who shares her journey into Irish music, her experience with Suzuki training, and her approach to teaching. The conversation explores the intersection of classical and folk music, the importance of creativity, compassion, and consistency in teaching, and the concept of finding one's 'lilt' in music. Check out Charlene's websi...

In this episode, Hannah Harris discusses her experience of combining classical music and traditional Irish music in a concert. She reflects on the success of the collaboration and explores the factors that contributed to its success. She emphasizes the importance of having musicians who are familiar with both genres and can adapt to different styles. She also highlights the significance of well-cr...

Hannah Harris introduces her new podcast, Find Your Lilt, where she aims to have deeper conversations about Irish traditional music. She shares her background as a classical violinist who found her passion for Irish fiddling and her journey in the music scene. The podcast will cover various topics related to being a traditional Irish musician, including gigging, learning the music, travel stories,...