Introduction

 

 

 

Killarney School of Music is excited to announce the launch of our new Advanced Tin Whistle Course.

 

 

 

This is a unique program, encompassing a full practical, theoretical and cultural experience of Tin Whistle playing. The course was designed and is delivered by maker of the renowned Killarney Whistle, Padraig Buckley. Padraig is co-founder of the Killarney School of Music and has over thirty years’ experience as a music teacher. While Padraig’s first love is the Tin Whistle, he is also an advanced Flute and Uilleann Pipes player. Introduction to these instruments will also form part of the course.

 

 

 

The aim of the course is to bring intermediate Tin-Whistle players to an advanced stage. The course will also prepare students to sit the exam leading to a Performance Diploma in Traditional Irish Music awarded by the London College of Music. This is an internationally recognized award.

 

 

 

Setting and Dates

 

 

 

The course will take place in Killarney, Ireland from September 2018 to June 2019. Killarney is an internationally renowned holiday destination. The town is surrounded by thousands of acres of stunning national park, with a breath-taking array of mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests etc. The town of Killarney has a population of approx. 20,000 people and is full of life and buzz throughout the entire year. It has a thriving and lively Irish Music scene. Accommodation for registered students may be available with host families, short or long term.

 

 

 

Course Structure

 

 

 

The key elements of the course can be summarised as follows:

 

 

 

• Core Group Classes
• One-to-One Tuition
• Practical application through Music Sessions and Group Performances
• Guest Masters of Irish Music & an introduction to related Instruments
• Fun

 

 

 

Group Classes

 

 

 

This is the core of the course and will involve 11 hours per week in a group of no more than 8 students. The lead tutor will be Padraig Buckley who brings his wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom. The class is very practical in nature with an emphasis on the fundamental requirements of advanced Tin Whistle playing. This will include:

 

 

 

• Finger Control
• Breath control
• Articulation techniques
• Phrasing and Rhythm
• Ornamentation & Variation
• Aural Skills
• Music Arrangement
• Music Styles

 

 

 

This class will also prepare the students for the music exam Diploma in Traditional Irish Music. There will be a theoretical element, but the main focus of this exam is on performance. This is an internationally recognised qualification awarded by the London College of Music. Sitting this exam is optional for students.

 

 

 

One-to-One Tuition

 

 

 

This involves a weekly hour-long private class with Padraig Buckley. This class will focus on the individual playing of the student and aims to develop the individual’s technique and style.

 

 

 

Practical Application through Music Session and Group Performance

 

 

 

One evening of each week, accompanied by a tutor, the group will travel to a local music session to become immersed in the local culture.

 

 

 

Killarney School of Music have a very active Traditional Performance Group. Students will have the opportunity to participate in this group to help understand performance dynamics and music arrangement.

 

 

 

Guest Masters and Introduction to Related Instruments

 

 

 

Throughout the course, we will have guest speakers and performers, who are expert in a particular aspect of our music culture. This will give our students a broader and deeper insight into the culture.

 

 

 

An introduction to Flute and Uilleann Pipes will also be part of the course.

 

 

 

Fun

 

 

 

Above all, fun will be central to all aspects of the course. Fun plays a very important role in the culture of Irish Music. This will be reflected through all aspects of the course.

 

 

 

Any Questions or Queries or to book a course contact bookings@killarneyschoolofmusic.com