Traditional Irish Singing Lesson (The Basics) Start Today

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Everyone :) Thanks for all the comments and likes - Please feel free to ask any questions about this singing lesson or about Irish music in general and we'll get back to you straight away. Remember to subscribe to our channel and click the bell to get notified of our new video releases.

[@goldenquill96]

Online Academy of Irish Music Your voice is phenomenal! I used to sing in concert choir as a sub for both the alto and soprano sections (and enjoy singing Irish songs at home, though not as pleasantly), but have forgotten a lot of the techniques. I was wondering if you have any recommendations for transitioning so smoothly between the high and low notes. I did check out your website, and wil probably be joining soon. :) Thanks for sharing your talents.

[@RG-iw7py]

Please, please could you sing 'Kerry Cow'? I've got this song, didn't practice, forgotten. Now, I'm endlessly surfing to find a nice version of it. As sean nós, not opera version. You've got a beautiful voice. Go raibh maith agat for sharing your knowledge :)

[@wetdewlap8741]

Absolutely ethereal voice. No auto tune there... no fancy mikes.. just a clean, crisp voice of beautiful talent. Thank you so much for for posting this... the explanations on your breath and where to take them helped me a lot! Thank you

[@wetdewlap8741]

Mic’s not mikes( damn autospell)

[@ruthgunneson-poling1571]

I'm so excited to learn ornamentation and rolls! I've written 2 songs that I want to include ornaments and rolls. Thanks for being here and you have a voice of an angel...❤

[@shea5542]

That’s pretty cool

[@theresa2245]

Beautiful voice. Great tone. I love the Irish tone in your voice and the trill.

[@jamesmurphy-walsh8966]

You have a beautiful voice .

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi James, lot's more singing from Muireann here - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@Allen2saint]

Wow. What a voice and what incredible technique!

[@Mostrichkugel]

She is absolutely beautiful, as well as her voice. What a singing ability, what talent. Love her.

[@jockellis]

I could listen to your lilt all day. You know, think I will.

[@bernies5868]

Ya cheeky boy, jock

[@theperson8275]

@@bernies5868 Sounds like Pub talk bahah

[@vickiestevens9536]

I grew up singing folk ballads and Irish music. This is honey to my ear. My maiden name is O'Connell. My great-grandparents, Irish speakers both, emigrated t Boston.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Vicki, Thanks for the nice story. We've quite a good collection of songs on the site - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/

[@MathasiaJ]

My dad visited Ireland a while back and when people found he was from America one of the universal questions was "oh do ya know my cousin in Boston?"

[@cearuilinjayne745]

@@MathasiaJi speak irish ó is for men. Your maidin name would be ní Chonaill

[@lucillalight3155]

I love this voice

[@harrymason1053]

Gosh, I love this woman's singing style and her voice. My mother sang to me when carrying me. Perhaps that's why. They both sound much alike. My mother was an Irish-American.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

"We don't have more details than that, often that is all you have to work on with a traditional song unless it uses actual names or references a historical event, it's a lit of guess work. All I know is that it is sung in Ireland, Scotland and America, and there are many different airs to it. It also seems to be linked lyrically to "Come all you fair and tender ladies" as they have some lines in common. This also happens often within an aural tradition."

[@barryhypnotist1]

Thank you----Beautiful voice. My father was a Lancaster bomber pilot during World War 2. I found some poems that had been written by crew members ---They are quite beautiful and sad at the same time---But I feel this style of music would be so fitting to express the emotions.

[@schoolvocalize]

So happy to learn again as a vocal coach myself but in a complete different genre 😊I’ve joined!

[@Familliarsurroundings]

I’m not Irish, I just really like the sound of lilting and I feel like if I knew how to do it I would be much happier in my day to day life

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Did you learn this song? Let us know if you have any questions, we're always happy to help.

[@cocolossal69]

Very pleased that I found the Irish Music Academy ... I am a singer/songwriter with a love of Irish music and songs, and I am thrilled to be able to learn how to sing the ornamentations and phrasing which gives these songs such a magical sound. When I write my songs I imagine how they would sound with a backing of beautiful Irish instruments, I'll be taking up the tin whistle & bodhran lessons as well. Thanks so much :)

[@olivialickona1176]

IV'E NEVER HEARD A VOICE LIKE YOURS. i love it, it makes me smile.

