The objective of this website is to provide a resource of the more popular sets or pairings of tunes that may be heard in Celtic music sessions.
We’re aware that it may very much depend on the mix of instruments that you have at the session as to which sets may be suitable, but hopefully this resource will provide some inspiration and just a few suggestions.
We will eventually give details of sessions where you can either go to play, or simply listen and enjoy these tunes.
Can I swap the tunes around?
Of course. But there can be an undeniable excitement when two or more tunes are paired together in a particular order, especially when the second tune provides a musical climax to the set.
For instance, starting with a tune in a minor key, and then following with one in a major key can resolve wonderfully in the ear of the beholder.
How many times should I play each tune?
Whatever works best for you and the session. Twice through each tune is the minimum and probably assumes a familiarity of the tunes with the players at the session. Any more than two times, and the ‘musical high’ of the change between the tunes may be lost.
If you want to play a tune three or more times because players who are unfamiliar with a tune can ‘grow into it’, then maybe it’s worth opting to play it as a single tune instead.
…this website and its content is being developed as we go along, so please do be patient with us :>)