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Experience the enjoyment and challenge of playing music with others in a mixed instrument ensemble! Together, the group works on new and old repertoire, with Dáithí Sproule, a world-class instructor and performing musician, as mentor.
The 60s were an amazing era for growth in Irish music, with the development of new ways of presenting and arranging the music and the incredible popularity of folk and traditional music among the general public — everybody knew and sang the songs. Dáithí is looking forward to walking down memory lane and playing and teaching some of the music from the time and telling the story of the folk clubs and folk and traditional acts of the era (some now little known or forgotten in America), an era that laid the foundations for everything that has come since.
*In-Person Class* Experience the enjoyment and challenge of playing music with others in a mixed instrument ensemble! Together, the group works on new and old repertoire, with Dáithí Sproule, a world-class instructor and performing musician, as mentor. Uisce Gorm currently has guitar, whistle, concertina/piano and fiddle. New members are very welcome! Contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org with questions.
*Online Class*
“Sessions” are gatherings of musicians playing traditional Irish music together, usually at a pub, but sometimes at other places such as parks, festivals, or someone’s kitchen! One of the most common questions asked by newcomers-to-sessions is for a “list” of commonly played tunes, presumably so they can set out to learn them. Having a tune in common with others provides an instant connection and is a way to feel more comfortable at sessions while you get to know other players.
Local fiddler and teacher Mary Vanorny attends many of the sessions in the Twin Cities and other areas, and has a vast repertoire of tunes learned from those sessions. In this class, Mary will play the most common tunes from the Twin Cities sessions at a moderate speed so that participants can learn or play along from the comfort of their own homes!
Additional Information:
Open to all students, there are no prerequisites or private lesson requirements for this class!
*Online Class*
“Sessions” are gatherings of musicians playing traditional Irish music together, usually at a pub, but sometimes at other places such as parks, festivals, or someone’s kitchen! One of the most common questions asked by newcomers-to-sessions is for a “list” of commonly played tunes, presumably so they can set out to learn them. Having a tune in common with others provides an instant connection and is a way to feel more comfortable at sessions while you get to know other players.
Local fiddler and teacher Mary Vanorny attends many of the sessions in the Twin Cities and other areas, and has a vast repertoire of tunes learned from those sessions. In this class, Mary will play the most common tunes from the Twin Cities sessions at a moderate speed so that participants can learn or play along from the comfort of their own homes!
Additional Information:
Open to all students, there are no prerequisites or private lesson requirements for this class!
Dáithí Sproule will share songs from the repertoire of this influential music group of the late 1960s, early 70s, renowned for their harmonies and innovative arrangements on guitars and keyboard. Though closely associated with the songs of Donegal, the band consisting of Tríona and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, their brother Mícheál and Dáithí himself actually sang a wide range of material in English and Irish, including some non-traditional songs. Dáithí looks forward to teaching a selection of this material not covered in the previous class.
Explore the lyricism and melodic beauty of Irish traditional song with an eye to versions from other regions such as England, Scotland, and North America. Dáithí will share songs of love, history, local lore, and the Otherworld form his wide repertoire, provide simple helpful guide-lines to their performance, and play rare recordings of some of the great source singers. Dáithí’s background in Celtic lore and language, as well as his lifetime of stories and travels with musicians and singers, will fill in the fascinating background of the songs. Dáithí believes that everyone can and should sing, and if you’re going to sing, why not sing the most beautiful songs you can find? This class will feature both unaccompanied and accompanied song, and some songs in the Irish Gaelic language.
*In Person Class*
Join Kate Wade for an introduction to playing the Irish whistle. Also known as penny whistle, tin whistle, or feadóg stáin, this beautiful (and affordable) instrument is a core part of the great tradition of Irish music.
With 30 years’ experience teaching beginners, Kate will get you started with the basics of tone production, breathing and fingering techniques, and a simple new tune each week.
Everyone is welcome! Get your D whistle at Irish On Grand, or any of our local music stores like Cadenza or Groth Music.
Please make sure you have a whistle to play before the first class! Music will be taught by ear.
*Online Class*
The Traditional Irish Set Dances (ex. The Garden of Daisies, The Blackbird, St. Patrick's Day,) are beautiful, and often have quirky melodies and step patterns. Each tune and dance is steeped in Irish and European history and has its own unique story. In this intensive workshop, Danielle will share the histories and origins of the sets, discuss their unique time signatures, and introduce the regional styles of the dancing masters who created them.
