Workshops

Workshop Title:

Where ye at?

Learn a tune from scratch, where we have a look at how to build, shape the tune using piping techniques such as cuts, rolls, crans, popping, slides, using closure etc.

We can have a look at variations within the melody.

Open Q&A at the end for any lingering concerns/issues piping related.

We welcome back our newest Nuts and Bolts of Irish Fiddle , Hannah Harris. Hannah says -

As your tune list grows, it can become challenging to keep everything straight. This workshop will give you practical tools for organizing what you’re learning while also shaping that unmistakable Irish lilt in your playing. We’ll explore common interval patterns and walk through recommended bowing approaches, using plenty of specific tunes as examples, all while keeping tone, rhythm, and phrasing at the heart of the work—so your fiddling truly sounds Irish.

We welcome back, Flute and Whistle extraordinaire - John Skelton, to our little shindig.

In this class, we will work on the basics of tin whistle playing.
A couple of tunes will be taught, and we will use these tunes to work on phrasing, ornamentation and variation. The tunes will be taught by ear, but sheet music will be available for those who need it. You will need to bring a tin whistle in D.

This class is designed for players who can comfortably perform tunes in a range of dance rhythms (jigs, reels, etc.) with solid technique and a steady tempo. We’ll build on the foundations covered in the introductory class, placing greater focus on ornamentation, breathing, stylistic nuance, and expanding your repertoire. Throughout the course, we’ll continue to emphasize strong rhythm and expressive phrasing.
Tunes will be taught by ear, so please bring a D flute and a recording device.

We welcome back last years teacher of our newest instrument class, Claire Shirey.

In this Concertina class, Claire will be helping you navigate the mechanics and techniques of playing the Concertina. An instrument that has grown in popularity over the last few years. Bring an concertina and a recording device.

Join Annabelle Bugay for a welcoming introduction to sean nós (old-style) Irish dance. Known for its relaxed style and intricate rhythms, sean nós is a welcoming and accessible dance style for participants of all ages and abilities. Annabelle will teach a handful of foundational steps and improvisational techniques that are beginner friendly, while also having the capacity to be built up for more experienced dancers. No prior dance experience is needed – just smooth-soled shoes and a willingness to try something new!

This workshop offers a brief yet welcome exploration of finding your voice through the context of Irish song. This workshop invites students of all levels and experiences in singing and will include a focus on correct breath-work as the foundation. Song instruction will emphasize phrasing, tempo, ornamentation and finding the right key for one's 

voice in unaccompanied Irish song.  The focus will also be on quality not the quantity of songs.

This year’s bodhrán class will consist of two sections- Fundamentals and Practical Application.

In the Fundamentals portion, we will work through several exercises that will improve our tipper control and drum voicing. In the Practical Application portion, we will analyze rhythms from traditional melodies in order compose drum parts that will help us to be more sympathetic to the tunes that we are accompanying.

In this course, we will cover accompanying Irish traditional music in DADGAD tuning.  Based on experience level and interest, we will be focusing on chord voicings and voice leading in the left hand, and groove and dynamics for various tune types in the right hand.  We'll also be covering the guitarist's role in a session and session etiquette!  Please bring a recording device.

Join four-time All-Ireland Champion Dylan Foley for an immersive dive into Sligo-style bowing, slurring patterns that power the drive, short strokes for lift, and rock-solid technique. We’ll dissect double stops, variations, rolls, and triplets note by note, shaping session-ready sets and solo performance ideas.

This is a lively, hands-on collaboration: play together, learn from each other, and leave with new fire in your bow. Includes full-group jam. Bring your fiddle, tuner, and recording device. All levels welcome. Expect Sligo magic, and more!

Randy’s class will cover Irish melody playing on 4- (or 8-) stringed fretted instruments tuned GDAE or GDAD using standard flatpicking technique.   Players of the banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, or related instruments are all welcome.  We’ll explore tunes and techniques, wrestle with those triplets, and try and answer any questions you have related to playing these instruments.  Feel free to bring a recording device.