A comparative look at the meaning of traditional music practices in County Clare as experienced by older musicians born before 1930 and those born after 1960. What features comprise the total music personality? What kinds of venues are unique to the generations, and which do they share? How is traditional musicianship defined then, and now? The last two chapters are a comparison of two important social contexts: the country house dance of the past and the competition setting of the present. Based on fieldwork in County Clare between 1992 and 1997.