This 6-week course is open to musicians, dancers, or others. 75% Lecture/Demonstration, 25% participation if you'd like to play or dance along. Musicians and dancers will receive supplemental material to learn tunes and steps shared in the class.
This course will present an introduction to some of the great bands — their music, influences and personnel — who have been so important to the success and growth of Irish traditional music in the last half century. Dáithí Sproule, who has played in some influential bands himself, will share music and songs and lead the class in enjoying, savoring and discussing the recordings and achievements of such bands as the Chieftains, Planxty, the Bothy Band, The Boys of the Lough.
*Hybrid Class* This Spring, we will offer two sections of this class so students can participate remotely and in person at CIM. Please check the location ("Online" or "MULT" for in person) before registering.
Pub songs are raucous, tuneful, and above all, fun! But like the most intricate reel, you need skill and a concentrated approach to play and sing them well. Todd will teach the vocal techniques and rhythmic strategies needed to help you stand and deliver these wonderful ballads and drinking songs. All instruments encouraged.
An Luan has been together for many years, and is always on the lookout for new members - especially melody players on fiddle, concertina or accordion! This experienced group of musicians has a history of performing regularly around the Twin Cities with a large repertoire of session tunes and not-so-well-known tunes since 2010. They strive to play great music together and have fun while they are at it.
New and interested students, please contact Brian Miller at dadgadguy@gmail.com before enrolling.
Open Sky Ensemble celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022! We have a great variety of instruments right now but are always happy to add more. If you know many tunes and have a fair amount of CIM instruction under your belt, come join this fun Monday evening adult ensemble!
New and interested students, please contact Brian Miller at dadgadguy@gmail.com before enrolling.
*Online Class*
Each week Dáithí Sproule will bring in some songs to learn from a different singer—some better known than others, but all exponents of fine traditional style and deserving of appreciation. It will be a wonderful way to enjoy the breadth and depth of the tradition and learn some great songs!
*In-Person Class*
Open Sky Ensemble celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022! We have a great variety of instruments right now but are always happy to add more. If you know many tunes and have a fair amount of CIM instruction under your belt, come join this fun Monday evening adult ensemble!
New and interested students, please contact Brian Miller at dadgadguy@gmail.com before enrolling.
Reminder: All ensemble students need to take regular private lessons from a CIM instructor to be in a CIM ensemble.
*In-Person Class*
A continuation of Spring Term's "Introduction to Tin Whistle for Adults" class, Kate will teach a lovely new whistle tune each week and introduce basic (optional) ornaments such as cuts and rolls. At the end of this course, you'll know a tune from every rhythm family! Each class will include some review of previously-learned tunes, so you will see your repertoire build each week.
All budding whistle players who know at least 3 tunes are welcome to join Kate this summer!
*In-Person Class*
Are you a little intimidated by the idea of going out to a session, even a learner session? You are not alone! Even slow sessions can move too fast, or can be intimidating if you don't have a buddy to bring you along, introduce you, and play the tunes you know. This class is a great, safe way to experience a session and build your confidence around showing up to other sessions in the future.
We will build on your existing repertoire of tunes by learning from each other, while also working on some Twin Cities session classics you can bring to any session around town!
This class will focus on melody players, but accompanists are welcome as well!
*In-Person Class*
An Luan has been together for many years, and is always on the lookout for new members - especially melody players on fiddle, concertina or accordion! This experienced group of musicians has a history of performing regularly around the Twin Cities with a large repertoire of session tunes and not-so-well-known tunes since 2010. They strive to play great music together and have fun while they are at it.
New and interested students, please contact Brian Miller at dadgadguy@gmail.com before enrolling.
Reminder: All ensemble students need to take regular private lessons from a CIM instructor to be in a CIM ensemble.
*Hybrid Class*
This Summer, we will offer two sections of this class so students can participate remotely and in person at CIM. Please check the location ("Online" or "MULT" for in person) before registering.
Pub songs are raucous, tuneful, and above all, fun! But like the most intricate reel, you need skill and a concentrated approach to play and sing them well. Todd will teach the vocal techniques and rhythmic strategies needed to help you stand and deliver these wonderful ballads and drinking songs. All instruments encouraged.
*In-Person Class*
A musical ramble through the north of Ireland, taking in Donegal, Fermanagh, Tyrone, up the Glens of Antrim and down the shores of Strangford Lough. Sharing archival resources, stories, and quirky tunes with an emphasis on strathspeys, highlands marches, quadrilles, polkas and other tunes beyond the usual fare of jigs and reels. The class will be lead by Belfast-born CIM fiddle tutor, performer and researcher, Danny Diamond.
