LFIM Overview:

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​​​Core Books:

• First Songs introduces melodies drawn from Irish children’s songs and other classic beginner repertoire. In Irish music, a distinction is often made between “songs,” which include lyrics, and “tunes,” which are purely instrumental. 
   

• Next Tunes helps students continue to build and refine their technical skills while developing a bow-driven style of playing through marches, polkas, and similar forms.
   

• Third Set presents common Irish dance tunes in pairs—such as two jigs, two hornpipes, or two reels. At this stage, students apply and expand their skills by incorporating bowing patterns, ornamentation, and variation as they progress. Because traditional Irish “sets” typically include three tunes, students nearing completion of this level are encouraged to find a third tune for each pair. This process not only completes the set, but also fosters independent listening and helps students develop a unique and personal repertoire.

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​​​Supplemental Book:

• The Bridge Book provides supplemental material designed to complement and contrast with the more popular dance tunes found in Third Set. It serves as a valuable resource for students nearing the end of Next Tunes or currently working within Third Set.

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These LFIM materials are most effective when taught by an experienced teacher of Irish music, as the skills embedded within each tune may not be immediately apparent to the untrained ear. While the notation provides a useful framework, it quite simply is "only the dots” on the page. Teachers play a critical role in guiding students to identify, develop, and refine the underlying techniques within each piece. Equally important is the practice of active listening; repeated exposure to the recordings helps students internalize the stylistic nuances essential to traditional Irish music.

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