Do you have a limit as to how many people you can teach at one time?

I normally teach one-to-one.

How do you handle the ones that tend to want to take over to the detriment of the group?

I teach with a couple of other musicians (including An Pluimeir Ceolmhar) once a week at the local Irish Club as well as private one-to-ones at home. The club teaching is always one to one followed by a session that everyone can join in. Due to the dynamics of the group, we haven't suffered this problem yet.

How do you integrate the various aspects, singing, playing, different instruments and playing levels?

We take all levels at the club and do our best to let everyone contribute, whatever their level. We all tend specialise in one or two instruments (me - strings and percussion, The Plumber - Uillean pipes and whistle, others - fiddle, flute, etc.). We are thinking of setting up a separate workshop on a different day for singers.

How much printed material do you use?

Varies. Me - never. Others - from none to some.

What styles of music do you teach? (We concentrate on accessible but traditional folk music staying away from the more contemporary or pop-oriented stuff).

At home I teach folk, jazz, blues and rock styles. At the Irish Club it is aleaways...well...!

What sources do you use for song material?

Being primarily a musician rather than a singer I will pass on this. I do however, take the trouble to learn the backing to songs to help out if needed.

How do you approach musical "improvisation"?

I embrace it and welcome it wholeheartedly. I have often learn interesting new things from my students' interpretations or improvisations.

Best regards,

moo