This instructional CD ROM is designed to make the learning experience as easy as possible for you the student. If you don't read music you can learn how to in the Reading Music section. Irish traditional music isn't too difficult to read because the rhythms of the tunes tend to be similar, and, bars and phrases tend to be repeated.

We would suggest that with the tunes you firstly read the text that deals with how the tune is played. Then go to the video clips and learn from them. You will see that there are separate video clips for each part of the tune. So, you learn the first part of the tune and then move onto the second part (and third etc. when that is the case).

Then, when you know the parts of the tune, you can play the full tune along with the tutor. The normal structure of traditional dance tunes is AABB, which means you play the first part (A) and then play it again before moving onto the second part (B) and repeating that. The notation represents what is played in the video clips of each separate part. When you're unsure of something simply check the musical notation to verify. Irish music is an oral tradition and the best way to learn is to listen to (and watch) the great players.

The Beginners' section presents tunes that can be accompanied in an uncomplicated manner. (The initial tunes are demonstrated in Standard tuning before moving to Dropped D tuning. This should help to show the subtle differences between the two systems and the advantages of Dropped D tuning in traditional Irish music). The tune is presented in Dropped D tuning firstly with the basic chords; a second version, which introduces substitute chords, is then presented. These chords are more subjective choices, which give colour and harmonic interest to the traditional tunes.

The advanced section is laid out in a similar manner. In this section, tunes that are more harmonically complex are presented and, more challenging chord patterns are suggested.

The chord charts should act as a reference. Each chord is demonstrated with a photo, a chord diagram, and in staff notation. Use this to check the notes of a chord and the fingering. You will notice during the tunes however that I may vary the fingering due to the previous and/or subsequent chord; this is something that will eventually become easy to do. It means that it is best to learn the chords within the tune and simply refer back when necessary.

I have labelled the chords using a teaching system that I have developed. Each chord is named and numbered to help you source it in the chord chart. (Variations are presented below the chord). This also means that with practice you will know instinctively which version of the chord is appropriate.