[@jockellis]

You never listened to Joan Baez?

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad you enjoyed it and that it works well for you. Thanks for the nice comment :)

[@peterjhillier7659]

Thank you, wonderful, I could listen forever. Keep safe.

[@RebeccaLoran]

This was so informative omg thank you! I am happy to start my journey into this beautiful artform.

[@Muireann01]

Hi Lisnageeragh, Thanks for your comment. On the whole I usually stick to not breaking a phrase and am a big fan of the one breath two liners! Sometimes, though, I break a phrase for effect, as a type of vatiation. This is used commonly throughout the tradition. A good example would be in the sean-nós tradition of the Muscraí Gaeltacht in County Cork where a phrase is broken at the beginning and then the next breath finished the phrase and is carried through to the end of the following phrase.

[@jennifervallot7003]

Muireann, you have a lovely and very inspiring voice. I have recently learned that there is a specific technique for singing Irish traditional songs, with a sound that has always touched my heart and soul.

[@peterc1232]

Thanks for being the custodians of my culture

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hey no worries :) Did you learn the song?

[@peterc1232]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic yeah I learned a bit , I more came upon it by chance when I was looking at Niamh Farrell Julie fowlis and yourself singing together ,

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

It's the Ashplant played on a low whistle.. OAIM tutor Thomas Johnston plays the whistle :)

[@bjaogh]

Don't mind me, just leaving timestamps for myself 1:13 - 2:44

[@debbiewheeler4066]

Oh wow. I feel like I just discovered a gold mine! Beautiful voice and songs of my heritage. Can’t wait to explore and learn from your channel.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Debbie, We've many more song lessons fro Muireann on our website oaim.ie/instrument/9/song_lessons and you can learn the first part of a Gaelic song on KZbin here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5vKcq1tnNiWnLM Have you any sessions close to your home?

[@marsy6359]

I didnt know Muireann taught this course! I listen to her quite a bit and she really inspired me to take a foray into Irish music more seriously as a classical singer. Its such a great surprise to see her.

[@psyla5441]

You're soooo good I'm so grateful for your lessons thank you so much

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Check out the course - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@chrissiddall4227]

Truly angelic

[@rosiemo4438]

Hello thank you for the very helpful tips!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Rosie, lot's more from Muireann on the site here - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@natchanate3582]

i'm interested to sing in sean-nós style for a couple years but my country is far from ireland i'm thai great video great lesson

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi :) Many more lessons from Muireann on the site, enjoy - oaim.ie/course/41/irish_song_technique

[@gainthailand]

Good to see Thai folks around! Hope you achieve your ambition :)

[@madahikhan3352]

Same

[@XayJ89]

That singing was absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!! I was looking for instrumental things and as I was about to switch to another search, you started singing and I was instantly captivated. My 4.7% Irish genes jumped for joy.

[@doptimist]

This is fantastic. Great instruction and your voice is incredible!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Thank you! 😃 www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

From Muireann - "These are all questions I don't have answers to. I'd say "to go with you" just means to be with you and they probably headed off somewhere in search of a better life."

[@redeirboy]

"for to" is an (obsolete) conjunction now mostly replaced by "in order to" or "to" (as Muireann points out "to go with you". But "for to + base verb form" is still common in some dialects and of exists in many traditional songs. The song lesson is great, btw. Really great.

[@stimmeunderfolg]

I love to sing irish folk music

[@s.terris9537]

What a lovely voice and phrasing style you have. I saw Danu in Berkeley at the Freight & Salvage - it was either last year or early 2023. Wonderful and uplifting! Your voice goes quite high - I'm more of an alto/tenor. Would an alto voice just start in a lower key, then?

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Thanks! There are many more tutorials from Muireann exactly like this on the OAIM website :)

[@fran7806]

Love this video. Your voice is gorgeous. You said your name so quickly I couldn't get it. Thank you so much for this video.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Fran, Glad you liked the lesson. Lot's more from Muireann on the site - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@carrieannbaatz7182]

Absolutely beautiful

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Thank you! 😊

[@bwahaha9242]

OH! so this is where "fair and tender ladies" comes from, cool!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Brian, Have you learnt the song? Where are you watching from?

