Kids Class Descriptions

BEGINNING IRISH ENSEMBLE CLASS
Teachers: Seán Cleland, Jesse Langen and James Reilly

Our Beginning Irish Ensemble class is taught by school director Seán Cleland, Jesse Langen and James Reilly. This class is based on years of experience teaching, arranging and performing Irish music around the world in groundbreaking traditional Irish bands including the Drovers, Comas, Bohola, Chicago Reel and Ensemble Galilei.

The Beginning Irish Ensemble class is a performance group, working towards performing at selective events and festivals and competing in the Midwest Fleadh 2019.  Young musicians in this group will use their existing instrument skills to learn to play at a competition level, refining tune playing as well as working on arrangements (layering, dynamics, creating intros, bridges, and endings), ensemble playing and rehearsal skills and delving into the percussion aspects of traditional Irish Music. 

Students involved in the Beginning Irish Ensemble will be challenged but also have lots of fun creating music as a group. The cost for the 2 hour class is only $25 because everyone involved will also be required to take private lessons on their instrument, and may be required to participate in a tune class as well.  Participants are expected to attend traditional Irish music sessions as frequently as possible (once a month is a minimum).

This is an exciting opportunity for young musicians to really delve into traditional Irish music.  Participants must have good, basic experience with their chosen instruments however prior experience with playing traditional Irish music not necessary. 

INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE CLASS
Teachers: Seán Cleland, Jesse Langen and James Reilly

Our Intermediate Performance Ensemble class is taught by school director Seán Cleland, Jesse Langen and James Reilly. This class is based on years of experience teaching, arranging and performing Irish music around the world in groundbreaking traditional Irish bands including the Drovers, Comas, Bohola, Chicago Reel and Ensemble Galilei.  Guest teachers will also be featured throughout the term.

The Intermediate Performance Ensemble class is a performance and competition group, working towards performing at selective events and festivals and competing in the Midwest Fleadh.  Young musicians in this group will learn to play at a competition level, refining tune playing as well as working on arrangements (layering, dynamics, creating intros, bridges, and endings), ensemble playing and rehearsal skills and delving into the percussion aspects of traditional Irish Music. The Irish Music School is proud of its history with this kind of group, having won multiple US competitions and sending previous bands to compete in the All-Ireland finals in 2005 and 2008.

Students involved in the Performance Ensemble will be challenged but also have lots of fun creating music as a group. The time frame of 6-8pm will include breaking out into smaller groups as needed and also participation in a session immediately following the class @ 8PM.  Parents are welcome to spend the time enjoying all that Mrs. Murphy & Sons has to offer.

The cost for the 2 hour class is only $25 because everyone involved will also be required to take private lessons on their instrument, and may be required to participate in a tune class as well.  Participants are also expected to show up to performances, and would need to commit to participating in the Midwest Fleadh 2019.  Should we win the Midwest Fleadh, participants would need to express interest in subsequently participating in the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.  Lastly, participants are expected to attend traditional Irish music sessions as frequently as possible (once a month is a minimum).

This is an exciting opportunity for young musicians to really delve into traditional Irish music.  Participants must have good mastery with their chosen instruments however prior experience with playing traditional Irish music not necessary. 

Bodhrán

Beginner - Students will learn how to hold the bodhrán and stick (tipper). The lesson will also include basic rhythmic patterns such as jig and reel rhythms and methods on producing the best tone.

Intermediate/Advanced - Students will learn a wide variety of rhythms and styles including top-end playing and double sided playing. Rim shots, tone and the execution of triplets will also feature in this lesson.

Bouzouki

Beginner - Students will learn how to hold the bouzouki and learn basic chords.

Intermediate/ Advanced - Students will learn how to back Irish tunes, understand how different chord choices can compliment Irish melodies. Students will also learn different rhythm patterns.

Concertina

Beginner - Students will learn how to hold the instrument, learn the notes of the instrument trough scales and basic tunes.

Intermediate/ Advanced - Students will learn a wide variety of tune types, ornamentation, bowing, and other stylistic features of Irish Music.

Fiddle

Beginner - Students will learn how to hold the fiddle and bow, learn bowing techniques and rhythm through easy traditional Irish tunes.

Intermediate - Students will learn a wide variety of tunes (jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, Slip Jigs, etc.). Ornamentation and bowing techniques will be taught. Students will start to learn tunes by ear at this level also.

Advanced - This class will be based on building a wide repertoire and discussing regional styles in relation to tunes.

Flute

Beginner - Students will gain a basic understanding of essential skills for the Irish traditional flute including stature, tone and breath control.  Experience playing tin whistle required.

Intermediate/ Advanced - Students will develop a wide repertoire of Irish Traditional Music and advance their techniques in areas including articulation, tone, finger-work and ornamentation.

Guitar

Beginner - Students will learn how to hold the guitar and learn basic chords.

Intermediate/ Advanced - Students will learn how to back Irish tunes, understand how different chord choices can complement Irish melodies and learn different rhythm patterns.

Tin Whistle

Beginner - Students will learn the notes, scales, basic ornamentation and articulation through simple tunes.

Intermediate/ Advanced - Students will learn a wide variety of tune types. Ornamentation, articulation, phrasing and breath control will be learned. 

Singing

Students will engage in a wide variety of songs from both the English and Irish singing traditions. Ornamentation, phrasing and breath control will also feature.