I have to refresh this thread at midyear because the issue of "real" Irish music (and good music of any genre) continues all year long. I'm a violin/fiddle teacher, and I try to be flexible about the musical tastes of my students, but I just can't stand this. Kids and their parents are telling me that they don't want to work hard, practice much, or play boring music. They strive for the pinnacle of fun violinistic achievement. They say, "Can you teach me (or my kid) how to play The Irish Washerwoman"? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!!