Got Questions About Ceol Tracks?
How can we help you? Your questions about learning Irish traditional music with Ceol Tracks answered.
Whether you’re a student just starting your Irish music journey, a teacher considering our materials, or someone familiar with Ceol Tracks needing clarification, find concise information about our books here.
FAQ Category
General Questions
Q: What makes your Irish music books different from others?
A: Our books focus on a clear, structured learning path from beginner to advanced. We prioritise ease of use with features like one tune per page, multiple notation formats (ABC, Staff, Chords), clear finger charts for common melody instruments, and practical lay-flat wire binding. Our goal is to build a strong foundation in theory and technique efficiently.
Q: Who are these books intended for?
They are designed for a wide range of learners! This includes absolute beginners starting their Irish music journey, intermediate players looking to expand their repertoire and technique, students in formal lessons, self-learners who appreciate structure, and music teachers seeking reliable material for their students.
Q: Do you offer digital versions (e.g., PDFs) of your books?
Currently, we specialize in high-quality physical books. The wire binding is a key feature designed for ease of use during practice, which isn’t replicated digitally. We focus on providing the best possible physical learning tool.
Q: What payment methods do you accept? Is my payment secure?
We accept secure payments through Stripe (for major credit/debit cards) and PayPal. All transactions are processed securely via the standard WooCommerce checkout process. Your financial details are never stored on our website.
Q: Do you have a physical store I can visit?
We operate primarily as an online bookshop based in Spain, which allows us to ship our curated collection worldwide. We do not currently have a physical retail storefront.
Q: How can I contact you if I have other questions?
We’re happy to help! Please visit our contact page where you can find our contact form and email address. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 1-2 business days.
Book Content & Levels
Q: I’m a complete beginner. Which book should I choose?
Definitely start with our “Beginner” level books! They assume no prior knowledge of Irish music or your instrument and introduce fundamental concepts, basic tunes, and essential techniques step-by-step.
Q: Do I need to be able to read standard music notation?
Not necessarily! Every tune includes ABC notation, which is very popular in traditional music circles and easy to learn. We also provide standard staff notation and chord progressions, so you can use whichever format(s) you prefer or learn multiple systems as you go.
Q: What instruments are the finger charts designed for?
The finger charts are specifically designed for the most common melody instruments in traditional Irish music, such as the tin whistle, Irish flute, and fiddle. Check the individual book descriptions on the product pages for specific instrument suitability, if applicable.
Q: What does the “one tune per page” layout involve?
This means each traditional tune is presented entirely on a single page, including all notation formats (Staff, ABC, Chords) and finger charts where applicable. This prevents awkward page turns mid-tune and helps you focus completely on learning that one piece before moving on.
Q: Is there music theory included in the books?
Yes, our books include a concise introduction to the essentials of Irish music theory relevant to the tunes being learned. This provides context and helps build a stronger understanding without being overwhelming, especially for beginners.
Q: What types of tunes are included (e.g., jigs, reels)?
Our collection covers a wide range of popular Irish tune types, including jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, slip jigs, and more, appropriate to the skill level of each book. You can often find a specific tune list or table of contents preview on the individual product page for each book.
Q: What are the benefits of the wire binding?
The wire binding (spiral binding) allows the books to lay completely flat on a music stand or table. This is incredibly helpful as it frees up your hands to hold your instrument and play without fighting a book that keeps closing on itself!
Ordering & Shipping
Q: How do I place an order?
Simply browse our books on the Book Page, add the items you wish to purchase to your cart using the “Add to Cart” button, and then proceed to the secure checkout. Follow the steps provided to enter your shipping and payment details (via Stripe or PayPal).
Q: How is the shipping cost calculated?
Shipping costs are calculated automatically at checkout based on the total weight of the books in your order and your delivery destination.
Q: Where do you ship from, and do you ship internationally?
We ship all orders from our base in Spain using the national postal service, Correos. Yes, we ship internationally to most countries!
Q: How long will it take for my order to arrive?
We dispatch orders within 1-3 business days. Delivery times using Correos standard and registered post can vary depending on the destination country. Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery, although times may be shorter for destinations within Europe. International orders outside the EU may take longer due to customs.
Q: Will I receive tracking information for my order?
Yes, for most destinations, we use a Correos-registered service that includes tracking. You can choose this service during the checkout process. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a shipping confirmation email containing your tracking number and a link to track its progress.
Q: What is your return or refund policy if there’s an issue?
Please refer to our [Link to Returns Policy Page – Create this page!] for full details. Generally, if a book arrives damaged or there is an error with your order, please contact us within 14 days of receipt with photos, and we will arrange a replacement or refund.
Learning & Practice
Q: Can I learn at my own pace with these books?
Absolutely! The books are structured progressively, but they are designed for flexible learning. You can spend as much time as you need on each tune or section and revisit lessons whenever required.
Q: Are these books suitable for use by music teachers with their students?
Yes, many teachers find our books very effective. The clear layout, multiple notations, structured curriculum, and lay-flat design make them excellent resources for private lessons or group classes.
Q: Do you offer support if I get stuck learning a tune from the book?
While we don’t offer personalised tuition, the books are designed to be as self-explanatory as possible. We recommend supplementing your learning by listening to recordings of the tunes online (many are easily found on YouTube or streaming services) to get a feel for the rhythm and style. Online forums and local music sessions can also be great resources!
Q: Any tips for practicing effectively with these books?
Take advantage of the features! Use the lay-flat binding to keep the book open easily. Start slowly, focusing on accuracy using the notation or finger charts you prefer. Listen to recordings of the tune. Use the one-tune-per-page format to master a piece before moving on. Repetition is key!
Q: Can these books help me prepare for joining Irish music sessions?
Yes, definitely! Our books cover many common session tunes. Learning them thoroughly using the structured approach will build your repertoire and confidence, making it easier to join in with other musicians. Start with the beginner and intermediate levels to build a solid core repertoire.