Francis O'Neill Irish Arts Week Adult Immersion Program FAQs
Does everyone have the same schedule during Francis O'Neill Irish Arts Week Adult Immersion Program?
Yes - everyone has the same amount of time for lessons and events. Which ones you will attend depends on if you will be focusing on music, dance or singing.
Where do events take place?
Events and classes take place at different locations across the north side of Chicago. All have easy access to parking and are accessible by public transportation. Uber rides and taxis are plentiful as well.
What if I can only attend the afternoon or evening events?
You can still be a part of Francis O'Neill Irish Arts Week 2016! Please choose the Weekday Afternoon or Evenings Only options at registration. You may also register for individual events through the À LA CARTE options.
What is the schedule?
Click here for an at-a-glance schedule of all events.
What is the cost?
There are varying costs for individual events and package options. Packages are designed to be the best value.
My child(ren) are attending the kids day camp. Do I get a discount on the Adult Immersion Program?
Yes! If you have a child at our kids day camp, you receive a $25 discount on the cost of the All-Access Pass. When registering, enter code KIDSDAYCAMP on your registration form and the discount will be automatically applied.
How do I know what level to sign up for?
Level One instrument players are those students who have basic command of their instrument and are able to identify and play specific notes. Level Two players should have good command of their instrument and experience learning by ear. Those who do not play an instrument can either choose to learn the tin whistle, singing, or dancing.
What are my options if I don't play an instrument?
This is the perfect opportunity for you to try your hand at either playing the tin whistle, fiddle, bodhran (evening program), learning Irish singing or dancing. The tin whistle is inexpensive, easily portable and introduces you to the melodies, rhythms and concepts of traditional Irish music in an accessible way. To participate in the singing or dancing classes, all you need is yourself and a willingness to learn and have fun! The dancing classes will focus on partner, group dancing and sean-nós dancing - no experience is necessary.
Does I need to bring their own instrument?
If you are taking instrument classes you must supply your own instrument. Tin whistles are available for purchase from us for $12.50 each on your order form. Violin rental is available at Seman Violins in Skokie. We have limited amounts of concertinas and bodhráns available for rent. Please contact us with questions on sourcing any other instruments.
What kind of tin whistle do I need to bring if I am learning whistle at camp?
Tin whistle students must have whistles in the key of 'D'.
How many people need to enroll for a group to run?
There must be at least 3 people of enrolled in a group for that track to run. Those enrolled in a track that does not run will be offered the opportunity to choose a different option. All instrument learning is considered a valuable learning experience even if not on your chosen instrument. Most traditional Irish musicians know how to play more than one instrument. However, if your chosen track does not run and you do not want to learn anything else, your fee will be refunded in its entirety.
I don't see the instrument I want to learn listed. Would you consider offering it?
Please email us at info@irishmusicschool.org and let us know what you're interested in!
Why aren't you offering dancing or singing classes in the evenings?
If there's enough demand, we just might! Let us know by emailing at info@irishmusicschool.org. We are offering the bodhran for all classes for those who are singers, dancers and beginning players. Learning rhythm helps everyone!
I'm coming in from out of town. Do you have any recommendations on where to stay?
The Guesthouse Hotel is offering Francis O'Neill Irish Arts Week attendees a 10% discount on rooms with discount code 'IMSC'. It is centrally located and a short distance from all events. We're happy to answer any questions out of town attendees might have. Please utilize our Contact page to send any questions.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made prior to May 31, 2016 will be refunded minus a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued as of June 1, 2016 except in the case of a medical emergency. No refunds are issued for any late arrivals or early departures.
