CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF CALENDAR OF 2024-25 CIM IMPORTANT DATES
Join 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
Make up week for Summer Term private lessons.
First Day of Fall Term at the Center for Irish Music.
*In-Person Class*
Join Norah Rendell for a continuation of last year's Introduction to Tin Whistle for Kids class.The tin whistle is a rewarding Irish instrument and a great fit for young musicians with small hands. Norah will continue to build your child's skills (adding an ornament or two) as you learn a few new tunes this fall: polkas, marches, jigs and songs. Hands-on parental support is needed for regular practice at home.
*In-Person 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!Please note that in addition to CIM holidays, this class will not be meet on: September 26, October 24, or November 28.
*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.
Open to all CIM youth musicians!
Bring your children and check out some of what goes on at the Celtic Junction Arts Center. Your young ones can dance a jig, listen to some rollicking tunes, enjoy story time, play games, and make crafts. All at no cost! There is something for caregivers too! Take a tour, check out a book from the McKiernan Library, hear about our adult Irish dance classes, and chat with a representative of CJAC’s Education Program.
*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.
*Online Class*
We are lucky enough to have an abundance of old stories preserved in manuscripts dealing with Otherworld creatures and legendary kings, queens and heroes. In this class Dáithí and students will be reading translations of the old myths and legends — these always give rise to fascinating and entertaining conversations, often with lessons for the present. This class will be dealing with stories not covered in previous sessions.
*In Person Class*
Adjacent to the ensemble program, and extra special for fiddlers only, this group is a class designed to equip CIM students with skills and techniques to advance in our ensemble program. This class will work on five basics of building your ‘Irish’ style: posture, intonation, tone, musicality, and new tunes. We’ll primarily focus on tone as it relates to intonation and posture through easy exercises, ‘tone vitamins’, and exploration of our instruments! This is a non-performing group.
*In-Person Class*
Directed by Hannah Flowers with support from Carmen Pasquerella, the Swallowtail Ensemble class is a unique opportunity for you to learn new tunes, practice old ones, learn how to lead a full set of tunes, and to experience arranging Irish music in a group of intermediate-level musicians (mixed instruments). New members are welcome, but should contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org to be sure the ensemble is a good fit. Also, consider joining Redwing Ensemble with Brian Miller.
Save the date for the Center for Irish Music Ensemble Holiday Concert at the Celtic Junction Arts Center on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 4:00pm.
*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, musicians from this group will perform at local festivals and events while developing unique and beautiful repertoire (and working on it in a group of mixed instruments), including the Irish Fair of Minnesota. Students need to commit to travelling to the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil in Chicago on the weekend of April 26-28, 2024. In 2023-24 Advanced Youth Ensemble musicians will be working with Norah Rendell directly, with artistic support from other CIM instructors through the year.Save the date for the Center for Irish Music Ensemble Holiday Concert at the Celtic Junction Arts Center on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 4:00pm.
*In-Person Class*
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 18th, 2023 at 4:00pm.
*In-Person Class*
The Redwing Ensemble class is an intermediate level mixed-instrument ensemble. Directed by Brian Miller with support from Danielle Enblom, 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 performance, increasing knowledge of traditional Irish music, and having fun with each other and the music!New members are very welcome, but should contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org to be sure the ensemble is a good fit. Also, consider the new Beginning Ensemble class with Hannah Flowers on Thursdays.
Save the date for the Center for Irish Music Ensemble Holiday Concert at the Celtic Junction Arts Center on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at 4:00pm.
*In-Person Class*
Irish music is most fun when it is played with friends! This is a new Beginning Ensemble for the 2023-24 school year. Directed by Hannah Flowers with support from Carmen Pasquerella, 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!
*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. Please note that in addition to CIM holidays, this class will not be meet on: September 26, October 24, or November 28.
*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.
*In-Person Class*
Join Alisa and other families to learn the Fall collection of Celtic Cuties rhymes, finger plays, and songs! Each student will receive their Fall book and CD on their first day of class. The cost for these materials ($20) is included in the tuition fee. This 6 week class is a great way to introduce your little ones to Irish music and movement.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. Please contact Lily if you need any additional assistance with discounts.
