Table of Contents
Introduction: Exploring the Journey of Musical Enculturation
Irish Traditional Music as a Community of Practice
Constructing this Ethnography
The Transmission of Irish Traditional Music: Key Features
1 Passing it on: Connecting with a Community of Practitioners
Mentors
Peers
Family
Enthusiasts
Entering the Community of Practice
2 Transmission, Inspiration, and Social Tensions in Irish Traditional Music Sessions
Acquiring Repertoire
Developing Technique and Personal Style
Situated Learning
Troubleshooting: Challenges to Learning in Sessions
The Session: Who is it for?
3 Organized Informality: Teaching and Institutionalizing Irish Traditional Music
The Teaching of Irish Traditional Music
Schooling
Community Music Organizations
Gateways into the Community of Practice
4 Musicking at Festivals, Summer Schools, and Live Events
Fleadh Cheoil na héireann
Scoil Éigse
Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy
Céilidhs, Sing-songs, and Concerts
5 Technology and Irish Traditional Music Culture
Part 1: Old Media
The Role of Literacy in an Oral Practice
The Phonographic Revolution
Film, Television, and Video Technology
Part 2: New Media
Traditional Music in a Digital Age: The Role of the Internet
The Dawning of the Postdigital Day
Conclusion: The Lifelong Process of Becoming an Irish Traditional Musician
Searching for Patterns of Musical Enculturation
The Job of Journeywork: Navigating Multiple Paths