I am delighted to be teaching a few classes at the Milton Art Center in East Milton Square coming up in February: a Kids’ Intro to Tin Whistle Class; Adult Beginner Tin Whistle; and an Irish Music Ensemble Class. Please see information and links to registration below, and please do share to interested, aspiring musicians!
Kids’ Intro to Tin Whistle is a 6-week course that will teach children ages 6-9 the basics of the tin whistle, a traditional Irish instrument similar to a recorder. We will learn to play simple traditional Irish tunes and songs; play games that introduce the concepts of notes, scales, tuning, and rhythm; and learn a bit about Irish culture. Since Irish music is an aural tradition (passed on by ear), we will focus on strengthening our ears and learning to play by ear! Music notation will be provided as a reference. At the end of the course, we will have a small recital to showcase what we’ve learned!
When: Wednesday, for 6 weeks: Wednesday, Feb. 24 – Wednesday, March 30.
Time: 4:30pm – 5:00pm. $60.
Materials Needed: Recording device, folder, tin whistle. Whistles available for purchase from instructor if needed.
Beginner Tin Whistle (Adults) is an 8-week course that will teach the basics of the tin whistle, a traditional Irish instrument similar to a recorder. We will learn to play simple traditional Irish tunes and songs; introduce the concepts of notes, scales, tuning, and rhythm; and learn a bit about Irish culture. Since Irish music is an aural tradition (passed on by ear), we will focus on strengthening our ears and learning to play by ear! Music notation will be provided as a reference.
When: Wednesdays, for 8 weeks: Wednesday, Feb. 10 – Wednesday, March 30.
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Price: $160
Materials Needed: Recording device, folder, tin whistle. Whistles available for purchase from instructor if needed.
Irish Music Ensemble is an 8-week course open to all ages and instruments that will explore playing Irish music in a group. This course is best suited for musicians who already confidently play at least 4-7 tunes. We will focus on learning traditional Irish tunes and songs, and arranging them in formats as both a Ceili Band (all instruments play the melody) and a Groupa Cheoil (different instruments play different parts). Learning how to “play well with others”, proper etiquette at traditional Irish sessions, and harmonies will also be discussed. Since Irish music is an aural tradition (passed on by ear), we will focus on strengthening our ears and learning to play by ear! Music notation will be provided as a reference. Go on—it’s easier than you think!
When: Wednesdays, for 8 weeks: Wednesday, Feb. 10 – Wednesday, March 30.
Time: 7:45pm – 8:45pm. $160.
Materials Needed: Recording device, folder, instrument, enthusiasm.
Caroline O'Shea 