Workshops & Master Classes 2024
If you wish to book more than 2 classes please contact [email protected] for Family discount.
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Accompaniment & Theory with Steve CooneySaturday 19th October 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Foxford National School, €20 - Click Here to Book **SOLD OUT** Steve Cooney, originally from Melbourne, Australia, has become one of the most influential guitarists in Irish traditional music. Renowned for his innovative and rhythmic style of accompaniment, particularly on the guitar, Cooney has been an integral figure in the fusion of modern influences with traditional Irish music. He moved to Ireland in the late 1980s, where his distinctive approach quickly gained recognition.
Best known for his collaborations with legendary musicians like Séamus Begley, Sharon Shannon, and Altan, Steve Cooney's rhythmic backing has redefined how the guitar is used in trad music. His ability to complement and enhance the melodic flow of traditional tunes has earned him high praise from fellow musicians and fans alike. In addition to his work as a guitarist, Steve Cooney is also a composer and has contributed richly to the contemporary traditional music repertoire. This class is open to proficient musicians. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential. |
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Advanced FiddleSaturday 19th October 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Foxford National School, €20 - Click Here to Book **SOLD OUT** Bríd Harper is widely regarded as one of Ireland's leading fiddle players, with roots deeply planted in the rich musical traditions of Donegal and Tyrone. A native of Castlefinn, County Donegal, Bríd has been a prominent figure in the traditional Irish music scene for many years, known for her technical mastery and powerful, expressive playing style.
Bríd has won numerous prestigious titles, including All-Ireland and Oireachtas fiddle championships, and has performed across the globe, sharing stages with some of traditional music's finest musicians. Her music is characterized by a deep understanding of the tradition, combined with an ability to breathe fresh life into each tune she plays. Whether teaching, recording, or performing, Bríd Harper continues to inspire and influence a new generation of fiddle players while maintaining the essence of Ireland's rich fiddle tradition. This class is open to proficient musicians. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential. Click Here to Book |
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Accordion with Dermot ByrneSaturday 19th October 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Foxford National School, €20 - Click Here to Book **SOLD OUT** Dermot Byrne, hailing from the Gaoth Dobhair region of Donegal, is one of Ireland's finest traditional accordion players. Known for his smooth, flowing style, Dermot's playing is deeply rooted in the rich musical heritage of Donegal, which he combines with a unique sensitivity and melodic expressiveness.
A former member of the legendary band Altan, Dermot has toured the world, sharing the stage with some of the most celebrated musicians in traditional Irish music. His collaborations and solo work have earned him critical acclaim, including the TG4 Traditional Musician of the Year award in 2013. Whether playing lively reels or soulful airs, Dermot Byrne's music captures the heart of Donegal's tradition while resonating with audiences far beyond its borders. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential. |
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Performance Masterclass with Michael RooneyAged Over 15
Sat 19th Oct 2024, 3:00pm - 5:30pm Foxford National School, €20 plus booking fee Click Here to Book **SOLD OUT** Michael Rooney is a highly acclaimed composer and harpist from County Monaghan, Ireland, recognized for his extraordinary contributions to Irish traditional music. Known for his deep understanding of the harp and his intricate compositions, he has been a key figure in promoting and elevating the status of traditional Irish music, particularly through his work as a composer of large-scale orchestral suites.
Rooney has composed several celebrated works and his mastery of the harp and his unique compositional style have earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious TG4 Composer of the Year award in 2017. In addition to his achievements as a composer, Michael Rooney is a dedicated educator, sharing his expertise and passion for the harp with students and musicians throughout Ireland and beyond. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both the contemporary and traditional Irish music scenes. This class is open to proficient musicians, who are well able to play reels and jigs by ear.
Places in this Master Class are limited and booking is essential. Aged Over 15 ONLY |
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Performance Masterclass with Stephen DohertyAged 12+
Sat 19th Oct 2024, 3:00pm - 5:30pm, Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee Click Here to Book **SOLD OUT** The Master Class focuses on advanced players only and is open to all instruments.
The three hour workshop led by Multi-instrumentalist, Stephen Doherty, will guide participants through all aspects of group and stage performance with a focus on arrangement, technique, composition etc. The mixed instrument Masterclass will focus on aged 12 plus, advanced players only and is open to all instruments.
