Irish Music MasterClass

Come hone your skills on the harp, piano, fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, concertina or voice with a masterclass! This format, common in classical music, is designed to firmly strengthen your ability to perform and to take your playing to the next level. Play your piece in front of the friendly and supportive class. Afterwards, an expert teacher will let you know what they liked best about your playing, and coach you on how to play it even better. Classmates learn not only during their own coaching, but by watching other students in the same process. You will learn secret strategies for performing in front of others, so you can feel less nervous and more confident performing in the future! This class is limited to six students. Please see the Policy Page for more details.

Instructors: Devin Shepherd, Marta Cook, and Brian Ó hAirt
Saturdays, April 15 - June 17
NO CLASS May 13 and May 27
1:00 PM CDT (11:00 PDT/2:00 EDT)
8 classes, 80 minutes each
$225 til 11:59 PM CDT on April 7.
$260 til 11:59 PM CDT on April 15.

Harp From the Start

Always wanted to play the harp? This class gives you the best possible start. Have fun learning the fundamental skills needed to play classical, Irish, and any other styles of harp. You’ll gain the ability to reach those notes and chords with ease and beauty right from the beginning. You’ll learn to play some simple yet lovely music, which will prepare you for moving on to more advanced harp music in the future!

Instructor: Marta Cook
Saturdays, April 15 - June 17
NO CLASS May 13 and May 27
11:15 AM CDT (9:15 PDT/12:15 EDT)
8 classes, 60 minutes each
$225 til 11:59 PM CDT on April 7.
$260 til 11:59 PM CDT on April 15.

Harp Gym

Come hang at the virtual “harp gym” with a fun and supportive group of harp players! Each week, we’ll do a “harp workout” with specific options tailored for all levels, from beginners to professionals. No matter where you’re starting, you’ll find your harp skills enhanced by Marta’s approach to facility, strength, and conditioning, rooted in the French school of harp playing. Bring your technique questions, roadblocks and special requests. All harps welcome!

Instructor: Marta Cook
Wednesdays, April 26 - June 14
7:00 PM CDT (5:00 PDT/8:00 EDT)
8 classes, 60 minutes each
$225 til 11:59 PM CDT on April 7.
$260 til 11:59 PM CDT on April 25.
* Drop-in registration is also offered for this class.

Irish Piano Accompaniment

Learn to accompany traditional Irish music on the piano in a beautiful style. You’ll practice identifying the keys and chords for each tune. Gain insight into chord voicings and subtle counter-melodies. Learn to phrase your accompaniment in the right style to compliment (rather than compete with) the melody of the tune!

• basic piano proficiency is helpful, but not required, if you play Irish music on another instrument or have advanced harp or guitar skills.

Instructor: Marta Cook
Tuesdays, April 25 - June 13
5:45 PM CDT (3:45 PDT/6:45 EDT)
8 classes, 60 minutes each
$225.00 til 11:59 PM CDT on April 7.
$260 til 11:59 PM CDT on April 25.

Beginning Tin Whistle

Do you want to learn to play the tin whistle? This class gives you the skills needed to play Irish dance tunes on the ‘D’ whistle in the most common keys. You’ll gain insight into breath control, finger placement, and posture, while learning to play some simple yet lovely music, which will prepare you for moving on to more advanced whistle music in the future!

Instructor: Brian Ó hAirt
Schedule TBD - check back soon!
8 classes, 60 minutes each

irish singing

Are you a singer who would like to learn Irish traditional songs appropriate for song circles and Irish sessions? This class focuses on understanding the cultural context for singing in Ireland while also working on stylistic elements that make the Irish style of singing distinct. You’ll learn a variety of songs and their historical provenances as well as source singers with whom to familiarize yourself for future self-directed study.

Instructor: Brian Ó hAirt
Schedule TBD - check back soon!
8 classes, 60 minutes each

sean-nós Dance

Would you like to learn a more grounded form of Irish percussive dance? Damhsa ar an Sean-nós or Sean-nós Dancing is a percussive tradition from western Co. Galway that doesn’t require leaping or a stiff body posture. This dance focuses on embodying and interpreting the music via foot patterns and rhythms that emulate those within the music with no set choreography. Dance experience not needed but helpful.

Instructor: Brian Ó hAirt
Schedule TBD - check back soon!
8 classes, 60 minutes each

irish Language

Would you like to learn Irish Gaelic in a fun and supportive atmosphere without the need for complicated grammar? Language Hunting is a method of facilitating language learning through gameplay, and makes for an enjoyable and immersive experience. You’ll learn the basics of gameplay as we work on very introductory forms of Irish that build in complexity as we go. No language skills necessary!

Instructor: Brian Ó hAirt
Schedule TBD - check back soon!
8 classes, 60 minutes each