Content includes lyrics, sheet music, melody lines along with specific audio files.

Try expanding upon it without going overboard. Remember the tune is the thing -- not musical virtuosity. If you listen to the music of The Chieftains or Van Morrison -- no matter how complex the arrangement -- the melody is always alive and well within the treble or bass clef.

I've posted within the database two versions of a reel -- "Captain Byng." Compare the arrangements between version 1 and version 2. You should be able to hear and see how you might enhance a basic traditional tune.

Be aware that neither one is right -- you are the musician after all. It is up to you to put your heart and soul into the tune so that others can share in the beauty and wonder of the music from the mist.

As you've probably figured out -- most traditional music is structured around 8-bar phrases. Take the first 8 - repeat - play next 8 - repeat or not - then back to the first 8 - loop and so on.

To give a little colour to the listener's ear (always worth the effort) - try using the Circle of Fifths concept on at least one of the 8-bar phrases -- preferably near the close of the tune.

How's it done?

Take each note within the phrase and move up or down 7 half-steps on a piano keyboard as in doh - ray - me!

Check out Girl With The Laughing Eyes or version 3 of the Captain Byng Reel within the database. A very simple but effective way of making the melody line a little more interesting.

Note: Turloch translates to "Terence" and is often spelled "Turlough." Strictly speaking his last name takes the form of "O Carolan" rather than the more common use of "O'Carolan."

Students of the classical masters just might run across brief references to a man who was held in high regard by many of the great composers such as Ludwig von Beethoven and Franz Lizst. During their lean years - both composers survived by arranging the works of Mr. O'Carolan for music publishers of the day.

If you are after a specific title -- try the tunes database.

Thank you and regards to one and all.

The lyric includes the heart-breaking thought from the young man who must leave his home and his love:

Although written back in the late 1700's -- the restless hearts of today still respond to that mystery hidden within the distant horizon.

The original lyric opens with:

Then there is the very beautiful lyric -- "Acushla, Mine" -- that opens with:

Finally, there is the lyric -- "Danny Boy" -- written by Englishman, Fred E. Weatherly.

In case you are not familar with the lyric -- it opens with:

It is of interest to note that "the troubles" visited upon the city of "Londonderry" on the River Foyle in the County of Londonderry are the subject of another poignant tune -- U2's - "Sunday, Bloody Sunday."

It opens with:

Unfortunately - I'm clueless! I can tell you this though -- I know one when I hear one. I'm sure there is a logical definition but to me, it is basically a dance tune in 4/4 and by the way -- "Do you play it fast or slow?"

I tend to take the middle ground and have included two examples of one tune to give you a sense of what I mean.

Version 1 -- based on entry-level playing skills. Version 2 -- the "norm" with most professional musicians.

Either way - it sounds good to me but if you are serious about traditional music -- Version 2 is where you want to be.