Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-get-into-an-irish-music-session-with-confidence/
Have you ever been captivated by the lively atmosphere of an Irish music session, wishing you could join in but held back by a lack of confidence or perceived musical skill? Ben Hewlett’s Udemy course, ‘How to play in a local Irish music session with confidence,’ promises to be your gateway into this vibrant world, even if you believe you have ‘no musical experience needed.’ I decided to dive into this course to see if it truly delivers on its bold claims.
From the outset, Ben’s teaching style is immediately apparent: friendly, encouraging, and crucially, very, very slow. This deliberate pacing is a significant strength, especially for absolute beginners. Each lecture introduces a single, digestible concept – a rhythm, a technique – and repeats it until it sinks in. This methodical approach is perfect for anyone who has felt intimidated by traditional music instruction. You can even re-watch lectures, ensuring you grasp each element before moving on.
Ben Hewlett himself is presented as a highly experienced music teacher with a background in Bodhrán and tin whistle, having studied with notable figures in the Irish music scene. His practical experience, including playing in bands and sessions with specialized equipment, lends credibility to his instruction. He emphasizes that the instruments covered are easy to play at a basic, effective level, and the course aims to build your confidence to the point where you’ll feel ready to participate in a session, or at least observe with newfound understanding.
The course encourages a practical, hands-on approach. You’re nudged to attend sessions, even just to watch, and to practice with recorded music, including a helpful ‘Virtual Session’ from the BBC. The ultimate goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence to pick up an instrument and play along, bringing immense personal pride and the potential for some very happy friends and family.
While the syllabus itself was not provided, the overview gives a clear indication of the course’s focus on demystifying Irish music sessions for the uninitiated. Ben is also very keen to gauge student interest for future instrument-specific courses, so don’t hesitate to provide feedback if you’d like to see more content from him.
**Recommendation:**
If you’ve ever dreamed of joining an Irish music session but felt it was beyond your reach, this course is an excellent starting point. Ben Hewlett’s patient, step-by-step method makes the seemingly daunting task of learning to play in a session accessible and enjoyable. It’s designed to build confidence and provide a foundational understanding that will empower you to take that first step into the lively world of Irish traditional music. You’ll likely find yourself picking up rhythms and techniques faster than you thought possible, and the sheer fun of it all is a significant bonus.
Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-get-into-an-irish-music-session-with-confidence/