Sweet Music

By Adam R Sweet – Musician, Educator, and Advocate for Authentic Traditional Music As St. Patrick's Day approaches, the sounds of jigs, reels, and ballads fill the air. Many people refer to this vibrant, rhythmic music as "Celtic," a catch-all term that has become synonymous with traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and beyond. However, the term "Celtic music" is a modern marketing invention, and understanding the true origins and meanings behind this music deepens our appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. The so-called "Celtic" music actually encompasses distinct musical traditions from the Isles, each with its own history, style, and cultural significance. Irish traditional music, with its lilting melodies and intricate ornamentation, developed through oral traditions passed down over centuries. It served as a form of storytelling and cultural preservation during times when the Irish language and culture were suppressed. Scottish f...

PRIVATE INSTRUMENT LESSONS We offer private one-on-one lessons for violin and fiddle, viola, mandolin, mandola, mandocello, guitar and electric bass, Irish bouzouki and tenor banjo.  During warm weather, lessons can be in person.  During cold weather (generally November - March), lessons are offered online using Google Meet (similar to Zoom). GROUP CLASSES During warm weather, we offer in-person group classes according to the following schedule: Mondays 7-8:30pm Classical Mandolin Group Wednesdays 7-8:30pm Mandolin for Beginners Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Celtic Calamity (Celtic Group) Fridays 7-8:30pm Fiddle Fridays (Fiddle for Beginners/also Bluegrass Fiddle) In addition, we offer free LIVE broadcasts on Facebook Live, YouTube Live and sometimes Google Meet.  We will post information regarding these events on our events page! To register for musical instrument lessons or any of the group classes, fill out the form on this page:  https://forms.gle/zkHQmUs8BSY748Hs6

Hello music enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to bring you a fresh perspective on something that's close to our hearts here at Sweet Music – rediscovering the rhythm of your roots through music lessons tailored for your generation. Whether you're a young learner eager to explore the world of music, or you're revisiting a long-lost passion in your golden years, there's something magical about the journey of musical discovery that transcends age and time. Music, as we all know, is a universal language that binds us together, irrespective of our backgrounds or experiences. It's a bridge that connects the past with the present, allowing us to rediscover our roots and understand our heritage better. For many, learning to play an instrument or improving their musical skills is not just about mastering notes and rhythms; it's about connecting with a part of themselves that they might have forgotten or never explored. At Sweet Music, we specialize in crafting music l...

Hello, music lovers and friends of Sweet Music Studio! We have some exciting news to share. Today is the day we've all been waiting for—the live concert at Botanica Home in Amherst, MA. The performance starts at 2 pm, and we can't wait to share an hour of soul-stirring, foot-tapping traditional Celtic dance music with you. Why You Shouldn't Miss This Live music has a magic all its own, and there's nothing like experiencing it in person. The energy, the connection with the musicians, and the sheer joy of being part of a live audience are incomparable. Today's concert promises to be a memorable event, filled with the rich sounds and rhythms of Celtic tradition. What's On The Playlist? Our talented group has been working hard to prepare a line-up of tunes that will transport you straight to the emerald hills and misty lochs of Scotland and Ireland. Here are some of the well-known tunes you can look forward to: Loch Leven Castle: A Scottish reel that captures the es...

This past Sunday, our Celtic group class, which meets every Thursday at 7pm, had the pleasure of performing at the 🏠Firehouse Museum in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The weather couldn't have been more perfect—clear skies and a gentle breeze that seemed to dance along with the music. 😄A Warm Welcome Our hosts at the Firehouse Museum were nothing short of delightful. Their enthusiasm and warm welcome set the tone for what turned out to be a marvelous afternoon. 🎻The Performance As for the performance itself, our students played marvelously! The melodies filled the air, and you could see the smiles on everyone's faces. It was evident that each student had put in the time and effort to make this performance special, and it showed. 🎉Join the Studio and Save! If you were one of the lucky attendees at any of the weekend events in South Hadley, we have great news for you! You can take an additional 10% off lessons or group classes when you join our studio. It's the perfect time...