Irish Traditional Session Music, Book 1

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We're honoured that our clear, effective tutor books are recognised for supporting their vital mission to preserve and promote Ireland's rich traditional music and culture.
Irish Traditional Session Music, Book 1

Wire Binding is a Game-Changer

Whoever thought of the lay-flat wire binding deserves an award! I can finally place my book on the music stand without it snapping shut. It seems like a small detail, but it makes practice so much more enjoyable. The tunes are great too, clear and easy to follow.

Name: Sarah Jenkins

Place: Sydney, Australia

Date: 22 June 2015

Irish Traditional Session Music, Book 1

The Perfect Starter Session Book

This book is exactly what I needed to bridge the gap from learning in isolation to playing in a real session. The selection of tunes is spot-on—all the classics that everyone expects you to know. The staff and ABC notation together make learning so efficient. Highly recommended for anyone taking their first steps into session playing!

Name: Aoife Kennedy

Place: Galway, Ireland

Date: 14 February 2018

Irish Traditional Session Music, Book 1

Absolutely Essential!

I’ve tried several tune books over the years, and this one is the most user-friendly by a mile. The 'one tune per page' layout makes sight-reading so much less stressful. Plus, the included audio access is invaluable for getting the rhythm and ornamentation right. A must-have for the beginning session musician.

Name: David McLoughlin

Place: Boston, USA

Date: 1 December 2023

Master 64 essential Irish jigs, reels, polkas, and hornpipes with our acclaimed method. Designed for beginner to intermediate players, this book provides clear notation in ABC and Staff formats, companion audio access, and instrument-specific finger charts—all on one page. Start playing with confidence today!

€10.00

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Ceol Tracks, Carmel O'Leary - The Fermoy Lasses: Slow

Key Benefits

  • Lay-Flat Wire Binding: Practice comfortably without fighting your book.

  • Includes Online Audio Access: Hear every tune played correctly, at tempo.

  • Comprehensive Notation: Staff, ABC, chords, and finger charts on every page.

  • Structured Progression: Learn at your own pace with our approved method.

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  • 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
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About Irish Traditional Session Music, Book 1

Dive into the heart of Irish traditional music with our first session book. Hand-picked for their popularity and accessibility, these 64 tunes form the cornerstone of any session musician’s repertoire. Each tune is presented with the Ceol Tracks advantage: clear, spacious layout, multi-format notation (staff and ABC), chord symbols for accompaniment, and precise finger charts for your chosen instrument. Companion audio tracks for every tune ensure you learn by ear as well as by sight. Perfect for advancing beginners and intermediate players looking to expand their repertoire and join in on sessions with confidence.

What You'll Learn:

  • 64 essential jigs, reels, polkas, and hornpipes.
  • Fundamental Irish music rhythms and phrasing.
  • Instrument-specific fingerings for common ornamentations.

Who This Book Is For:

  • Musicians who have learned the basics of their instrument.
  • Players looking to build a robust session repertoire.
  • Anyone frustrated by cluttered or poorly laid out music books.

Irish Traditional Session Music, Book 1

Drowsy Maggie
The Silver Spear
The Mountain Road
Cooley’s Reel
The Fermoy Lasses
The Maid Behind the Bar
The Sally Gardens
The Cameronian
The Star of Munster
The Merry Blacksmith
The Cup of Tea

Out in the Ocean
The Kesh Jig
The Lilting Banshee
Donnybrook Fair
The Connaught Man’s Rambles
Morrison’s Jig
Sixpenny Money
The Geese in the Bog
The Rambling Pitchfork
Jim Ward’s Jig
The Battering Ram

The Boys of Bluehill
Cronin’s Hornpipe
The Fairies Hornpipe
The Rights of Man
The Greencastle Hornpipe
The Liverpool Hornpipe
The Galway Hornpipe
The Blackbird Hornpipe
Chief O’Neill’s Favourite
Alexander’s Hornpipe

The Butterfly
Barney Brallaghan
Give Us a Drink of Water
Hardiman the Fiddler
Hunting the Hare
Ride a Mile
The Kid on the Mountain

The Britches Full of Stitches
John Ryan’s Polka
Peg Ryan’s Polka (low key)
Peg Ryan’s Polka (High key)
Denis Murphy’s Polka
The Ballydesmond No. 1
The Ballydesmond No. 2
The Garryowen Polka
Maggie in the Woods
Bog Down in the Valley

The Clare Dragoons
Kelly from Kilane
The Boys from Wexford
The Centenary March
Bonaparte’s March
Séan South from Garryowen

Teddy O’Neill
The Limerick Waltz
Spancil Hill

Planxty Fanny Power
Sí Bheag Sí Mhor

Eibhlin a Rúin
Inisheer Air
The South Wind

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