*In-Person Class*
Dáithí was born and raised in the city of Derry in the north of Ireland, a place where everybody seemed to have songs to sing. In these classes he will teach a variety of songs he loves and learnt from local singers including Seán Ó hÉalaí, Brian Mullen, Frank Shiels and Kevin Mitchell.
*In-Person Class*
Join fiddler Danny Diamond for a new adult ensemble at CIM, open to students who have not been in an adult ensemble before. This new group will learn tunes from Danny, building up a common repertoire that they enjoy playing together in a mixed group of instruments.
This ensemble is open to melody players (fiddle, flute, accordion, concertina, whistle, uilleann pipes, banjo, mandolin for example) who can play at least 10-15 tunes by ear at a reasonable speed. Accompanists (guitar, bouzouki, bodhrán etc) should have experience accompanying Irish tunes and be able to choose chords if needed. There is room for one or two accompanists in this group (guitar, bouzouki, bodhrán etc), so please contact Lily at lgaetgaeow@centerforirishmusic.org before registering.
Over time, the group may work on developing arrangements, songs, or wherever Danny decides to lead you! Regular private lessons on your principal ensemble instrument are required to be in a CIM ensemble, and generally ensembles run year-round, especially Fall and Spring (summer class depends on student & instructor availability). The first 60 minutes of class time is with the instructor, and the last 30 minutes, the group is self-led.
Reminder: All ensemble students need to take regular private lessons from a CIM instructor to be in a CIM ensemble.
The Center for Irish Music is thrilled to welcome the Friel Sisters and friends Cathal Ó Curráin and Marty Barry for an afternoon of workshops before their concert at the Celtic Junction Arts Center! All instrument workshops are aimed at intermediate to advanced players and will be taught by ear. Workshops are $25 each. Register now at www.centerforirishmusic.org/register.
*In-Person Class*
“Why did King Brian march? Why does the Lark sing best?”
Behind every tune, there’s a story. Discover the vibrant history of five outstanding tunes and why they still matter to us today. Join CIM harp instructor Chad McAnally in a journey through this great music and it’s epic tales.
Open to all melody instruments.
*In-Person Class*
The tin whistle is a rewarding Irish instrument and a great fit for young musicians with small hands. Join Carmen Pasquerella for a brand new Introduction to Tin Whistle for Kids class, designed for musicians going into Kindergarten to grade 2.
Carmen will teach your child how to play polkas, marches, and jigs. Hands-on parental support is needed for regular practice at home.
Norah's continuing whistle class will keep moving forward for a third year, this year working in some basic ornaments as we continue to solidify our rhythm, sense of pitch, playing-together skills through building our repertoire (more tunes).
This year, Norah will incorporate a few more songs for fun (and to learn a little bit of Irish), and to help with pitch development.
In addition to CIM holidays, this class will not meet on December 17.
Email nrendell@centerforirishmusic.org with any questions.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Tin Whistle for Kids, Year 2: Summer
*In-Person Class*
The Swallowtail Ensemble class is an intermediate level mixed-instrument ensemble.
Directed by Hannah Flowers with support from Carmen Pasquerella, students will learn tunes and arrange them in sets to perform together as a group. This class has a strong focus on building ensemble skills including playing fluently, adding variations, listening to each other, maintaining excellent rhythm, using simple harmonies, preparing for performances, increasing knowledge of traditional Irish music, and having fun with each other and the music!
Save the date for the Center for Irish Music Ensemble Holiday Concert at the Celtic Junction Arts Center on Saturday, November 23rd at 3:00pm.
New members are welcome, but should contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org to be sure the ensemble is a good fit.
Reminder: Intermediate ensemble students are required to take regular private lessons from a CIM instructor. Private lessons with CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.
*Hybrid Class*
This Fall, 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*
The Center for Irish Music Advanced Youth Ensemble (AYE) is a year-round program for experienced youth musicians who love to play with others, arrange music and perform. Musicians in this ensemble have a large repertoire of tunes, learn quickly by ear and have the skills to play Irish traditional music with great rhythm and style. Throughout the year, this ensemble will perform at local festivals and events while developing unique and beautiful repertoire (and working on it in a group of mixed instruments), including Éigse (2/24/25) and the Irish Fair of Minnesota.
In 2024-25, Advanced Youth Ensemble musicians will be working with Brian Miller, with artistic support from other CIM instructors throughout the year.
Save the date for the Center for Irish Music Ensemble Holiday Concert at the Celtic Junction Arts Center on Saturday, November 23rd at 3:00pm and Éigse, A Gaela Event on Saturday, February 24, 2025.
Students in the Advanced Youth Ensemble need to commit to traveling to the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil in Chicago on the weekend of April 25-27, 2025.
In addition to CIM holidays, this class will not meet on October 16.
Reminder: Advanced Youth Ensemble students are required to take weekly private lessons from a CIM instructor. Private lessons with CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.
*In-Person Class*
Directed by Mary Vanorny, the Starling Ensemble is a fun and challenging class for intermediate-advanced musicians who are well on their way with Irish music. Starling Ensemble students know lots of tunes and can play them with solid rhythm and groove.
Save the date for the Center for Irish Music Ensemble Holiday Concert at the Celtic Junction Arts Center on Saturday, November 23rd at 3:00pm.
