McNeela Music

  Every musician wants to start out with the best tunes for their instrument. But how do you know which tunes work best? No one wants to waste their time struggling to learn the wrong tunes when the right repertoire can be learned far more easily in half the time. Nothing will curb your motivation faster than starting with a tune that’s too difficult. So, to help all our budding banjo and mandolin players out there, I’ve put together this handy guide. These tunes are specially tailored for the Irish tenor banjo and will happily set any beginner musician on the right path. With these simple session tunes under your belt, you’ll be session ready in no time. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started. What Makes the Ideal Beginner Banjo or Mandolin Tune? While the banjo has the same strings, tuning and fingering as the fiddle, it has a distinct advantage. Banjos don’t require the use of a bow. Mastering the bow can be one of the biggest obstacles beginner fiddles fac...

  Beginner fiddle players face many challenges when first trying to play their instruments. There are so many things to focus on in order to produce a good sound on the Irish fiddle. First you need to make sure your strings are tuned correctly. Then you need to hold the bow the right way. After that, you still need to make sure your fingers are pressing down on the strings in the right place. It’s a real challenge, but definitely one worth facing. With so much on your plate already however, it’s important to choose tunes that are suited to your instrument. A beginner flute tune for example might be far more challenging to play on a fiddle, and vice versa. These particular tunes are handpicked for beginner fiddle players and will give you a great foundation for your traditional Irish tunes repertoire. Let’s get started! Contents [ hide ] What Makes the Ideal Beginner Fiddle Tune? The Kerry Polka The Concertina Reel The Humours of Tulla Next Steps What Makes the Ideal Beginner Fiddle...

  The Irish accordion first found its way into Irish traditional music in the late 19th century and has continued to evolve in style and popularity ever since. The 1940s and 1950s saw a surge in traditional Irish accordion playing. One of the most popular accordions to emerge from this golden age was crafted by the iconic Italian accordion maker, Paolo Soprani . Paolo Soprani accordions have been deemed as the reigning champion ever since. How and why did traditional Irish musicians fall in love with these beautiful Italian instruments? Keep reading to find out why Paolo Soprani have captured so many hearts, and what makes them stand out to this day as the Rolls Royce of the accordion. When the accordion first arrived in Ireland around 1831, it was an instrument exclusively for the wealthy upper classes. Over the following decades however, prices gradually decreased until accordions were accessible to the working and rural class. As a result, they gradually found th...

  When I started out researching the benefits of musical learning and the effects learning a musical instrument has on the brain I expected to find a lot of positive things. However, the full extent of the benefits and actual measurable improvements in everything from cognitive function to disease prevention genuinely surprised me. If I had my way, every adult of a certain age would take up a musical instrument. Regardless of prior experience. And, of course every child should be given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. The lifelong benefits of musical learning are astounding. The Importance of Music During a Pandemic Duri n g this extraordinary time of Covid-19, I believe learning, playing or just listening to music is now more important than ever. Remi Chiu, a musicologist at Loyola University, says music’s ability to overcome our egos is a “very powerful” tool in a quarantine. “When you’re making music, you’re submitting yourself — your mind, your body — ...

  Now more than ever, the world needs music. Music has been scientifically proven to have a profoundly positive effect on your mental health. Learning and playing music is also the   ultimate brain train game  and keeps the brain healthy and active and can even reverse decline. I started selling bodhráns over 41 years ago. Since then McNeela Music has grown to include concertinas, flutes, whistles, fiddles, banjos, accordions and so much more.  Giving the gift of music is one of the greatest things you can do. So to help you choose the perfect traditional Irish musical gift I’ve compiled my list of top gifts for Christmas 2020. You’ll find musical stocking fillers and Secret Santa ideas to beautifully crafted Irish instruments and that something extra special for the person who already has it all. If you don’t see what you’re looking for get in touch and I’ll do my best to help. – Paraic Contents Musical Stocking Fillers Secret Santa Around €50 Books & CDs Gifts ...