Session Etiquette is an educational platform dedicated to helping musicians and culturally curious visitors to better understand the unspoken culture, behaviours, signals and social dynamics that shape Irish traditional music sessions. Founded by Donegal fiddle player, educator, and cultural advocate Tara Connaghan, Session Etiquette translates deep lived experience within the Irish traditional music community into accessible guidance for those seeking to participate with greater confidence, understanding, and respect. 

The platform's offerings include In Tune with Tradition, an award-winning podcast exploring perspectives on Irish traditional music session etiquette; In Tune With Tradition: The Private Session Experience, a premium small-group immersive retreat in Ireland launching September 28th - October 2nd ,2026; and a growing portfolio of educational resources, courses, partnerships, and cultural experiences designed to foster deeper engagement with Ireland's living musical traditions.

The Perspectives on Session Etiquette in Irish Traditional Music project was established by Tara Connaghan to open up conversations around the customs, courtesies, and unspoken rules that shape the experience of Irish music sessions. Having witnessed both the welcoming and challenging aspects of session culture throughout her career and having supported learners throughout their journey of session curiosity, Tara recognised the need for a resource that supports musicians of all backgrounds in navigating these shared spaces. This project aims to foster understanding, inclusivity, and connection within the traditional music community by gathering diverse perspectives with practical guidance in Irish music sessions.

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

In Tune with Tradition - Wins 5 Awards at NYC Podcasting Awards, received 2 Honours at the SHORTY Awards and was nominated at the Golden Lobe Awards and the Women Podcasters Awards

The In Tune with Tradition podcast (the only Irish podcast nominated) has won FIVE awards at the NYC Podcast Awards in New York in March 2026.

The podcast also received a Bronze Honour and Audience Honour in the Best Arts & Culture Podcast category at the Shorty Awards for Best Arts & Culture podcast in NYC in May 2026.

It was also nominated for Best Guest at the Golden Lobe Awards for the Kevin Crawford episode and nominated in the Society & Culture podcast section of the Women Podcast Awards. 

Tara Connaghan:

Tara Connaghan is a highly regarded traditional fiddle player from Glenties, Co. Donegal in the north west of Ireland, with over 35 years experience immersed in the Irish traditional music scene. She has performed and taught both nationally and internationally, and her deep-rooted connection to the Donegal fiddle tradition has made her a sought-after performer, tutor, and collaborator. Tara is a founding member of the acclaimed all-female group SíFiddlers. Her discography includes the celebrated album “Donegal Fiddle” with SíFiddlers and “The Far Side of the Glen” with Derek McGinley.

Tara’s career extends beyond performance: she has worked as a festival director, arts consultant, tv presenter and mentor within the traditional arts community for Arts Council funding, and served on the boards of key organisations such as Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí and the Irish Traditional Music Archive. 

She is passionate about making traditional music sessions welcoming and accessible to all, and looks forward to building a resource that reflects the diverse voices of the Irish music community.