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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 on what Suzuki called "natural tone" – allowing the instrument to speak with ease rather than forcing sound production. This foundation of relaxation and clarity becomes the bedrock upon which everything else is built.

The discussion delves deep into the art of deliberate practice. Jack shares a transformative insight from his teacher Brendan Mulvihill: "Play it 500 times as is and then you can vary it." This patient approach – giving every note its due time rather than rushing to performance speed – creates playing that feels effortless even at high tempos. Jack articulates how slowing down recordings of master musicians reveals their relaxed technique beneath seemingly blazing speeds.

Perhaps most valuably, Jack outlines his performance preparation process. Rather than practicing isolated sections, he advocates for contextual practice – playing entire sets without stopping, just as in performance. This builds the confidence to maintain rhythm and flow regardless of small technical mistakes. His approach to recording practice sessions also separates creative playing from critical evaluation, allowing both to happen more effectively.

Throughout the conversation, Jack's philosophy emerges: "There's no point in playing this music if you're not enjoying it." His approach prioritizes finding joy in the process, believing the most compelling performances come from musicians truly invested in the emotional heart of the music rather than technical showmanship alone.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or just beginning your journey, Jack's thoughtful perspective offers practical wisdom to transform your relationship with practice and performance. How might focusing on ease and natural tone change your own approach to music-making?

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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
• Importance of leading sessions within the music community
• The unique connection between dance and music
• Growth of Nashville Irish Music School
• Building a supportive community through music and dance
• Claire's experiences at various music festivals and dance competitions
• The influence of traditional Irish tunes in performances
• Future plans for collaboration and performance

If you would like to learn more about Claire, you can check her out at https://claireshireymusic.com/.

Tennessee residents can learn more about participating in Claire's school at https://middletnirish.org/

Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here!

I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here!

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
• Deliberate practice and pushing through challenges
• Building mental representations for memorizing music
• Encouraging a balanced approach to practice and enjoyment

This episode was inspired by the book Peak by K. Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool.

Want to share your thoughts on this episode or suggest other discussion topics? Join Hannah's free podcast community over here!

I'd also love to keep in touch with you via my Sunday Irish fiddle newsletter -- sign up for free here!