Article

Teaching the Tunes: Understanding the Role of Irish Traditional Music in Higher Education in North America

Colin Harte

Published in: Ethnomusicology Ireland 3 (2015)

Pages: 70-85 | Published Online: 2015

https://doi.org/10.64208/RXRQ1831

Abstract

Irish traditional music has had a tenuous existence in higher education in North America. Its inclusion in university course offerings and performance ensembles by ethnomusicologists and music educators has provided unique opportunities to examine the manner in which Irish traditional music is taught. As a traditional music, it has a well-established process of transmission that favours certain aesthetics and performative practices. However, when attempting to teach Irish traditional music to university students unfamiliar with its cultural milieu, a host of ethnomusicological issues arise. This research discusses the role of Irish traditional music in higher education and examines in detail the pedagogical strategies, repertoire, musical practices and educational outcomes of several, select university Irish traditional music courses and ensembles in the United States of America.

Keywords: Training, Irish traditional music, Irish Studies, United States, higher education

Author: Colin Harte