[@bwahaha9242]

Online Academy of Irish Music I have not, I'm a guitar player from Texas myself but love Sean nos and puirt a buel singing.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Cool - Have you seen Muireann's Gaelic song lesson on KZbin? kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5vKcq1tnNiWnLM

[@bwahaha9242]

Online Academy of Irish Music thanks for sharing! I'll check it out!

[@Destiny4511]

They're like a star on a summer's morning, they first appear and then they're gone... Actually most American Old Time and Appalachian songs are "evolved" (sometimes not too much) Scots-Irish and English ballads. It's what Irish refugees brought with them when running from the Potato Famine to the mountains of Carolina around 1850. If you ever get a chance to watch the movie "Songcatcher", it's main plot is how a musicologist teaching Old English Ballads at a university in North Carolina moves up into the mountains, where she finds people singing the same songs she's been teaching, only different. Over the course of 200 years, the songs have been notated by musically-sophisticated people who tweaked things that weren't musically correct, until they became significantly different from what they had been originally. In Appalachia, though, the songs have been passed down from generation to generation, word for word, note for note, usually acapella and in a sean-nós style, by people who barely realize that music could be written out. So the songs are still very close to what they were in 1849-1859 when she makes her way up into the mountains, sometime around 1909.

[@gerald4013]

is breá liom Muireann agus a cuid amhránaíochta

[@saoirse579]

An ceárt an chairde. As an bouíchas anseo

[@rosiecoen5637]

I come from Tuam County Galway

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Rosie !

[@leonardorojas8097]

This was very nice!! Can't wait to practice at home (:

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Great! Thanks for letting us know. Have you an Irish session close to your home?

[@leonardorojas8097]

Online Academy of Irish Music I don't but I sure have learned from your video! (:

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Nice 1 Leonardo :) where do plan on singing the song? Just by yourself around the kitchen table?

[@linden2080]

Absolutely beautiful made me tear up 💕

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@LiliumCruorem]

I’m an American blues singer. But my mother is Irish and I really wanna learn this style because I think Irish Singer and Blues were separated at birth. I really wanna be able to do those beautiful runs.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

You can learn on the site - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all the comments and likes! Please feel free to ask any questions you have about this lesson or anything related to Irish music in general. We'll get an answer to you asap :)

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

If you already play harp, I am sure you would quickly pick up singing. It is all about listening and imitating. In Muireann's course she gives exercises and tips to help with technique. Hope this helps :)

[@ireneguijarrohernanz805]

You girl are... magic, the way you sing is as free and beautiful as nature itself. Really moves my deepest soul everytime I listen to your songs :) I love singing as well, and from a while ago I've been trying to improve my irish folk singing, specially ornamentations, which are pretty hard if you're not used to them xD So thank you very much for making this video lesson ♥ Are there any more videos like this one?

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

+Eirene Hernanz Yes, there is a whole course of traditional songs and tips on ornamentation on the www.oaim.ie website. Simply go to the song page and check it out. Let us know how you're getting along.

[@Murdo2112]

+Eirene Hernanz Regarding ornamentations, something I found a great help was taking up the tin whistle. A lot of very similar ornamentations are used and since I have much better control over my fingers than I do my vocal chords, it was easier to become familiar and "train my ear" to those ornamentations. That familiarity is then easily carried across to singing: plus the tin whistle is a great instrument in its own right.

[@Lisnageeragh]

PS I think Julie is wonderful!! keep up the good work!

[@Lisnageeragh]

Thanks very much for taking the trouble to give a good reply. I think I'd b a bit like yourself on the two liners! I think we need care around traditional mores.......in fluteplaying most folk don't play like Paddy Carty ...their ''style'' is, at times, little more than the residue of incompetence.

[@dhrubapatgiri3986]

Tnku so much maam plz upload more lesson maam

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Dhurba, there are lot's more lessons like this on the site - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/

[@bronsonleach3573]

I wonder what this would sound like with a basso profundo meaning someo who's chest voice is in the 2nd to 0 octave. The fancy ornamentation is more difficult cult for Basso profundo like me because the vocal cords are slower. I can sing baritone as well but I am more comfortable as a deep bass because of Acid reflux.

