Find Your Lilt

About Find Your Lilt

Step into the world of Irish fiddling with "Find Your Lilt," the podcast where your fellow fiddler, Hannah Harris, guides you through the ebbs and flows of mastering the real feel of Irish music.

Publisher

Hannah

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 May 2024

Latest episode

15 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Jul 2026

   The Man Behind the Irish Fiddle Book (Matt Cranitch)

   I had the great pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Matt Cranitch, who is perhaps most well-known in the States for his Irish Fiddle method book as well as live and online workshops he has offered. This interview is your opportunity to "take a class" with Matt and hear a mix of his story, his teaching approaches, and his current projects in the summer of 2026. Matt's website (https://www.mattcranitch.com/) ITMA Padraig O' Keeffe Collection (https://www.itma.ie/collections/padraig-okeeffe-resources-at-itma/) Colleen Freeman playing her ancestor Julia Clifford's Stroh Fiddle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPxH2ZklwqY) Want to support the Find Your Lilt podcast and learn some new tunes by ear? Become a Tune Library (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/tunelibrarypodcast) member!

2. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Liz Carroll Returns: Sheet Music is a Tool not a Rule in Irish Music

   With the recent release of her 3rd tune collection, Liz Carroll shares the evolution of her tune books, insights on Irish music, and how she's finding her lilt these days. This conversation covers her creative process, the importance of listening and experimentation, and tips for musicians at all levels. Get your copy of Collected III here (https://www.lizcarroll.com/)! Want to support the Find Your Lilt podcast and learn some new tunes by ear? Become a Tune Library (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/tunelibrarypodcast) member!

3. 

   15 Jun 2026

   The Book Every Suzuki and Irish Fiddle Enthusiast needs (with Mary Vanorny)

   Mary Vanorny shares her journey from classical training to Irish fiddling, her innovative approach to teaching through her books, and the importance of community and style in learning Irish music. Learn more about Mary and purchase her book collection here: https://www.fiddlermary.com/ (https://www.fiddlermary.com/) https://www.learningfiddlewithirishmusic.com (https://www.learningfiddlewithirishmusic.com) Want to support the Find Your Lilt podcast and learn some new tunes by ear? Become a Tune Library (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/tunelibrarypodcast) member! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Suzuki Method and Irish Fiddling 03:10 Creating Resources for Young Musicians 05:59 The Importance of Listening and Training in Music 08:56 The Transition from Classical to Irish Fiddling 11:59 Understanding Songs vs. Tunes in Irish Music 14:58 Teaching Approaches for Different Age Groups 17:49 The Role of Bowing Techniques in Fiddling 21:03 Personal Journey in Fiddling and Learning from Mentors 33:49 Navigating the Challenges of Teaching Music 34:50 The Impact of Encouraging Teachers 35:56 Bridging Classical and Irish Music 36:58 The Importance of Skill Development 39:25 Teaching Techniques and Learning by Ear 41:21 The Role of Sheet Music in Learning 43:03 Understanding Irish Music's Unique Characteristics 45:57 The Journey of Learning Fiddle Techniques 48:25 Creating a Community Through Music 50:43 The Importance of Consistent Practice 52:52 Exploring Cape Breton and Irish Music 56:37 Building Connections Through Tunes 01:00:18 The Role of Resources in Music Education

4. 

   31 May 2026

   Question What You're Doing and Why: Liz Knowles Teaches us how to Practice on all Pistons

   Liz Knowles and Hannah chat about insights on effective practice strategies for musicians, emphasizing the concept of 'pistons' firing simultaneously to achieve mastery. In this interview, you'll walk away with a treasure trove of practical tips on memory, repertoire, and self-assessment to further improve your practicing skills and develop your Irish fiddling lilt! Resources mentioned: Seeing is Forgetting by Robert Irwin Liz Carroll's three tunes: The Source air, Hopping from West to East hop jig, Clonakilty reel (from Collected III (https://www.lizcarroll.com/the-collected-tune-books)) Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician's Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing by Molly Gebrian Connect with Liz and join her LizNotes newsletter here: LizNotes (https://www.lizknowles.com/single-project) https://www.lizknowles.com/ (https://www.lizknowles.com/) Want to support the Find Your Lilt podcast and learn some new tunes by ear? Become a Tune Library (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/tunelibrarypodcast) member! Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with Liz Knowles 06:09 Teaching and Developing Practice Skills 16:51 Memory and Spaced Repetition 24:58 Extended Repetition and Memory 30:27 The Illusion of Mastery and Continuous Learning 36:25 Assessing Progress and Self-Trust 47:33 The Passage of Time and Evolution of Skills

5. 

   20 Mar 2025

   Practicing with Purpose: How Jack Hughes Builds Musical Confidence

   Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! Jack Hughes didn't grow up playing fiddle – he started as a trumpet player, picking up the violin at 21 years old. Yet his thoughtful approach to practicing and performing Irish traditional music offers tremendous insights for musicians at any stage in their journey. In this illuminating conversation, Jack reveals how his trumpet background shaped his distinctive fiddle methodology. He explains his practice of beginning every session by focusing ...

