Traditional Music & Singing

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New: Tunes & Craic - Adult Session Group

Ages 18+. For intermediate adult learners on any traditional instrument. Group classes available only.

StageWorks

Explore the fun and social sides of music. For both adults and children who have a reasonable ability to play. Works on all aspects of traditional music group performance and in a light hearted manner prepares a show combining team-work and music. Skills in tuning, phrasing, timing, arrangement, harmony and listening will be developed so that a high level of performance and unity are achieved. Any traditional instrument accepted. For both male & female mixed and all ages mixed. Audition required for entry.

Traditional Singing

Age 7+ A wide variety of traditional song in English or Irish, from Airs, Ballads, Folk to Rebel songs etc. The choice is yours. Available in group classes or private lessons.

Traditional Flute

Ages 10+ More of a richer, warmer, more earthy sound than the Classical Flute. There’s a bit of stretching involved in playing the Flute to reach the holes and lung capacity is required which is why the age is set at 10 years. However, depending on the height and strength of the student we may start a younger person. We have had an 8 year old flute student! A good start would be to learn the tin whistle first as the finger work is the same on both. Available in group classes or private lessons. Traditional flutes are available for rent. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Tin Whistle

Ages 6+. The Tin Whistle is a widely learned instrument as they are reasonably priced and easy to carry around. However there’s a lot of concentration involved – use mouth, tongue, breathing, finger control. Not as easy as first appearance. Available in group classes or private lessons. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Fiddle

Ages 6+. A beautiful instrument but it has a squeaky start to getting the notes sounding clear. Available in group classes or private lessons. Fiddles are available for rent in different sizes to suit the size of the musician. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Uilleann Pipes

Ages 10+. The Uilleann Pipes is one of the few truly Irish Instruments. It is not necessary to have played another instrument before learning the pipes. Private lessons only available. Uilleann Pipes are available for rent.

Harp

Ages 5+ A wonderful sounding instrument that’s always pleasant on the ear. Available in private lessons only. Harps are available for rent. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Button Accordion & Melodeon

Ages 7+ You press the button and the note comes out. No squeaking around trying to get the right note. The Accordion is a bit heavy for little ones though. Available in group classes or private lessons. Button Accordions are available for rent. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Bodhrán

Ages 7+ A natural rhythm required. Available in group classes or private lessons.

Mandolin

Ages 7+ Mandolins have 8 strings in pairs of 2. It is similar to a Banjo, but it’s not as heavy. It is a quiet and pleasant instrument that can be used for melody and backing. Available in group classes or private lessons. Mandolins are available for rent. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Banjo

Ages 8+ A 4 stringed instrument with similar fingering to a fiddle but the banjo has frets making it easier to find the right note. There’s a bit of stretching involved to reach the strings which is why the age is set at 8 years. Available in group classes or private lessons. Banjos are available for rent. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Concertina

Ages 7+ You press the button and the note comes out. No squeaking around trying to get the right note. Buttons on both sides. Smaller and lighter in weight than an accordion. Available in group classes or private lessons. Concertinas are available for rent. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Guitar (traditional accompaniment)

Ages 7+ Learning chords for backing traditional music. Available in group classes or private lessons. Guitars are available for rent in different sizes to suit the size of the musician. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Piano (traditional accompaniment)

Ages 5+ Piano can be played to accompany other musicians by playing along with the melody of the tune or using chords to back traditional music (this is called Vamping). Private lessons only available. Exam preparation for SCT Traditional Music Exams and LCM (London College of Music) available.

Pre-Instrumental Class

Ages 4-5. It’s a fun introduction to music, designed to introduce the child to the fundamentals of music. This class is useful to help children decide which instrument they might like to learn at a later stage. Group classes available only.