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Irish Fair of Minnesota
Harriet Island 175 W Water St, St. Paul, United StatesJoin Center for Irish Music students and instructors at the Irish Fair of Minnesota!
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Financial Aid Deadline for Fall Term
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. PaulFall financial aid deadline
Fall Term registration deadline for returning students to keep their private lesson time
Fall Term registration deadline for returning students to keep their private lesson time
Make Up Week for Summer Term
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. PaulMake up week for Summer Term private lessons.
Registration Deadline for Group Classes, Family Discount
Fall Term Registration Deadline for Group Classes & Family Discount
Featured
CIM Open House
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. PaulJoin the Center for Irish Music for an Open House event to:
- Meet our instructors and staff
- Take part in an instrument or class demo
- Register for fall classes
- Join an informal session
- Enjoy complimentary refreshments
First Day of Fall Term
First Day of Fall Term at the Center for Irish Music. Youth ensembles start the week of September 9th.
Session Playing
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. PaulAre you interested in playing with others in an informal setting, also known as a session, but aren't sure where to start? You are not alone! This class is a great, safe way to experience a weekly 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!
$306
An Luan Adult Ensemble
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$314
Songs from Derry Singers
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$126
New Adult Ensemble with Danny Diamond
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$274
Workshops with the Friel Sisters & Friends
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. PaulThe 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.
$25
Canceled Five Great Stories Behind Five Great Tunes
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$90
Introduction to Tin Whistle for Kids, Year 1
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$219
Introduction to Tin Whistle for Kids, Year 3
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. PaulNorah'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
$206
Swallowtail Intermediate Ensemble
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$314
Irish Pub Songs
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$252
Advanced Youth Ensemble
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$326
Starling Intermediate Ensemble
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$305
Redwing Intermediate Ensemble
The Center for Irish Music 836 Prior Avenue North, Ste. 400, St. Paul*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.
$255