My background is in the violin. Notice I said violin. I studied classically from grade 5 through graduation. My teacher was a Russian violinist who taught at Kalamazoo Collage, Voldemars Rushevics. After I graduated from high school I realized the future of most violinists was to teach and play in orchestras. That meant more education and training. I also meant living in large cities where teaching was possible. Plus, bottom line, the reality was I couldn’t afford to continue the lessons and education necessary. The violin went into storage for about 30 years. It came out a few times to play some Appalachian old time music. I went to a couple of festivals at Cliff Top WV back in the 80s. That began to break me away from the strict structure of classical training of sitting up straight, wearing dark suits, not drinking during performances… you get the idea.
I’ve been interested in Celtic music since about 2006. I was looking for a way to have fun playing my violin. I found a group of players that met weekly at a local bar. As a session beginner, I knew very little about the Irish traditional session structure or music. Its history seems to lean toward a social gathering of friends (at a Pub or a home) before TV and the internet. The main focus is music and fun. Its more about the players and the music not in a performance for an audience.
Many pubs offer players free drinks during the sessions, a big motivator for players to join. I once played in a session in San Diego that offered free drinks and anything on the menu, which included lobster… That was the exception to the rule. Most bars will offer one or two drinks during the evening, some offer nothing.
This interest gave me new challenges and friends. I’m still learning how to learn the music by ear (no music books) in the traditional way.
For information about Traverse City Celtic music check out the TC Celtic Facebook page. You’ll find more information on access to the pdf files of the music we play in Traverse City sessions. Look under the files section, of that group, for additional resources.
The following books are sets which are played on the east coast…