Musician · Educator
A Common Song
One tune each month. A repertoire we share. Music we can play together.
Each month, I choose one song for everyone in the studio to learn as a low-pressure, backburner project.
The idea is simple: if we gradually build some repertoire in common, we'll have music that we can actually play with each other, not just in our individual lessons.
Why A Common Song?
Musicians once grew up with much more music in common. Popular songs circulated widely, and knowing the same repertoire made it easier to sit down together, find a part, sing a harmony, accompany someone, and simply play.
Today we have access to more music than ever, but our listening has become much more individual. Two musicians can love music, practice seriously, and still know almost none of the same songs.
A Common Song is a small attempt to rebuild that shared musical language. One tune at a time, we'll develop a body of music that everyone in the studio knows well enough to approach together.
The goal isn't perfection. It's learning to listen, adapt, find a musical role, and make music with other people.
How to participate
There isn't one correct way to learn the Common Song. Start wherever you are and take it as far as you'd like.
1. Hear It
Listen until the melody starts to feel familiar. Sing it, hum it, or find pieces of it on your instrument.
2. Know It
Learn enough of the tune to find your way through it. Use notation, TAB, your ear—or all three.
3. Find Your Role
Play the melody, chords, bass line, harmony, accompaniment, or improvise. Find something you can contribute.
4. Play Together
Bring what you have. You don't need to perfect the tune before playing it with other people.
How Far Should I Take It?
As far as you'd like. A good minimum is to listen enough that you recognize the tune and learn some or all of the melody. The Common Song should simmer in the background of your regular practice, not replace it.
October 2026
This Month's Song
After the Battle of Aughrim
Our first Common Song is the traditional Irish march After the Battle of Aughrim.
I've recorded the tune and prepared versions for treble clef, bass clef, and guitar with TAB. Choose whichever resource makes the most sense for you—or see how much you can learn by ear.