There are three main types of Irish music: traditional (often called 'trad'), classical and Irish pop/rock. Traditional music is still performed, but its most popular point was during the seventeenth century. Irish traditional includes jigs, reels and forms like the polka from other cultures. Classical music and classical music performance in Ireland typically includes choral arrangements and flute music, sometimes with added fiddle. Popular music and rock 'n' roll has a largely American influence. Punk is also a genre popular in Irish culture and the diaspora due to the the rough, folk-influenced vocal tone and the rebellious undertone of the genre.
Instruments used in Irish music often include human elements such as voice and feet. Traditional music sometimes accompanies Irish dancers, who provide rhythm with coordinated dance steps. Other instruments include the fiddle, harp, uilleann pipes (with a higher tone than their Scottish bagpipe), guitar and typical rock 'n' roll instruments. Irish music uses a traditional drum called a bodhran, though more modern music may use a standard drum set.
Irish music is enjoyed and performed internationally. Traditional Irish music is frequently performed in pubs, sometimes on a designated night every week. In a session, musicians gather with traditional instruments in an open format. The Irish pub is also a standard performance venue for local pop and rock musicians performing Irish music. Sessions take place all over Ireland and in cities with a large Irish diaspora such as London, Boston and Philadelphia.
Irish music had a revival starting in the 1970s. The Irish music revival shows no sign of slowing with the continued success of mega-artists like U2 and breakthrough successes like Snow Patrol. Rebel musicians with a cultural and political message have also found a place in this revival, the main example of this being the Wolfe Tones.
Notable Irish composers include famed harp master and composer Turlough O'Carolan. Sinead O'Connor, who is best known for her popular music hit "Nothing Compares 2 U," performs and records traditional music including music sung sean nos (original style). Enya (New Age/Celtic genre) and The Corrs have also seen a great deal of success internationally.