The Best ITM Tune-Learning Tutor

Category Archives: Waltz

Metal Man (D)

This interesting and engaging Waltz was composed by Robin Dransfield.  It is named after a 12 foot high, seven ton, iron lighthouse that in 1821 was placed off the coast of County Cork, Ireland, at Rosses Point in Sligo Harbor. This area is known for its treacherous waters, and in 1985 just north of Rosses […]

Wexford Carol

The idea of learning this traditional air was suggested by Alex Henry, probably back in late 2013!  Some times I’m faster than other times, apparently.  Also called the “Enniscorthy Carol” or just “The Enniscorthy,” it has been recorded by Loreena McKenitt, sung by Nanci Griffith on Chieftains Celebration (1989), and also sung by Alison Krauss […]

SĂ­ Beag SĂ­ MhĂłr (D)

The title of this air, “SĂ­ Beag, SĂ­ MĂłr,” is sometimes incorrectly written “Sheebag, Sheemore,” “Si Bheag, Si Mor,” and other variations.  It is also given other titles I’ll not offer here.  The “Sí” in the Irish title designates a “fairy hill” or “fairy mound,” some magical swelling.  The word “beag” means “little” and “mhor” […]

Crested Hens (Edor)

This tune is usually notated in waltz time (3/4).  It was written in 1983 by the French hurdy gurdy (vielle a roue) player Gilles Chabenat (b. 1963).  Like “Ashoken Farewell” it is often played but is not in public domain.  It was originally notated in 3/8 (as a bourrĂ©e a trois temps) and called “Les […]

Ashokan Farewell (D)

The tune known as “Ashokan Farewell” was composed by American fiddler Jay Ungar in 1982.  It is played during the farewell waltz at the annual Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camp in New Paltz, New York, run by the composer and his wife Molly. The tune is also used as the title theme of the 1990 […]

Tabhair Dom Do Lamh (G)

The tune “Tabhair Dom Do Lamh” is often played at Irish weddings — the Irish title is pronounced “Tour Dum Dah Lahw (or Lahv)” in Irish, and most often translated as “Please, Give Me Your Hand.” The tune is by the Irish harpist (and pipe player) Ruairi Dall Ă“ Cathain (c.1570-c.1653), whose name is variously […]