Tara Connaghan is an Irish traditional fiddle player from Co. Donegal with more than 35 years' experience performing, teaching and participating in Irish music sessions. She is the creator and host of the award-winning podcast 'In Tune with Tradition', where she has interviewed many of the leading voices in Irish traditional music to explore the musical, social and cultural dynamics that shape great sessions.

Through hundreds of questionnaire responses, interviews and decades of lived experience, Tara has developed a unique perspective on why sessions can feel so welcoming for some musicians and so confusing for others. Today, Tara speaks internationally on session etiquette, cultural fluency and what she calls "Navigating Session Uncertainty", helping musicians make sense of the unwritten side of Irish music sessions.

Her talks, workshops and educational programmes help players move from uncertainty and self-consciousness to confidence, belonging and a deeper understanding of the session itself. Her work is used by music schools, festivals and musicians around the world who want to experience the joy of Irish music sessions while contributing positively to the tradition.

Tara's links:

Instagram | Facebook | Podcast | Podcast FB page | Podcast YouTube channel

Replay Tara's Melinar tutorial on her S.H.A.R.E. session etiquette educational programme for FREE:

https://www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusic/posts/165251222

Join my PATREON to support the podcast - extended episodes, guest tutor Melinar tutorials & learning resource archive:

www.patreon.com/melbiggsmusic

Visit my website for on demand classes, courses, live dates, merch & more:

www.melbiggsmusic.co.uk

7-9th August join Judy Minot & I at Halsway Manor 'Practise Smarter, Play Happier' course:

https://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/event/practise-smarter-2026

Live Folk Music in Swadlincote (DE11)

Kilnside Folk Events presents Janice Burns & Jon Doran 13th September: