Workshops

Eamonn Dillon

We welcome our newest Nuts and Bolts of Irish Fiddle instructor, Hanna Harris. Hanna says -

“The more tunes you learn, the trickier it gets to keep track of them all. In this class we’ll focus on strategies to help you make sense of the various tunes you're learning all while giving them the characteristic Irish lift! We'll focus on looking for patterns and learn some recommended bowings while keeping a good sense of tone, rhythm and phrasing that make Irish fiddling sound Irish.

(Intermediate/Advanced class)

This class will focus on the fundamentals of the instrument. John will teach simple traditional tunes, and use those tunes as a vehicle for learning other foundational techniques such as embouchure, finger position, intonation, rhythm, phrasing, and basic ornamentation. Students can also expect some discussion and analysis of great players from the past and present. Participants will need a tin whistle in the key of D 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.

Turlach Boylan grew up in County Derry and learned his music from Cullybackey legend John Kennedy. The workshop will cover John's concept of "Lift" and the use of ornamentation and articulation to make music for dancing. We'll discuss the roles of both inspiration and frustration in pursuing a lifetime of music.

This class will cover content in two general areas- technique and repertoire. The technique portion of this class will examine tipper (front hand) and voicing (back hand) techniques and then apply these concepts to patterns for several types of tunes (reels, jigs, etc.) The repertoire portion of this class will explore ways to compose a drum part that is complimentary to the tunes that we are accompanying. Video and audio recording is encouraged,

so be sure to bring your device of choice!

Guitar Accompaniment for Irish/Celtic Music with a focus on the DADGAD tuning. Beginning/Intermediate Level

There will be two elements to this workshop: 1st, an overview of DADGAD tuning--advantages and opportunities, and 2nd, accompanying Irish/Celtic tunes and songs in "traditional" style (regardless of tuning). 

Depending on experience level and interests of attendees, we can potentially address: chord shapes, moveable chords and chord progressions, strumming patterns (jigs, reels, hornpipes, etc.), capo use, finding/enhancing the rhythm of a tune, accompaniment approaches depending on setting (e.g., tune sessions vs. playing for dancers vs. stage performances), and/or accompaniment session etiquette. 

Host of our fiddle workshop ‘Developing Personal Style’. This class will explore variations and finding your own distinct style within the Irish tradition.

If it has 4 (or 8) strings and is played with a pick, Randy has you covered. This class covers Irish melody style playing for fretted instruments tuned GDAE or GDAD (banjo, bouzouki, mandolin, etc.), using standard flatpicking technique. We will focus on technique and stylistic considerations -- including that all-important triplet! A recording device will be helpful.

Spend time steeped in stories; carrying and sharing stories, folklore, history, rebellion, and tradition. As much as our time allows.

Students of all levels are encouraged to join and to bring a notebook and pen, recording device, or whatever newfangled combo of that you have. Bring a full water bottle and/or your favorite cup of tea.

I’ll provide a YouTube playlist of some source songs and resource listening to anyone who would like to share their email info during class. I’ll also bring song lyrics for planned songs and can provide recordings of any of our class songs via email after the weekend.

Bring your beautiful self, ears and voice, and favorite song(s) for the sessions outside of class!

The relationship between Irish music and dance are so intertwined, you can’t have one without the other. The dancers are an extension of the music. During this workshop we will explore the joy of Ceili dancing which is a fun and approachable group folk dance steeped in Irish history.

By the end of this class you will have the fundamentals to be able to jump into any Ceili dance and cut a rug!

*This workshop is great for ages 8-100! No dance experience or partner required.