Here’s a fun way to practice and learn some new tunes, courtesy of the BBC:

The Virtual Session

It’s a flash-based learning tool, with musical accompaniment from some top-notch players. Choose a set of jigs, reels, or hornpipes. The music will start, accompanied by a transcription of the tune. When the tune changes, the music changes. Nicely done.

The tunes include such old standbys as:

• The Teetotaler’s Reel
• The Salmanaca
• St. Anne’s Reel
• The Rakes of Mallow
• Soldier’s Joy