The Maids Of Mount Kisco
About the Tune
"Maids of Mount Kisco" is a traditional tune played on instruments like the fiddle, flute, and whistle. It's considered a good tune for practicing musical ornaments.
Origins and Authorship:
- The tune's origins are unclear, but thought to be written in New York.
- It is speculated that Paddy Killoran, possibly a flute or fiddle player, wrote the tune.
- Some believe James Morrison wrote the tune about his wife who was from the area. Killoran later recorded it in the 1930s.
- Billy McComiskey, a musician, claims the tune is a very old Sligo fiddle tune that Paddy Killoran played after being inspired by a waitress in Mt. Kisco, NY.
Name and Location:
- Mount Kisco is a town in Westchester County, New York.
- The origin of the name “Maids” is debated. Some speculate it refers to a girls' school or inmates of the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. Another theory is that it references young women who traveled from Mt. Kisco to New York City to work as maids.
Start Playing Today
Feadóg Original Irish Tin whistle
This is the Tin Whistle I have and it has never done me wrong. I even got one for my Son and he absolutely loves it. It comes with a book to really help any beginner along in their journey of playing Trad. But it's also a great Tin Whistle for any musician, whatever your experience.
Listen and Learn the Tune:
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Disclaimer: Much of this tune background is hard to trace, and some details remain speculative. These summaries draw on trad community discussion and other available sources, and will be updated as better verified information emerges. If you spot an error or have confirmed information to add, please get in touch and I'll update the site.