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 EnculturationIrish Traditional Music as a Community of PracticeConstructing this EthnographyThe Transmission of Irish Traditional Music: Key Features1 Passing it on: Connecting with a Community of PractitionersMentorsPeersFamilyEnthusiastsEntering the Community of Practice2 Transmission, Inspiration, and Social Tensions in Irish Traditional Music SessionsAcquiring RepertoireDeveloping Technique and Personal StyleSituated LearningTroubleshooting: Challenges to Learning in SessionsThe Session: Who is it for? 3 Organized Informality: Teaching and Institutionalizing Irish Traditional MusicThe Teaching of Irish Traditional MusicSchoolingCommunity Music OrganizationsGateways into the Community of Practice4 Musicking at Festivals, Summer Schools, and Live EventsFleadh Cheoil na hÉireannScoil ÉigseScoil Samhraidh Willie ClancyCéilidhs, Sing-songs, and Concerts5 Technology and Irish Traditional Music CulturePart 1: Old MediaThe Role of Literacy in an Oral PracticeThe Phonographic RevolutionFilm, Television, and Video TechnologyPart 2: New MediaTraditional Music in a Digital Age: The Role of the InternetThe Dawning of the Postdigital DayConclusion: The Lifelong Process of Becoming an Irish Traditional MusicianSearching for Patterns of Musical EnculturationThe Job of Journeywork: Navigating Multiple Paths