Mark your calendars for the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil in Chicago on the weekend of April 25-27, 2025. Often, members of this ensemble will participate in group competitions. Group competition plans for the 2025 Fleadh are tbd.
New members are welcome, but should contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org to be sure the ensemble is a good fit.
In addition to CIM holidays, this class will not meet on: October 16, December 18.
Reminder: Ensemble students are required to take private lessons from a CIM instructor. Private lessons with CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.
*In-Person Class*
The Redwing Ensemble class is an intermediate level mixed-instrument ensemble.
Directed by Norah Rendell, students will learn tunes and arrange them in sets to perform together as a group. This class has a strong focus on building ensemble skills including playing fluently, adding variations, listening to each other, maintaining excellent rhythm, using simple harmonies, preparing for performances, increasing knowledge of traditional Irish music, and having fun with each other and the music!
New members are welcome, but should contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org to be sure the ensemble is a good fit.
In addition to CIM holidays, this class will not meet on October 18, December 19.
Reminder: Ensemble students are required to take regular private lessons from a CIM instructor. CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.
*In Person Class*
Irish music is most fun when it is played with friends! Join Hannah Flowers for a new Beginning Ensemble this 2024-25 school year. This mixed-instrument ensemble is open to young musicians who know about 10-15 full-length Irish tunes (jigs, reels, or polkas). This class is a great opportunity to meet new Irish music friends who play different instruments, and to improve your Irish music skills which include learning music by ear, rhythm, pitch and repertoire!
Reminder: Ensemble students are required to take regular private lessons from a CIM instructor. CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.
*In-Person Class*
Join Alisa to learn the Fall collection of Celtic Cuties rhymes, finger plays, and songs in this interactive class, designed to introduce children ages birth to five and their families to traditional Irish music. Class sessions emphasize singing, chanting, instrument play, and movement. Each student will receive a beautifully-illustrated songbook and CD on the first day of class. The cost for these materials ($20) is included in the tuition fee.
Please wear comfortable clothing and be ready to sit, stand and move around.
Sibling Discounts: Siblings under 6 months old are free and do not need to register. Siblings 6 months and up automatically receive 50% off their class fee.
If you need any assistance with discounts, email CIM's Registration Coordinator, Lily Gaetgaeow lgaetgaeow@centerforirishmusic.org.
*In-Person Class*
Join Alisa to learn the Fall collection of Celtic Cuties rhymes, finger plays, and songs in this interactive class, designed to introduce children ages birth to five and their families to traditional Irish music. Class sessions emphasize singing, chanting, instrument play, and movement. Each student will receive a beautifully-illustrated songbook and CD on the first day of class. The cost for these materials ($20) is included in the tuition fee.
Please wear comfortable clothing and be ready to sit, stand and move around.
Sibling Discounts: Siblings under 6 months old are free and do not need to register. Siblings 6 months and up automatically receive 50% off their class fee.
If you need any assistance with discounts, email CIM's Registration Coordinator, Lily Gaetgaeow lgaetgaeow@centerforirishmusic.org.
*In-Person Class*
Join Alisa to learn the Fall collection of Celtic Cuties rhymes, finger plays, and songs in this interactive class, designed to introduce children ages birth to five and their families to traditional Irish music. Class sessions emphasize singing, chanting, instrument play, and movement. Each student will receive a beautifully-illustrated songbook and CD on the first day of class. The cost for these materials ($20) is included in the tuition fee.
Please wear comfortable clothing and be ready to sit, stand and move around.
Sibling Discounts: Siblings under 6 months old are free and do not need to register. Siblings 6 months and up automatically receive 50% off their class fee.
If you need any assistance with discounts, email CIM's Registration Coordinator, Lily Gaetgaeow lgaetgaeow@centerforirishmusic.org.
*In-Person Class*
Join Alisa to learn the Fall collection of Celtic Cuties rhymes, finger plays, and songs in this interactive class, designed to introduce children ages birth to five and their families to traditional Irish music. Class sessions emphasize singing, chanting, instrument play, and movement. Each student will receive a beautifully-illustrated songbook and CD on the first day of class. The cost for these materials ($20) is included in the tuition fee.
Please wear comfortable clothing and be ready to sit, stand and move around.
Sibling Discounts: Siblings under 6 months old are free and do not need to register. Siblings 6 months and up automatically receive 50% off their class fee.
If you need any assistance with discounts, email CIM's Registration Coordinator, Lily Gaetgaeow lgaetgaeow@centerforirishmusic.org.
*In-Person Class*
In this drop-off class, children ages five to seven will explore traditional Irish music and learn fundamental music concepts through songs, rhymes, movement, instrument play, and listening exercises. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate for the first two sessions.
Open to all CIM youth musicians!
Join us for the Irish Arts MN St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Landmark Center! No CIM classes or lessons today.
*In-Person Class*
For kids ages 8-10 (grade 2-4). This class for wee aspiring singers will introduce kids to Irish traditional songs in English and Irish Gaelic with singer, flute & piano player Adrienne O'Shea. Adrienne will emphasize learning by ear and how to use the voice in a traditional setting. Kids will have great fun as they bring the stories of these lovely old songs to life!
