SusanW

Thank you Ross, that is very helpful. I appreciate your input. Susan

Clarification. I've been playing concertina for 4+ years, but have played fiddle (not very well), guitar, piano (classical and for contra dances). I've listened to Irish music for most of my life....more so in the past 30 years.

1. My main goal is to become a better concertina player. I'm old enough that I've had experience with multiple instruments, but at this point in my life I want to focus solely on Irish concertina music. I have been playing now for 4 + years. I've done a few of the OAIM classes, went to some workshops at the Button Box a few years back and took Noel's class. I can play in "slow sessions". 2. I listen to a lot of different players. Favorites include Mary MacNamara and the late Dympna O'Sullivan. If I were rich (LOL) I would do both. Susan

So, This summer I could do one of two things......I could take a class with Noel Hill in New York OR go to the Catskills Irish Arts Week and take workshops with Caitlin Nic Gabhann and Brenda Castles. I took my first class with Noel 2 summers ago and found it very helpful. It was intensive, which works well for me. All I did was go to class, practice, eat, sleep etc. with a bit of socializing in between. If I went to CIAW, I would take 1 workshop in the morning with one teacher, and 1 workshop in the afternoon with another teacher, and there are lots of distracting things to do all day and night. Any opinions? Thanks!

Hmmm, that sounds like fun.

I suspected that might be what it is. I love the sound. Mary MacNamara often plays a Bb/F concertina, as well. It just doesn't sound quite as nice, when I try it on my C/G in Am....but it sure is easier than trying to play in Gm or whatever it is.

Thanks for these links, Daniel. She's quite amazing.

I'm guessing she is not playing a C/G concertina in this clip, but I'm not sure.

Thank you! On thesession.org David Levine made a more concertina friendly version in A dorian, but it sounds so much nicer the way she plays it (IMHO).

Any idea what key she is playing Dowd's Favorite in? GDorian? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy0tcBC3hiY Any of these? https://thesession.org/tunes/229

Made me feel as though I were sitting in a large cathedral listening to a pipe organ concert. What skill!

I just ordered a copy the other day. I'm looking forward to getting it. Here's a great video of them playing together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEuO7aW5E1g

Good points! I went to a workshop with Flo, she's very inspiring. I am finding that doing new tunes with better fingering, rather than re-doing everything, DOES help. Thank you for your comment.

Magnificent clips! Thank you for posting them.

Good article, Thanks for posting it.

Thanks, Jay-Jay. I tried, but no luck...maybe my system is too antiquated. I did enjoy the music very much. The only other thing you could try is maybe a different web browser, it does say that if a browser is out of date, it won't function Thanks, again....I'l try it in Mozilla.

Thanks, Jay-Jay. I tried, but no luck...maybe my system is too antiquated. I did enjoy the music very much.

I couldn't get it to play in English, or with subtitles, and sadly my Irish is not very good.

Very excited for you! I'd like to hear about the drone, as well. I have about 2 years to go before I get mine.

Very exciting! I just got put on the list a month or so ago. I'm not sure if I want the NH model or the standard. I'd love to hear opinions from folks as to which one they chose and why.

They are doing a concertina class this spring: http://airt.ie/airt-courses-dingle-ireland.html 28th of March weeklong course - Only 2 spaces left!! The Airt of Concertina with Jack Talty and Cormac Begley - 3 hours (2 x 1.5 hours) of group classes per day for 5 days - 2 individual masterclass during the week - A house concert featuring Cormac and Jack and local artists - Opportunities throughout the to discuss the theoretical, technical, performative, professional aspects of concertina playing - Chording and rhythm - Ornamentation and technique - Polka, Reels, Jigs, Hornpipe, Slow air and Slide playing - Accommodation, locally sourced food, night time activities included - Optional extras include guided walks, seaweed baths, massages and more!! Visit: www,airt.ie Twitter: @AirtSchool Instagram: airt_school

I'm leaning toward the Standard with the adjustable handbars. Definitely not the small.... I have largish hands.

I put myself on the list for one of Wally Carroll's concertinas! About 2 1/2 years wait. Now I just have to get "good enough" to play one ...oh yeah, and save enough $ to pay for it ;-)

Thanks all, I'm not ready to take the plunge, but am trying to learn about options.

I was looking at the Carroll concertina page and was wondering about the adjustable handbars. For those of you that have these, or have tried them, please tell me what you think. It appears that the adjust "sideways" but not "up and down". Thanks