Sweet Music

By Adam R Sweet – Fiddler, Educator, and Performer with Woodkerne, Celticado, and Swift River Have you ever dreamed of playing the lively tunes that define traditional fiddle music from the Isles? Whether you want to jam with friends, join a local band, or simply enjoy the music for yourself, private fiddle lessons can get you there. At Sweet Music , I offer one-on-one fiddle instruction tailored to your goals, focusing on the authentic styles I’ve spent years performing and perfecting. Who Benefits Most? These lessons are perfect for adults who: Want to play in a group setting or local jam sessions. Hope to join or start a band focused on traditional Isles music. Appreciate the rich history and rhythms of Irish, Scottish, and other regional fiddle traditions. About Your Instructor I’m Adam Sweet, a fiddler with deep experience in traditional Isles music. I perform regularly with: Woodkerne , a traditional Isles quartet. Celticado , a wedding duo specializing in traditional Isles music...

The evolution of Irish traditional dance music is often a story of cultural exchange, marked by influences from Scotland, England, and continental Europe. Certain dance forms—jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, and waltzes—did not originate in Ireland but were introduced over time, sometimes through itinerant dance masters, other times through cultural exchanges with Irish communities abroad, particularly in America. This post examines the documented history behind these dance forms and their integration into Irish traditional music. The Arrival of Scottish Dance Forms in Ireland The Scottish dance forms of reels and strathspeys gained popularity in Ireland after the relaxation of the Penal Laws in the 19th century. The Penal Laws, which were not fully lifted until the 1860s, restricted Irish Catholics from engaging in certain cultural practices. This makes it unlikely that organized teaching of Scottish dances, which would have required the presence of dancing masters, took place before t...