Episode 13: Dance Meets Fiddle: A Chat with Claire Shirey
In this episode, the conversation unfolds around the rich and vibrant world of traditional Irish music and dance, featuring the amazing Claire Shirey. Claire is not only a talented musician, but also the head of the Nashville Irish Music School, and has made it her mission to bring more awareness to the connection between the dance and music sides of the Irish traditional scene. The episode delves into Claire's journey from being an Irish dancer to an accomplished fiddle player, exploring the unique relationship between the rhythm of the dance and the tunes. She explains how her foundation as a dancer has profoundly influenced her musicality. As she recounts her experiences, listeners gain insight into the dedication required in orchestrating music for dance performances, a task that demands clarity, tempo precision, and a true understanding of the dancers' movements.
Claire's commitment to fostering a love for Irish music among the next generation is evident through her work at the Nashville Irish Music School. Founded in 2019, the school has transitioned from a small group of students to a flourishing community teaching various instruments including the fiddle, concertina, and even the banjo, which has become a surprising favorite among students. Claire emphasizes the significance of providing children with the means to express themselves musically and giving them leadership opportunities in the session scene, illustrating how interconnectedness fosters growth — both in terms of personal skills and community bonds.
As the episode progresses, Claire shares her experiences from participating in Irish dance competitions, where she has been fortunate to perform and support young dancers. She illustrates the unique challenges faced by musicians who play for dancers, highlighting the need to maintain a steady beat for lengthy durations while capturing the right emotions that engage audiences. The conversation then transitions into discussing the culture of Irish music circles, or sessions, where musicians gather to share their passion for music, building a collaborative spirit.
Finally, the podcast wraps with reflective insights from both Claire and Hannah, asserting that the journey within Irish music is not solely about competitions but about celebrating heritage, creating beautiful connections among peers, and instilling the importance of community in both music and dance. Through laughter and shared experiences, Claire’s infectious enthusiasm shines throughout, compelling listeners to think about how the arts can intertwine in their own lives, encouraging them to explore their paths in music and dance.
If you would like to learn more about Claire, you can check her out at https://claireshireymusic.com/.
Tennessee residents can learn more about participating in Claire's school at https://middletnirish.org/
