As a studio music teacher, I have the privilege to work with students one-on-one, sometimes year after year, to build a foundation of musical skills designed to serve the musician throughout a lifetime of music making. In the case of my featured musician this month, William Scott, I am lucky enough to have been this young man’s teacher for seven years although… Read More Featured Musician: William Scott
artwork by my talented father-in-law Jon Dutcher Many chances to enjoy traditional Irish music over the next several weeks! Here are just the ones that involve me: Monday, March 9, there will be a gathering of musicians playing Irish tunes at Micky’s Irish Pub in Iowa City beginning at 7 pm. Saturday, March 14, my… Read More The Season is Upon Us!
We have a new tradition among my grade 7 and up musicians to have our annual performance at Uptown Bill’s instead of the concert hall. This concert took place on Saturday, March 29, 2014. All photos are by the multi-talented Brandi Janssen. Annie and I playing Christopher Twigg‘s ‘The Forgotten Chateau’ arranged by Kevin Burke… Read More McGovern Music Studio at Uptown Bill’s
Friends and family, I am asking a favor. This event means a lot to me, my music students, my son, and his dance school. Please consider attending, bringing your family, and telling everyone you know about it. You most definitely will not regret it. I’m attaching a note from Tréa Champagne, Director/Instructor at Champagne Academy… Read More 3rd Annual Irish Christmas Ceili
My students have amazed me once again with their preparation, courage, and energy. It was an inspiring afternoon of beauty and fun. There were several hushed conversations in advance of the performance about the universal concern that perfection would not be achieved. This is why these kinds of experiences are so valuable. Perfection is never… Read More Photos from the party!
It’s a very musical Saturday ’round these parts! First up, the annual music party at West Music. Next on the agenda, we are going to our favorite local venue Uptown Bill’s to catch the Old-Time rock stars The Fried Egg String Band. I think I count four of my studio parents in this band. Do I have that… Read More West Music and then Fried Egg String Band at Uptown Bill’s
Magical March will not be complete without this coming Saturday’s annual music party by my students in the West Music Recital Hall. I have twenty five students performing who range from age 4 all the way up. One of my students, who studies harp with Malerie Weed, will be also performing on her harp. My… Read More Annual Music Party!
Atticus had his Irish step dance debut a few weeks ago for a hooley put on by the Champagne Academy of Irish Dance. We were in the ceili band playing for the dance and I was really proud to be joined by a few of my students who really held their own playing for the… Read More Advance and Retire
I will be teaching an Irish fiddle workshop on Satuday, August 18 at West Music in Coralville. I usually teach private lessons but working one on one and being only one person means that I’m not able to secure a weekly lesson time for everyone who approaches me about learning Irish fiddle. In June, I… Read More Irish Fiddle Workshop
The Cavan Fiddle Studio musicians put on a beautiful performance on March 31, 2012. Each of my students performed one of their favorite tunes so it was a fantastic mixture of many kinds of music, from Irish and Scottish traditional music to blues to folk songs to classical music and even a breathtaking original composition. I’m… Read More Spring Music Party
Tara McGovern 