Kevin Mitchell had some interesting comments regarding singing v. the instrumental tradition in this interview first published (I believe) in Living Tradition.

"Great players, of course, but that's all some of them want to do - play. They don't seem to know the tradition, the 'rule' that you give people space, that you put down your instrument and listen to an unaccompanied song, maybe. Many youngsters, I'd say, don't have any real understanding or respect for the singing. Not just youngsters either. Still, I'm not downhearted. Here in Glasgow, Colin MacAllister and Owen Kelly of Comhaltas are running regular mixed-age workshops on Irish song. At these - they're packed out, by the way - youngsters learn what the tradition means, including respect for other performers and different musical styles. That's a good way forward, I believe."