Start your young traditional Irish musicians in the making on their musical journey with us! 

Group Classes, Mixed Instrument Ensembles and Lessons for Kids

Private, semi-private lessons and group classes, both in-person and virtually are available.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us!

Group Classes

Teaching kids to lay a foundation of playing tunes for life!

IRISH FIDDLE

Irish fiddle class is joyful and creative as students train their ears to learn tunes from the Irish tradition. Through listening, lilting, dancing, singing games, musical literacy activities, and playing our instruments, we build a repertoire of fiddle tunes that students can socially play with musicians of all ages at sessions.  Rooted in Irish culture, our group classes invite students to listen and learn side by side in a social environment that not only motivates young learners but deepens their musicianship - their understanding of musical concepts of beat, rhythm, pitch, melodic contour and their development of musical skills like bowing, tone, and style.  As part of your class registration, students are strongly encouraged to attend the live music session each Sunday @ Mrs. Murphy and Sons from 1-3PM - an important and fun chance for practice and play each week! Families are welcome to hang out, listen and enjoy some great lunch as well.

SUNDAYS AT MRS. MURPHY & SONS (3905 N. LINCOLN - CHICAGO)
nov 17 - feb 16 (no classes dec 1, 22, 29, jan 5) (10 weeks): $250
teacher: erin flynn

11-12 PM FIDDLE I (4 ½ - 10 years)

In Fiddle I, beginning players get to know their instrument and develop strategies to learn tunes by ear.  We begin with open string songs, playing posture, and bow hold.  Students progress to Irish songs using pressing finger notes and then, to a set of Irish Polkas.  Students may stay in this section in order to hone their intonation, bowing, and facility with connecting musical phrases into tunes. 

12-1 PM FIDDLE II (7-12 years)

You’re ready for Fiddle II if you love to practice your tunes every week. You’re listening to your new tunes and preparing them between classes. You’re ready for Fiddle II if you can play the following tunes smoothly from memory: Britches Full of Stitches, Peg Ryan’s Polka (Kerry Polka), and Sweeney’s Polka. If you’re taking lessons or classes somewhere else, finishing Suzuki Book One, playing scales in A and D, and comfort learning by ear are all indicators that you’re ready for Fiddle II.

Don’t know which level your child fits in to? Email us at info@irishmusicschool.org.

TIN WHISTLE

SUNDAYS AT MRS. MURPHY & SONS (3905 N. LINCOLN - CHICAGO)
nov 24 - feb 16 (no classes dec 1, 29, jan 5) (10 weeks): $250
11AM-12PM
teacher: carrie collins

This ongoing whistle class is designed for all levels of kid whistle players.

MONDAYS at the IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER (4626 N. KNOX - CHICAGO)
nov 24 - feb 3 (no classes dec 30, jan 6) (10 weeks): $230
5:15-6PM
teacher: carrie collins

This ongoing whistle class is designed for all levels of kid whistle players.

IRISH SINGING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

MONDAYS at the IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER (4626 N. KNOX - CHICAGO)
nov 18 - feb 3 (no classes dec 22, 30,) (10 weeks): $125
6:00-7:00PM
teachers: carrie collins AND ERIN FLYNN

Through the joy of singing games, vocal exploration, and communal singing, children (will) naturally develop their facility with musical concepts like beat, rhythm, form, and pitch as well as musicianship skills like listening, memory, intonation, part singing, and performance. Rooted in the traditions of Irish singing, this all-ages kids class is an accessible precursor or complement to our instrument programs for young people. Exploring the first, and perhaps most integral instrument - our voice, our singing class allows young people to effectively access and develop their musicianship in a fun, engaging and welcoming way.

Thank you to the O’Hara Family Foundation for subsidizing the cost of the singing class!

MIXED ENSEMBLE FOR WHISTLE AND FIDDLE

SUNDAYS AT MRS. MURPHY & SONS (3905 N. LINCOLN - CHICAGO)
nov 17 - feb 9 (no classes dec 1, 29, jan 5) (10 weeks): $250
12-2PM
teachers: SEAN CLELAND AND James Reilly

This special and fun ensemble 2 hour class will be co-taught by 2 experienced teachers; Seán Cleland (fiddle) and Jesse Langen (whistle and guitar). This ensemble class is by invite only; our goal with this class is to build a kid’s ensemble that can perform. We’ll learn Irish tunes primarily by ear and we’ll do some lilting! We’ll learn from the inside out; delving into studying style, paying close attention to the details of time feel, rhythm, ornamentation, bowing, breathing, pulsing, variation, and historical relevance.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Contact us to sign up for private lessons.

NEW: PIANO

Mondays at Irish American Heritage Center 30 minute lessons between 4-5

Give your child the gift of music with our beginner piano lessons at the Irish American Heritage Center. Our friendly and experienced instructor, Carrie Collins, is dedicated to helping young learners develop a strong foundation in music. Students will learn to read music, play by ear, harmonize, understand music theory, and memorize pieces in a fun and supportive environment.

private and semi-private lessons are available both in-person and virtually:

Fiddle • Tin Whistle • Irish Singing • Flute • Bodhrán • Piano

For rates, please visit our Policies and Rates page.