Sessions aren’t difficult because of the music.

They’re difficult because of what’s not being said.

The In Tune with Tradition - Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music podcast breaks down the unspoken signals that shape Irish traditional music sessions, what keeps them working and what causes them to lose flow.

Session etiquette is not about rules, it’s about behaviour. And it is the difference between being welcomed into a session and feeling unsure and sitting on the edge of it. Whether you’re new to the tradition or an experienced musician, understanding these dynamics changes how you take part.

This work comes from years spent inside sessions, seeing what allows them to thrive, and what quietly breaks them.

It exists for one reason: to make the invisible part of sessions visible. This means that musicians can:

• integrate properly

• avoid common mistakes

• and take part with confidence and awareness

The podcast was launched by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Altan) at Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy in July 2025 and has since become a reference point for musicians trying to navigate the social side of sessions - something rarely explained, but constantly felt.

You can listen here or on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple or other platforms

If you want to contribute your perspective, you can complete the questionnaire below. It helps shape future episodes and ensures the conversation reflects real experiences across the tradition.

If you want to follow the work as it develops, you can join the mailing list here or below.