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Advanced Harp & Intermediate Harp
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Concertina - Aileen Bourke
Senior All-Ireland Champion Concertina player, Aileen Bourke is a graduate from the Irish Music and Dance course at the University of Limerick where she obtained a first class honors degree.
In recent years she has played extensively throughout Ireland, the UK and America. Aileen took home All-Ireland fleadh medals for 5 consecutive years and became the senior All-Ireland Champion, on the concertina, at the 2019 Fleadh Ceoil in Drogheda. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential. Book Here |
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Intermediate Fiddle - David DooceySat 19th Oct 2024, 10am - 1pm
Foxford National School, €15 plus booking fee Click Here to Book **SOLD OUT** David Doocey has won several awards including All-Ireland medals on both fiddle and concertina and the first ever World Fleadh fiddle championship in 2005. He has also achieved success in the much coveted Feile Oriel trophy, an award previously held by Tommy Peoples. He is featured on many recordings and in the last number of years he has performed on stage with Michael McGoldrick, Tim O’Brien, Martin Hayes, Sean Keane, Dougie MacLean, Dermot Byrne, Sharon Shannon and many other world renowned musicians.
Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
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Flute - June McCormackJune McCormack is an acclaimed traditional Irish flute player from Ballintogher, County Sligo, renowned for her rich and expressive style rooted in the North Connacht tradition. A former All-Ireland champion, June's playing has been greatly influenced by the distinctive musical legends like Matt Molloy and Peter Horan.
She has performed and taught extensively, both in Ireland and internationally, and has contributed to the traditional music scene not only through her performances but also through her instructional books. Together with her husband, harpist Michael Rooney, June has released multiple albums, including the widely respected Draíocht, showcasing her mastery of the Irish flute. Her work continues to inspire the next generation of traditional musicians. Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
Click Here to Book |
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Banjo - Brian ScahillOne of Ireland's finest banjo players, Brian is the banjo player with the Swallow's Tail Céilí Band. He is a much sought-after tutor, teaching at various summer Schools around Ireland including the Willie Clancey Summer School.
Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
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Tin Whistle - Marianne KnightMarianne Knight hails from the rich musical environment of Aughamore, Co Mayo. A leading figure in music, song and dance, Marianne is a multi-instrumentalist with a voice and feet made for the stage. Marianne is also a fantastic Tin Whistle player and tutor.
Places in all classes are limited and booking is essential.
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Hands on Harp TasterSat 19th Oct 2024, 3pm
Foxford National School FREE Event Organised in conjunction with Cruit Éireann, Harp Ireland Reserve your place **BOOKED OUT** Would you like a chance to try the harp? Open to all ages...why not come along and have a go!
RESERVE YOUR PLACE |
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Singing - Eoin O'DonnellSat 19th Oct 2024, 3:30pm - 5pm
Foxford National School, €10 plus booking fee Eoin O'Donnell is a member of the famous musical O'Donnell family from Co. Sligo. His captivating voice reflects the rich heritage of his upbringing, and he is known for bringing both passion and authenticity to his performances. What a voice!
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Sean-nós Dance TasterSunday 20th Oct 2024, 12:30 - 1:30pm
Moy Hotel, Foxford, €5 plus booking fee If you would like to give sean-nós dance a try....now is your chance!
Áirc Damhsa Culture Club is a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating Irish dance, music, and culture. BOOK HERE |
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Beginners Taster Tin Whistle ClassIf you or a child would like to try out a tin whistle class now is your chance! Tom will take you through the starting steps to see if this is for you. Tom has over 30 years experience teaching on a daily basis, beginners, foundation, Improvers, Intermediate and Advanced tin whistle classes, by zoom and in person. Tom teaches music to students, in a number of national schools in the Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon area.
Please bring a 'D' tin whistle |
Some of the Classes from Previous Years
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David Doocey guides participants through all aspects of group and stage performance with a focus on arrangement, technique composition etc. This clip was recorded during the 2017 master class.
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'Hands on Harp' Event
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Laoise Kelly
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Previous Master Class Tutors Noel Hill, Michael McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly and Michael Rooney with their Master Classes
Full details of events on tel. 086 3999774 / Email [email protected]