[@janpeters-jansongsproducti1010]

So is it fair to say that in Sean-nós singing we concentrate on the head voice and otherwise in the tradition we use the chest voice? I'm learning a Sean-nós song from a teacher steeped in that tributary of the tradition and she has me concentrating on the nasal/head voice and the relaxing of the throat and chest. And of course ultimately allowing/making the song to become your own whilst keeping true to it

[@eloyrodriguez6460]

Marry me!! Haha👍👍 this is freaking awesome.... Who are you Angel? Why have you been kept away from me my whole life? Wow!!!!!!!! My favorite video on Utube 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@blissinriots7368]

i wish u teach us abt the technique that r used in producing celtic voice style

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi, technique is covered in the course, check it out here - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@WideCuriosity]

"One unavailable video is hidden" Hmmm... now I'm wondering what that is !

[@aasigraa]

hey ! such a beautiful song! I tried to sing it and it works well. Thank you, I'll create an account on oaim :)

[@psyla5441]

I suck so bad at ornaments, that's why I'm here lol

[@Hobbitbot3000]

It might help, it did with me but look at some baroque music as it has a LOT of ornamentation except it’s written down on sheet music. There’s also a lot of dynamics in vocal parts. You should also try and break down all the notes in the ornamentation, sing them all slowly and memorise them. You’ll strengthen your voice and eventually be able to sing ornaments

[@DansonforJoy]

This was lovely! Thank you for making this sample lesson available. :)

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi, You're welcome, delighted you enjoyed it !! Where are you learning from?

[@DansonforJoy]

The state of Washington in the USA. :)

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Awesome - Any thoughts on where to perform it? Or is it just for home and the kitchen table? Any music sessions near by?

[@DansonforJoy]

Oh, it's just for my own personal enjoyment and development. ;)

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Good luck with everything and let me know if you have any further questions. Did you see Muireann's 2nd KZbin video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5vKcq1tnNiWnLM

[@VidaDeVigo]

Such a beautiful voice!!! you're amazing! I unfortunatly can't sing....but I would love to!!! do you think it is possible to learn the irish singing even if you do not sing at all? I just play celtic harp.... thank you

[@gregcleveland6270]

I love this voice. Who could tell me some recorded artists like this brilliant singer? Thanks.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Muireann is the finest singer in the tradition, why not try some of her recordings?

[@lindasack9616]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic Deanta

[@oftinuvielskin9020]

This is really lovely! One thing about Sean nos that I'm struggling with is ornamentation. I just don't really get it I guess - I try to emulate what I hear, but I don't know what the singer I'm emulating is doing or what I am doing when I do it, so my ornamentation ends up feeling very uncontrollable and unreliable

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi, have you taken the full course with Muireann? www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@tylerthom338]

You should make a course for male vocalists

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Tyler, That's on the list !

[@MandolinRich]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic - I took a workshop with Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde from Gaoth Dobhair, Dhún na nGall. He was an excellent teacher & I liked his method, which I have continued to use on my own. Another male sean-nós style vocalist that I have been studying on my own is Iarla Ó Lionáird of the Gloaming (& solo). I would love to see either or both contribute to your series. grma

[@MickeyCuervo36]

Hmm... I think I could figure out how to play this song if I listened to it enough...

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

There is a free mp3 of the song on the OAIM website. Simply become a member, which is free - oaim.ie/component/user/?task=register#content Then head here - oaim.ie/traditional-irish-song-english-language. I hope this helps :)

[@terrycullen1174]

IrishMusicAcademy love is pleasing lyrics

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Terry, You can find them on the website here - www.oaim.ie/course/41/Irish-Song-Technique

[@cearuilinjayne745]

My vocal coach knows i love Irish trad. Singing, but because its mostly acapella or to a bodhrán drum. He isnt thrilled when i do it because he says You must have something to pitch too as a singer. So i dont get to study it. But i speak as gaeilge too

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad to hear you love Irish Trad :) We do too !! You can always study it on our site. Muireann has 20+ Irish songs in both languages - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/

[@cearuilinjayne745]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic i am currently studying Fiddle with OAIM it’s wonderful and I am will check out the Voice lessons

[@karri17]

Do you have a karaoke version of this song?

