Michael McGoldrick Flute Masterclass - Book Here

Multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Michael McGoldrick has been a member of several influential bands.  In 1994 he was awarded the BBC Young Tradition Award, and in 2001 he was given the Instrumentalist of the Year award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Michael was a founder-member of the Celtic rock band Toss the Feathers while still at school with Dezi Donnelly.  He formed the band Fluke! (later renamed as Flook) with Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen in November 1995.   He was an early member of Lúnasa from 1997 until roughly 2000 and played on their first albums. He also joined Capercaillie in 1997, playing on six albums (one live) up to date.
McGoldrick has played regularly for Afro-Celt Sound System and Kate Rusby's band. As of 2018 he leads the Michael McGoldrick Band.
He has recorded Five solo albums: Morning Rory showcases his traditional skills. Fused explores several other musical genres including jazz, while Wired, released in October 2005, takes the experimental approach of Fused even further. Aurora, released in 2010, And his latest release Arc 2018 He also recorded an album, At First Light, with John McSherry (also ex-Lúnasa) going back to his traditional roots.
Between 2007 and 2013 McGoldrick played with the house band for the Transatlantic Sessions (Sessions 3-6) including performing some of his own compositions/arrangements.

This class is open to proficient musicians, who are well able to play reels and jigs by ear.  
Places in these classes are limited and booking is essential. 

Thank you to Mayo Music Generation for their help in making this Master Class possible. 

Dezi Donnelly Fiddle Masterclass - Book Here

​Dezi 'Fiddle on Fire' Donnelly is a Manchester based Fiddle player. One of the founder members of the legendary Celtic Rock Band 'Toss the Feathers'. Often seen collaborating with the likes of Sharon Shannon and BBC instrumentalist of the Year Mike McGoldrick.
" As an interpreter of traditional music, Dezi Donnelly stands apart from others of his generation. Despite his young age his playing bears all the hallmarks of someone who has grown naturally with the music." - Paddy Glackin - from the liner notes of Familiar Footsteps.
It is a well known cliché, to describe a fiddle player as "a devil fiddler" but in Dezi Donnelly's case this is more of an understatement! The sibling of a Manchester fiddler dynasty is both All Britain and All Ireland Champion, a title truly deserved for his brilliant jigs and reels.
Having played the fiddle since the age of 7, Dezi was North West and All Britain fiddle champion by the age of 9. Amazingly, by the age of 15, he had won the All Ireland championship an astounding 5 times! He also won the 'Fiddler of London' twice a competition held in the memory of Dezi's uncle Des Donnelly who was tragically killed in a building site accident in June 1973,four days before Dezi was born.
Dezi joined legendary Manchester-Irish band, Toss The Feathers, whilst still in his teens. Between 1988-91 and 1994-95 he appeared on the brilliant "Columbus Eclipse" and "Awakenings" albums.
It was during this period (in 1989 to be precise) that Dezi recorded some tracks with Mancunian flutist Michael McGoldrick. Mike's flute and Dezi's fiddle gently spar on most of the tracks, however each take the lead when required and the arrangements allow them to swap leads within sets to great effect. The tracks were later released on the album, "Champions Of The North", and Dezi also featured on Mike's amazing "Fused" album. He also played on McGoldricks 'Wired' and the latest release 'Aurora'.
On the critically-acclaimed 1995 album, "Welcome", Dezi duos with guitarist Skirm and they compliment each others' playing superbly. Described as a unique musical experience, the album is a masterpiece of improvised brilliance and received rave reviews.
Dezi went one better in 1999, scooping the "All Ireland Young Traditional Musician Of The Year". The award pocketed him IR£5000 and a recording contract. 
The "All Ireland" award created a very productive period for Dezi. He was invited to join Irish traditionalists, Stockton's Wing in May '99 and by July he had released his debut solo album. "Familiar Footsteps".
"Familiar Footsteps" is already recognised as one of the greatest traditional fiddle albums of all time and has won rave reviews. 
In 2009 Dezi was asked to appear on the BBC's 'Transatlantic Sessions' and performed alongside Jerry Douglas, Ali Bain, Phil Cunningham, Donal Lunny and James Taylor. 

This class is open to proficient musicians, who are well able to play reels and jigs by ear.  
Places in these classes are limited and booking is essential. 

​Thank you to Mayo Music Generation for their help in making this Master Class possible.

Performance Master Class

The Master Class will focus on advanced players only and is open to all instruments.  Multi-instrumentalist, Stephen Doherty will guide participants through all aspects of group and stage performance with a focus on arrangement, technique composition etc. This Master Class takes place in Foxford National School on Sat 20th Oct from 10am - 1pm.  Participants in this class will be asked to perform the arranged musical piece from the workshop, at the Féile concert in the Mayfly Hotel on Sat night.

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Full Workshop & Masterclass Details

Michael McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly Masterclasses €20 each. 
These masterclasses are open to proficient musicians, who are well able to play/learn reels and jigs by ear.  
Places in these classes are limited and booking is essential. 

Workshops €15 each.  Discounts with pre-booking for combined morning & afternoon or Sunday workshops €20 / weekend workshop pass €25 per person ex Masterclasses.

All Classes are Intermediate/Advanced level apart from the Master Classes, Improvers Tin Whistle & Sunday Classes.
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Registration from 30 mins prior to workshop start time but pre-booking is advised on the form below or by text to 086 3999774.

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