In this episode of the Find Your Lilt Podcast, host Hannah Harris chats with fiddler, improviser, and teacher Nathan Bishop. They explore Nathan's journey in music, the balance between teaching and performing, and the importance of flexibility and motivation in Irish music. Nathan shares insights on navigating burnout, the significance of non-music hobbies, and the dynamics of student-teacher relationships.

Get a sneak peek into the brains of the fiddlers from Trillium! We have a lot of similar discussions about our vision for the band and what sound we want to create, so it’s especially a joy to get to share a snippet of this publicly with you.

In this episode, Hannah discusses performance anxiety in Irish traditional music. She shares personal experiences of feeling frustrated and nervous while playing in front of others. Hannah explores the fear of making mistakes, sounding silly, and being a beginner in a space where one feels they should be more advanced. She offers strategies for handling performance anxiety, including practicing breathing techniques, being prepared musically and externally, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and embracing curiosity and experimentation in playing. Hannah encourages listeners to overcome their fears and share their unique voices in the Irish traditional music space.

Hannah sits down for a chat with fellow fiddle teacher, Charlene Adzima, who shares her journey into Irish music, her experience with Suzuki training, and her approach to teaching. The conversation explores the intersection of classical and folk music, the importance of creativity, compassion, and consistency in teaching, and the concept of finding one's 'lilt' in music.

Pictured left to right: Alan Murray, David Doocey, Hannah Harris, and Cillian Vallely after the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra concert April 2024

Step into the world of Irish fiddling with "Find Your Lilt," the podcast where your fellow fiddler, Hannah Harris, guides you through the ebbs and flows of mastering the real feel of Irish music. From the struggles of finding your unique sound to the successes of seamlessly blending tradition with your personal style, each episode is packed with relatable stories, engaging conversations and practical strategies designed to help fiddlers of all levels. Whether you're experiencing Irish Traditional music for the first time or have been on a lifelong journey to incorporate the “nya” into your playing, "Find Your Lilt" is here to support your journey with warmth, wisdom, and the heartfelt camaraderie of someone who's right there with you. Listen in, and let's nurture the community and collaboration that makes Irish traditional music an unforgettable experience.