Music graduate providing fiddle lessons both online and in person in Kerry.

Find out more about Amy

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  The first instrument I learned was the accordion and it was essentially love at first sight. I spent 2 years from ages 6-8 asking my parents to get me an accordion and eventually when I started at age 8 my interest in it grew exceptionally. This eventually led to me learning the rest of my instruments and I simply haven't looked back since!

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  The music I listen to and the music I play is somewhat different, I love a variety of genres such as pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop, however, I do also listen to a lot of classical and trad too! My favourite classical musician is Hilary Hahn and her recording of the Sibelius violin concerto is simply immaculate. I also love listening to traditional musicians like Frankie Gavin (who I was lucky enough to interview for my dissertation- an incredible experience) and the Martin Hayes Quartet.

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  This could vary greatly depending on the instrument, but one of the most challenging pieces of music I have personally taught to a student is Mozart's Fantasia in D minor. Each section has a varied style and requires quite a refined sense of musicality to truly bring the piece to life. I believe that these are the types of pieces that are the biggest challenge- while technically difficult pieces are challenging to teach, musically challenging pieces are in a whole other league. Thankfully, however, that particular student had such a sensitive approach to the nuances within the piece that it turned out beautifully!

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I think every instrument is equally difficult to play at a high level. While some instruments such as the piano may be more beginner-friendly than the fiddle, for instance, playing both of those instruments at a very high level is equally as challenging as each other. Time and patience are necessary when learning a new instrument, as with any other new skill but it's all worth it to be able to share the joy of music with the world!

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  The primary key to success is hard work. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts, however, the process of learning a new skill is extremely rewarding and seeing that continuous improvement is such a fulfilling feeling. Setting short-term goals is also an important part of learning an instrument. These goals act like checkpoints and eventually lead to a bigger success story with your music journey, and before you know it, when you look back at your progress you realise just how far you have come!

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  1. Frankie Gavin- when I was lucky enough to interview Frankie, we discussed the old recordings of Irish-American fiddle players back in the 78rpm era. His insights into that period truly fascinated me and his knowledge of the topic was so broad that I feel like we couldn't quite speak about everything, if I could I would love to get a chance to dive down that rabbit hole again!
  
  2. Hilary Hahn- I truly think she is a musical genius. Although I don't personally play the classical style of violin myself, having learned trad, I have learned so much even from simply observing how she approaches playing the instrument. I also think her insights into the different pieces she records are fascinating and it's clear her knowledge of the classical style runs extremely deep. I would honestly love to just have a long conversation about her favourite composers and completely nerd out about it! :)
  
  3. Matt Molloy- an absolute legend in the world of Irish flute music. I am absolutely in awe of his talent and I would love to talk to him about his approach to his style and (of course) about his secret to getting such a beautiful rich tone, because as far as I'm concerned he has one of the most gorgeous tones of any Irish flute players I've ever heard!

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  Some of the most valuable things I learned at university were actually when I revisited a lot of basics on my instruments as a compulsory aspect of a module in my first year. We revisited a lot of basic techniques that I hadn't considered in a while (proper sitting positions at the piano, Alexander technique, techniques to improve tone on the flute etc.), and this benefitted me to a great extent when I began teaching, and I still use many of those useful tips when I am teaching my students!

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  One of the key aspects of my teaching which sets me apart from other tutors is the extent of how personalised my lessons are. While more general lesson plans may suit some students, I strive to provide completely individualised lesson plans to each of my students to personalise each student's growth- I cut out the unimportant bits and focus on developing areas you struggle in so you can get the most out of every lesson!