Becoming an Irish Traditional Musician

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