Tim 'Fitz' Fitzgerald left us on March 3, 2010. Fitz was an integral part of the Twin Cities Irish community as a musician, artist, craftsman, singer, photographer, and promoter - a modern day Renaissance man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Fitz was involved with Irish Fair Minnesota, the Emerald Society, and the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. Over the years, Fitz also brought some great music and theater to Kieran’s Irish Pub.

For 15 years, Fitz encouraged and advanced opportunities for performing musicians in the Irish community. We would like to carry on that tradition by using the funds from the scholarship to support and recognize musicians at the Center for Irish Music.

The ‘Fitz’ Memorial Scholarship is awarded on an annual basis at Éigse CIM, A Gaela event to CIM students of exceptional dedication and talent to their music.  In 2011-13, the scholarship was awarded to three promising young musicians.  In 2014, the intructors voted to extend the scholarships to include an award in each of the following age categories; under twelve, under 19 and adult. The scholarship can be used to help pay for any workshop or performance experience anywhere in the world, a new instrument or repair, or for an extra CIM class.

In exchange for the scholarship, the student is invited to share their experience with the community in written word.  We invite you to get to know some of our past recipients here!

A student who receives the Fitz Memorial Scholarship:

• Has achieved a high level of technical skill and ability on their principle instrument.
• Continues to demonstrate to his or her private teacher that he or she is dedicated to improving his/her skills on chosen instrument through regular and diligent practice.
• Has shown interest and leadership in the larger community of Irish traditional culture by attending sessions, performances and attending and/or volunteering at concerts and workshops.