ABSTRACT
The institutionalization of music performance is not a new phenomenon in Ireland, but one which can be traced back to the Bardic school system (c. AD 1200). 1 The desire of contemporary Irish traditional artists to seek validation for their proficiency and creativity in performance, and engage with a global audience, has prompted institutions to provide qualifications, accolades, grants and networking opportunities for musicians. While these processes endorse and develop performers they also threaten to standardize the tradition, if they are over-prescriptive. The growing popularity of multicultural approaches to arts education courses, as well as the recognized impact of globalization, has also highlighted the need to protect the island’s cultural heritage. This chapter will outline the institutions relating to Irish traditional music and explore the ways in which Irish traditional song performers utilize the conventions of the music industry to achieve global recognition. In so doing, it will briefly investigate the professionalization of performance practice, the impact of technology on traditional music performance, the commodification of traditional music, and the representation of Irish music in a global context.