[@carolblue9945]

Is there a way to purchase this song sung by you? Love, love, love it

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Carol, Glad you like it! There is a free download of Muireann singing this on the website - www.oaim.ie

[@Lisnageeragh]

I left my friends () and kind relations....is there any reason for reason for breaking the phrase? Why not (a)either do the whole two lines in one breath...and perhaps adjust the projection for breath preservation and also for musical use of dynamics, or (B) sing one line one phrase.? I can hear what you are trying to achieve at the top of the line ...but just wondering. Great to see and hear the younger generation talking about the music...keep up the good work!!

[@freudulant]

I'm having trouble with reaching the high notes, never mind the ornamentation (not trained at all but eager to learn)

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Follow Muireann's course for fast progress - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@lynnjacob3602]

I was told that the ability to do an ornament the way we Irish do is actually provided by a recessive gene trait - kinda like being able to roll your tongue into a 'tube' shape - not everyone can do that. Of course, in Ireland, most people will be able to do it, but when out in the wider world, not everyone can. What do you think? Is this true?

[@lyndakean9652]

Are there any other songs available from you to learn x

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Lynda, There are many more songs to learn on the OAIM website. All the info is on this page - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@Mark-ej4uf]

I will watch your video only if you tell me that the air of July Scotland is cool.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Well Mark, I can't tell you that because often it's not :)

[@Mark-ej4uf]

We have to go back centuries for what regard the ambience@@onlineacademyofirishmusic

[@freudianslippers6567]

Is it possible for someone like me, I don't seem to have a lot of range I struggle a fair bit with high notes. I really want to do some folk songs, but I get worried I might be wasting my time bothering because this might all be natural talent. Is it worth it for someone who feels they have no singing ability (I do play guitar and drums) to practice, will something come from it, or are people just naturally good at this kind of singing? I feel like I'm not getting better.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

If you enjoy it practice it.

[@madahikhan3352]

Same!

[@ZiggyWhiskerz]

But I still don't understand the vocal ornamentation of Irish singing. Idk how to get my voice to do it.

[@kathyannechristine9613]

I have tried to find this version in sheet music. Any ideas where to find it?

[@MrTonyInchpractice]

1.16 6.11

[@AndrewCarterBaker]

May i ask what is the title of the theme music (flute solo) at the beginning?

[@lindasack9616]

If you are still checking posts here, how would I get in touch with you about possible lessons?

[@lindasack9616]

private lessons, I mean. Thanks.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Linda, please email me for further details - [e-mail]

[@hannahlynn8028]

I'm American. Do I have to be Irish for this to sound right?

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Hannah, you don't have to be Irish to make this sound right, just copy what the tutor is doing and it'll sound amazing !! Lot's more songs on the site - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@jackyjoe2037]

Ta me dearnach, ach ta se seo iontach ar fad!

[@DC-gh1ds]

Is this course suitable for male voice as well? I'm very keen, but worried I won't be able to hit the correct range.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Daniel, There is no correct range as you can change the key to suit your voice. This is a great course for getting started on Irish singing technique and to learn some classics of the tradition.

[@yodhasingh502]

Hello madam, i want to learn singing from you

[@Endo_G2]

1:17

[@b3lov3dstrang3r]

What about the rolling of the pitches? (Don't know what it's called) how do I do that? 🤣

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Lynk, There is more info here - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@b3lov3dstrang3r]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic thank you!!!!

[@oksanan.6466]

can someone please write down words here? thanks you

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

You can find those on the site - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@HesseJamez]

Tá tú go leor

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi , Did you learn the song?

[@olivialickona1176]

how do u do it?

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Olivia, You follow the course - oaim.ie/instrument/9/song_lessons

[@blitzkrieg7133]

Is it just me or does she look like a female version of Foil from Foil Arms and Hog?

[@yodhasingh502]

Please make me your student

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Harjodh, You can take the full course of lessons on the website here - www.oaim.ie/song-lessons/irish-song-technique/

[@yodhasingh502]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic thanks you madam, i am very happy from your response

[@oksanan.6466]

you are so cute...love

[@thunorwodenson]

I watched the entire video but still do not sound like Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh. Im very disappointed.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

funny

[@Endo_G2]

1:27