6. 

   6 Mar 2025

   Dance Meets Fiddle: A Chat with Claire Shirey

   Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! Join me for an inspiring chat with Claire Shirey, the founder of the Nashville Irish Music School. We delve into the music and dance connection in the Irish traditional scene. Highlights include Claire's journey from dancer to musician, the evolution of the Nashville Irish scene, and fostering a love for Irish music among youth. • Claire’s transition from Irish dance to focusing on music • Insights on playing for Irish dance competitions • Impo...

7. 

   6 Feb 2025

   From Stagnation to Mastery in Irish Fiddle Practice

   Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! This episode explains the different types of music practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and how they impact skill development in Irish fiddling. Hannah discusses practical strategies for each type, encouraging listeners to engage in better practices to achieve their musical goals. • Exploring naive practice and its pitfalls • Recognizing the shift to purposeful practice • Importance of feedback in practice sessions • ...

8. 

   23 Jan 2025

   Finding Joy in all Phases of Teaching and Learning Fiddle

   Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text!In this episode of the Find Your Lilt podcast, host Hannah Harris speaks with Taylor Morris, an enthusiastic educator and musician based in Arizona. They discuss Taylor's journey into music education, his teaching philosophy centered around joy and flexibility, and the importance of engaging students in multiple ways to foster a love for music. Taylor debunks common misconceptions about learning styles and emphasizes the need for adaptability in te...

9. 

   19 Dec 2024

   Lilting with the Lizzes (Liz Knowles and Liz Carroll)

   Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text!In this episode of the Find Your Lilt Podcast, host Hannah Harris engages in a lively discussion with fiddle legends + mentors Liz Carroll and Liz Knowles. The conversation delves into the intricacies of Irish music, focusing on teaching techniques, the importance of call and response, and the exploration of tunes. Both Lizzes share their insights on how to select tunes for workshops, the significance of improvisation, and the balance between tradi...

10. 

    12 Dec 2024

    Avoiding Burnout, Student vs Teacher Mindsets and Loving your Work with Nathan Bishop

    Nathan Bishop shares his insights on navigating burnout, embracing flexibility and motivation, and finding joy in teaching and performing Irish music.

11. 

    21 Nov 2024

    How to Get Out of a Practicing Funk

    Musicality expert Hannah Harris shares her insights on overcoming common practice barriers, empowering musicians to maintain a consistent routine and find their lilt again.

12. 

    14 Nov 2024

    Tips for Making your Tunes Performance-Ready (Even when You're Pressed for Time)

    Hannah Harkin shares her expert strategies for preparing performance-ready tunes quickly, emphasizing preparation, practice, and adaptability in the world of music performance.

13. 

    27 Jun 2024

    Getting the Real Feel for Irish Traditional Music in a Band Environment with Anne Harrigan

    Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2354128/open_sms) In this conversation, Hannah and Anne discuss band dynamics and the differences between Irish traditional music and bands that play Irish music. They explore the definition of the Irish feel and the importance of communication and vision in a band. They also touch on the evolution of their own band, Trillium, and the challenges of finding an authentic Irish sound. They discuss the nuances of Irish music, including inflection, emphasis, swing, and lift, and how these elements differentiate Irish music from other genres. The conversation explores the distinction between traditional and innovative Irish music and the role of curiosity and immersion in developing a unique style. The importance of communication and feedback within a band is emphasized, as well as the balance between tradition and innovation. The significance of listening, flexibility, and continuous learning is highlighted. The challenges of ornamentation and variations are discussed, along with the importance of clarity and constructive feedback. The conversation concludes with reflections on the joy of playing in a band and the impact of live performances. You can connect with Anne on her LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-harrigan-2b0a481a/) and hear more about what our band Trillium is up to on our website here (https://trilliumirishband.com/)! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/community)! I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/fiddle-emails)!

14. 

    13 Jun 2024

    4 Strategies to Help You Handle Performance Anxiety

    Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2354128/open_sms) In this episode, Hannah discusses performance anxiety in Irish traditional music. She shares personal experiences of feeling frustrated and nervous while playing in front of others. Hannah explores the fear of making mistakes, sounding silly, and being a beginner in a space where one feels they should be more advanced. She offers strategies for handling performance anxiety, including practicing breathing techniques, being prepared musically and externally, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and embracing curiosity and experimentation in playing. Hannah encourages listeners to overcome their fears and share their unique voices in the Irish traditional music space. Takeaways: Performance anxiety is a common experience for musicians, including those in Irish traditional music. Strategies for handling performance anxiety include practicing breathing techniques, being prepared musically and externally, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and embracing curiosity and experimentation in playing. It is important to remember that mistakes and sounding silly are part of the learning process and should not deter one from sharing their music. Surrounding oneself with supportive and encouraging people can greatly impact one's confidence and growth as a musician. Embracing curiosity and experimentation allows for personal growth and the discovery of unique sounds and expressions on the instrument. Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/community)! I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/fiddle-emails)!

