How to Recognize Irish Music

Recognizing Irish music is a heartfelt thing. Not easily explained, Irish music touches the heart of those of who hear it, stopping them, causing them to pause and listen closely with a small smile. Irish music reaches people in a way that is unique and personal, resonating in the human experience. Read on to learn how to recognize Irish music.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Recognize the instruments used to create Irish music. The more common ones include the harp, the fiddle, the bagpipes and the dulcimer. Each of these instruments creates a unique sound all of its own. When used in conjunction with each other, they create the traditional Irish music.
2. Look at the musicians. Most Irish music is played by ear, as the musicians grew up learning tunes by hearing them. They would teach themselves to play what they liked. Because of this, Irish music seems more honest and passionate and touches something in those who hear it.
3. Pay attention to how the music makes you feel. While not many grow up burning peat to heat the cottage, true Irish music will bring about some far away memory of rolling green hills and foggy misty mornings.
4. Hear the story. Irish music tells a tale. In fact, it is a way for countrymen to pass down tradition and history to the next generation. A far cry from the common themes of today's pop music, Irish folk tales are set to music.
5. Find the hook. Irish music will repeat that small simple phrase or musical hook that gets into your mind and you hear it for days following the performance. That hook is what draws you back, leads you to search out the song and then the CD.