MUSIC LEARNING THROUGH TRADITION: COUNTY CLARE SINGING SESSIONS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CLASSROOM ADAPTATION

Abstract

The Irish singing session has provided a safe community where singers of all abilities are welcome to share with and learn from one another. Through British occupation and into independence, the Irish session has transformed tremendously from its original form. Still, the session carries on the Irish tradition of music learning and enculturation through oral transmission. Singing sessions provide a unique opportunity for the many songs of Irish history to be sung and learned; passed down from generation to generation! Singers learn new songs through listening to and watching other singers, imitating material, experimenting with new ideas, and discussing musical performances with others. Session leaders may attempt to create an encouraging and accepting environment where singers feel secure, resulting in the unbridled sharing of singers’ deep connections with a song. Such methods, including personal choice and a safe environment, have been observed through field research and have shown to positively affect singers and communities related to singing sessions in County Clare, Ireland. In this study, I pose that the methods used in singing sessions may also be beneficial when adapted for use in the music classroom.