15. 

    6 Jun 2024

    From Classical Percussion to Bodhrán with Jim Lindroth

    Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2354128/open_sms) Jim Lindroth (https://jimlindroth.com/) shares his backstory of how he got into Irish music through classical percussion. He discusses the influence of his classical training on his Irish playing, particularly in terms of technique, sound, and color. Jim also talks about his preparation for the Fleadh Cheoil competition and how he selected tunes based on their variety and opportunities for showcasing different rhythms and melodies. In this conversation, Jim and Hannah discuss the process of arranging traditional Irish tunes for the bodhrán. Jim shares his experience of finding space within the melodies and exploring different rhythms and accents. They also touch on the concept of authenticity in traditional music and how it can be interpreted differently by different musicians. Jim emphasizes the importance of listening and adapting to the playing styles of other musicians when accompanying them on the bodhrán. Takeaways Classical percussion training can have a significant impact on Irish music playing, particularly in terms of technique, sound, and color. The selection of tunes for performance should consider their variety and opportunities for showcasing different rhythms and melodies. The choice of tippers in Irish music can greatly influence the sound and color produced on the bodhran. Preparation for competitions or performances should involve intentional exploration of different techniques and approaches to maximize musical expression. The collaboration between musicians in a performance can enhance the overall musical experience and create unique interpretations of traditional tunes. Arranging traditional Irish tunes for the bodhrán involves finding space within the melodies and exploring different rhythms and accents. Authenticity in traditional music can be interpreted differently by different musicians, and it is important to find a balance between staying true to the tradition and adding personal expression. When accompanying other musicians, it is crucial to listen and adapt to their playing styles, whether it's playing along, playing against, or adding colors and textures to enhance the music. The bodhrán player's role is to support and enhance the music, adding what is needed in the moment. Connect with Jim on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jimdroth/) @jimdroth or via his website (https://jimlindroth.com/)! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/community)! I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/fiddle-emails)!

16. 

    30 May 2024

    Creativity in Musical Approach with Charlene Adzima

    Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2354128/open_sms) Hannah sits down for a chat with fellow fiddle teacher, Charlene Adzima, who shares her journey into Irish music, her experience with Suzuki training, and her approach to teaching. The conversation explores the intersection of classical and folk music, the importance of creativity, compassion, and consistency in teaching, and the concept of finding one's 'lilt' in music. Check out Charlene's website and keep up to date with her teaching schedule here (https://charleneadzima.com/)! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/community)! I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/fiddle-emails)!

17. 

    23 May 2024

    Should you play Irish Trad music in an Orchestra?

    Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2354128/open_sms) In this episode, Hannah Harris discusses her experience of combining classical music and traditional Irish music in a concert. She reflects on the success of the collaboration and explores the factors that contributed to its success. She emphasizes the importance of having musicians who are familiar with both genres and can adapt to different styles. She also highlights the significance of well-crafted arrangements and the ability to go beyond the sheet music to capture the essence of the music. Hannah acknowledges the potential challenges of combining these genres, such as ego clashes and the risk of overshadowing the rhythm players. She concludes that while the combination can work well in certain situations, it should be done in limited quantities to allow each genre to shine on its own. Links to musicians: Cillian Vallely (https://www.cillianvallely.com/), David Doocey (https://www.daviddoocey.com/) and Alan Murray (https://irishtradmusic.org/musicians/alan-murray/) Morning Nightcap set with orchestra (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwenBPADlPc) + without orchestra (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pDGc8xUX94) Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/community)! I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/fiddle-emails)!

18. 

    16 May 2024

    Introducing the Find Your Lilt Podcast

    Love what you're hearing? Send Hannah a text! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2354128/open_sms) Hannah Harris introduces her new podcast, Find Your Lilt, where she aims to have deeper conversations about Irish traditional music. She shares her background as a classical violinist who found her passion for Irish fiddling and her journey in the music scene. The podcast will cover various topics related to being a traditional Irish musician, including gigging, learning the music, travel stories, and connecting over a shared love of the style of playing. Hannah invites guests to share their experiences and perspectives, creating a valuable resource for those interested in Irish music. Main Takeaways: Find Your Lilt is a podcast that explores the world of Irish traditional music and aims to have deeper conversations about the genre. Hannah Harris shares her background as a classical violinist who found her passion for Irish fiddling. The podcast will cover various topics related to being a traditional Irish musician, including gigging, learning the music, travel stories, and connecting over a shared love of the style of playing. Guests will be invited to share their experiences and perspectives, creating a valuable resource for those interested in Irish music. Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/community)! I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here (https://learn.hannahharrisceol.com/fiddle-emails)!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

28

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Find Your Lilt

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.